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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ReservationOvernightModerate Demand
Desolation Wilderness Permit — Phipps
Holds Phipps Lake, Phipps Peak and Phipps Pass. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail both run through this zone, though the user trail to Phipps Lake itself can be hard to locate.
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Be notified instantly when Phipps permits become available due to cancellations.
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Get availability alerts
Be notified instantly when Phipps 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.
Phipps 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.
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Required and recommended gear for Phipps
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Phipps FAQ
How do I get a Phipps permit?
Phipps 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 Phipps?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Phipps permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Phipps 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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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Phipps trip
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