02 General Creek

Desolation Wilderness · California

02 General Creek covers the General Creek entry corridor into Desolation Wilderness. With a demand score of 35/100, it's one of the more accessible zones in the wilderness - most dates stay bookable even as neighboring passes fill. Dogs are allowed. Permits follow a rolling first-come-first-served release: 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.. Outside the quota 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 (35/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do 02 General Creek permits open?

Permits open on a rolling basis: each entry date's quota becomes available exactly 6 months in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific. The quota season runs May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026. There is no lottery and no secondary drop - the 6-month window is the only release.

How competitive is 02 General Creek?

At 35/100, General Creek sits well below the pressure of high-demand neighbors like Aloha, Twin, or Gilmore. Odds are good - most dates stay bookable, meaning you generally don't need to be at your screen the moment the window opens. Mid-week and shoulder-season dates are especially available.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations do happen. Set a Permit Ranger alert for your target dates and you'll be notified if a spot opens. You can also check adjacent zones - several nearby passes carry lighter demand and may suit similar General Creek–area itineraries.

Do I need a permit outside the main quota season?

Yes. Desolation Wilderness requires permits year-round. Off-season permits are still purchased on recreation.gov but carry no quota - they never sell out. Book anytime.

Are dogs allowed on this permit?

Yes, dogs are permitted on 02 General Creek.

Nearby passes

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