Desolation Wilderness Permit — Smith
Desolation Wilderness · California
Surrounds Smith Lake, reached from the Twin Lakes Trailhead. The Grouse Lake Trail from Hemlock Lake to Smith Lake is primitive and unmaintained.
Get an alert when Smith opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Smith were gone within 10 minutes.
Smith reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Smith permit
As of September 2026, Smith in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Smith rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Smith permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
Step 1: Create an account before permits drop
Find this permit on the managing agency's booking system and set up an account with your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Smith: Live availability activityWhen Smith permits open up
When to hike Smith
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
82°
55°
Wed
83°
55°
Thu
89°
57°
Fri
89°
59°
Sat
90°
62°
Sun
90°
63°
Mon
90°
61°
Smith rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Smith.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Smith · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Smith FAQ
How do I get a Smith permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Smith cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Smith permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Smith?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Smith permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Smith permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Smith trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Smith permit
Where to stay near Smith
- Richardson Grove Sp Huckleberry Campground (sites 1-36)Richardson Grove SP
- Richardson Grove Sp Madrone Campground (sites 37-76)Richardson Grove SP
- Richardson Grove Sp Madrone Cabin Area campgroundRichardson Grove SP
- All California campgrounds
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