Dusy Basin Permit wilderness permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationOvernightHigh Demand

Dusy Basin Permit

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Spectacular alpine basin below the Palisades accessed via Bishop Pass—one of the High Sierra's most scenic destinations.

“A bucket-list destination in SEKI.”

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Dusy Basin permits become available.

Demand
High
7/10
Method
Reservation
Cost
$15 + $5/person/night
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Dusy Basin Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Cost$15 + $5/person/night
Max Group Size15 people

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationCA

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance
12 miles
Elevation Gain
2,900 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
2-3 days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation Range
9,500 - 11,972 ft

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

2

Know the release schedule

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

3

Be ready when permits drop

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

4

Monitor for cancellations

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

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Mid-July through AugustShoulder: September

Conditions

Snow-free above 10,000 ft by mid-July most years. Afternoon thunderstorms common.

Crowd Level

High

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +All routes accessible

Challenges

  • !Mosquitoes through July
  • !Afternoon storms
  • !Crowded trailheads

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand3/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill2/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation2/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Intermediate hikers comfortable with long days and moderate challenges.

Recommended Experience

Experience with 6-10 mile hikes on varied terrain.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Dusy Basin draws visitors from around the world to SEKI. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.

Key Landmarks

↑
2,900ft
Gain
↓
2,900ft
Loss
⛰️
11,972ft
High
📏
12.0mi
Distance
📐
3.3%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•3 landmarks

Landmarks (3)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Dusy Basin.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Dusy Basin FAQ

How do I get a Dusy Basin permit?

Dusy Basin permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Dusy Basin?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Dusy Basin permit?

This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Dusy Basin permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Dusy Basin offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Classic view of Dusy Basin
  • 📍SEKI scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

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