Dusy Basin Permit

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California

Each entry point carries its own quota

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

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Dusy Basin were gone within 10 minutes.

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

Build your full itinerary start to finish

Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

Start a plan — it's free

No permit needed to start

Dusy Basin Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes

Booking MethodReservation

Demand LevelHigh7/10

Cost$6 + $5/person

Max Group Size15 people

Dusy Basin Permit Facts

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.
The Dusy Basin route covers 12 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
Cancelled Dusy Basin permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.

Live availability activity →When Dusy Basin permits open up →Dusy Basin permit itinerary →

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight

Booking MethodReservation

Demand Level7/10

LocationEastern Sierra, CA

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

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (9,500 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

Day 6: Extreme heat (95°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Day 7: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.

Today

☀️

92°

70°

Sun

☀️

81°

59°

Mon

☀️

87°

59°

Tue

☀️

91°

66°

Wed

☀️

92°

66°

Thu

☀️

95°

69°

Fri

☀️

96°

71°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

How to Get This Permit

Create a Recreation.gov account

Know the release schedule

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

Be ready when permits drop

Monitor for cancellations

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

Book at Recreation.gov

Learn More

Best booking times Cancellation hunting Recreation.gov tips

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand3/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill2/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

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.

Plan Your Trip

🎒

Gear Checklist

Required and recommended gear for Dusy Basin

🚐

Shuttle Services

Trailhead transportation options

Browse all shuttles

🧭

Guide Services

Experienced wilderness guides

Browse all guides

Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.

Key Landmarks

↑

2,900ft

Gain

↓

2,900ft

Loss

⛰️

11,972ft

High

📏

7.5mi

Distance

📐

7.4%

Avg Grade

Click on a marker to view details•6 landmarks

Landmarks (6)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Dusy Basin. Sign up to track this permit.

🐻

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit. Sign up to track this permit.

Dusy Basin FAQ

How do I get a Dusy Basin permit?

Dusy Basin 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 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. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.