Dusy Basin Permit
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California
Spectacular alpine basin below the Palisades accessed via Bishop Pass, one of the High Sierra's most scenic destinations.
Get an alert when Dusy Basin opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Dusy Basin were gone within 10 minutes.
Dusy Basin reservation dates
- route distance, out and back
- 12mi
- elevation gain
- 2,900ft
- max group size
- 15people
Dusy Basin elevation profile
South Lake Trailhead to Dusy Basin, one way2,900 ft of descent · 7.4% average grade
South Lake Trailhead
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 9,800 ft
Dusy Basin landmarks
How to get a Dusy Basin permit
As of September 2026, Dusy Basin in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Dusy Basin is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Dusy Basin permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Dusy Basin route covers 12 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- Eastern Sierra, CA
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have 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 Dusy Basin: Live availability activityWhen Dusy Basin permits open upDusy Basin permit itinerary
How much a Dusy Basin permit costs
Dusy Basin permit fee: $6 + $5/person.
The Dusy Basin hike
- 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 hard the Dusy Basin hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Intermediate hikers comfortable with long days and moderate challenges.
Recommended experience: Experience with 6-10 mile hikes on varied terrain.
When to hike Dusy Basin
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (9,500 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 4: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 5: Extreme heat (97°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 6: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
76°
58°
Tue
81°
60°
Wed
91°
67°
Thu
96°
71°
Fri
97°
73°
Sat
99°
74°
Sun
99°
75°
Dusy Basin rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Dusy Basin.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Dusy Basin · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Dusy Basin FAQ
How do I get a Dusy Basin permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Dusy Basin cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Dusy Basin permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Dusy Basin?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Dusy Basin trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Dusy Basin permit
Where to stay near Dusy Basin
- Potwisha CampgroundSequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Buckeye Flat CampgroundSequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Atwell Mill CampgroundSequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- All California campgrounds
Trip planning
Articles that plan a trip around this permit.
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