Walk-Up5/10
Buck Island
Buck Island is one of the trailheads you enter Desolation Wilderness from, in th...
View Desolation Wilderness Permit — Buck Island permit details and availabilityGet alerted when this permit opens
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ReservationOvernightModerate Demand
Desolation Wilderness Permit — Grouse Lakes
An east side zone of peaks and rugged terrain with no maintained trails. Grouse Lakes sit off a primitive trail heading south from the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail near the south shore of Rubicon Lake. The Grouse Lake near Wrights Lake is a different zone.
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Be notified instantly when Grouse Lakes permits become available due to cancellations.
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Get availability alerts
Be notified instantly when Grouse Lakes permits become available due to cancellations.
Join 2,800+ permit hunters using PermitSnag
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Enchantments Core Zone were gone within 10 minutes.
Grouse Lakes Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate5/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level5/10
LocationCA
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.
Plan Your Trip
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Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Grouse Lakes
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Grouse Lakes FAQ
How do I get a Grouse Lakes permit?
Grouse Lakes permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Grouse Lakes?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Grouse Lakes permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Grouse Lakes permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $29 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
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Trail Conditions
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Grouse Lakes trip
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