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
We watch this permit around the clock. When a cancellation posts, we send you an alert so you can book before the spot is gone. Pro and $29 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute. Free accounts are checked hourly.
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ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Desolation Wilderness Permit — Hemlock
Grouse Lake and Hemlock Lake, a Special Management area with designated campsites and restoration sites, reached from the Twin Lakes Trailhead. Day use at Grouse Lake is heavy.
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Be notified instantly when Hemlock permits become available due to cancellations.
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Get availability alerts
Be notified instantly when Hemlock 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.
Hemlock Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Hemlock Permit Facts
- As of August 2026, Hemlock in Desolation Wilderness, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Hemlock is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- Cancelled Hemlock permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
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 Hemlock
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Hemlock FAQ
How do I get a Hemlock permit?
Hemlock 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 Hemlock?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Hemlock 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 Hemlock 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 Hemlock trip
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