01 Rockbound Lake

Desolation Wilderness · California

01 Rockbound Lake covers the Rockbound Lake zone in Desolation Wilderness. Its demand score of 33/100 is on the lower end compared to most siblings - meaning most dates stay bookable rather than selling out the moment they open. Permits follow the standard Desolation Wilderness release schedule: First-come-first-served: each entry date's zone quota opens 6 months ahead at 7:00 AM Pacific (rolling window, no lottery, no later drop). Quota season is roughly the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 (recreation.gov's grid can start a couple of days earlier - 2026 runs May 20 – Sep 30). Off-season, permits are still required (and still bought on recreation.gov) but have no quota - they never sell out.. Dogs are allowed. Off-season permits are still required but carry no quota and never sell out.

When permits are released

First-come-first-served: each entry date's zone quota opens 6 months ahead at 7:00 AM Pacific (rolling window, no lottery, no later drop). Quota season is roughly the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 (recreation.gov's grid can start a couple of days earlier - 2026 runs May 20 – Sep 30). Off-season, permits are still required (and still bought on recreation.gov) but have no quota - they never sell out.

Demand

Low demand (33/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do Rockbound Lake permits open?

Each entry date opens on a rolling six-month window at 7:00 AM Pacific - there is no lottery and no later drop. The quota season runs May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Outside that window, permits are still required but have no quota, so they're available anytime on recreation.gov.

How competitive is Rockbound Lake?

With a demand score of 33/100 and odds rated good - most dates stay bookable, Rockbound Lake is one of the more relaxed entry zones in Desolation Wilderness. You're far less likely to face a sold-out calendar here than at high-demand neighbors like Aloha or Twin.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations do happen - set a permit alert on Permit Ranger to catch openings as they appear. You can also consider nearby zones with lower demand scores, such as General Creek or Rubicon, which tend to have even more availability.

Are dogs allowed on the Rockbound Lake permit?

Yes, dogs are allowed on this permit.

Do I need a permit in the off-season?

Yes. Off-season permits are still required and purchased on recreation.gov, but they carry no quota - they never sell out, so you can book anytime without racing the clock.

Book on recreation.gov · All Desolation Wilderness passes · Desolation Wilderness permit guide