Desolation Wilderness Permit — Tells
Desolation Wilderness · California
Holds Forni Lake, Tells, Silver and McConnell Peaks, and sections of the Red Peak and Highland Trails. Access is through the Van Vleck Trailhead.
Get an alert when Tells opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Tells were gone within 10 minutes.
Tells reservation dates
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Tells permit
As of September 2026, Tells in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Tells rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Tells 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 Tells: Live availability activityWhen Tells permits open up
When to hike Tells
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
72°
49°
Wed
75°
57°
Thu
75°
55°
Fri
77°
53°
Sat
80°
55°
Sun
77°
53°
Mon
76°
52°
Tells rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Tells.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Tells · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Tells FAQ
How do I get a Tells permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Tells cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Tells permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Tells?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Tells permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Tells 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.
Tells 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 Tells permit
Where to stay near Tells
- Van Vleck Bunkhouse campgroundEldorado National Forest
- Loon Lake Chalet campgroundEldorado National Forest
- Loon Lake campgroundEldorado National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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