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

Desolation Wilderness Permit — Waca

Desolation Wilderness · California

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

Get an alert when Waca opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Waca dates

A Waca 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 Waca were gone within 10 minutes.

Waca reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Waca permit

As of September 2026, Waca in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Waca rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Waca 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 Waca: Live availability activityWhen Waca permits open up

When to hike Waca

Waca rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

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

Food Storage

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

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

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Waca FAQ

How do I get a Waca permit?

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

When is the best time to visit Waca?

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

How competitive is the Waca permit?

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

What if I can't get a Waca 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.

Waca trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Waca permit

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