We suggest that you do not pay for your permit until you pick it up, as there may be changes in the number of people in your group. However, as part of your permit, this fee will be waived. When you pick up your permit, make sure you receive your free parking pass to place in the window of your car. The fees are being collected as part of a national pilot program that was approved by Federal legislation that began in 1997. Under this program most of the fees are being returned to the Desolation Wilderness to be used for wilderness work such as trail maintenance, project work, patrolling, wilderness education and permit issuance.
Reservations are especially important for holiday weekends and busy summer weekends.
When you reserve spaces you are reserving for a certain number of people in your party at a specific trailhead. A space is a person. Reservations for all trailheads into Desolation Wilderness may be made by phone, fax and mail. Applications received earlier than 90 days in advance will be returned without processing. If your request cannot be filled, the application will be returned to you.