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Desolation Wilderness Permit — Triangle permit area in Desolation Wilderness - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Triangle

Desolation Wilderness · California

Overnight permit for the Triangle zone in Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe area.

Get an alert when Triangle opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Triangle dates

A Triangle permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Triangle were gone within 10 minutes.

Triangle reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Triangle permit

As of September 2026, Triangle in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Triangle rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Triangle permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA

  1. Step 1: Create a U.S. Forest Service account

    Sign up at U.S. Forest Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Book at U.S. Forest Service
Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation hunting

More on Triangle: Live availability activityWhen Triangle permits open up

When to hike Triangle

Triangle rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Triangle.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Triangle · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Triangle FAQ

How do I get a Triangle permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Triangle cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Triangle permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Triangle?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Triangle permit?

This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Triangle 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.

Triangle trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

Write Report

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Alternatives to a Triangle permit

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