03 Genevieve

Desolation Wilderness · California

03 Genevieve is a mid-tier entry point into Desolation Wilderness with a demand score of 80/100 - higher than most neighboring zones, so popular weekend dates go fast. Permits follow a first-come, first-served rolling window: 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. Quota season runs May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026; outside that window permits are still required but carry no quota.

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

Very high demand (80/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do 03 Genevieve permits open?

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. There is no lottery and no secondary drop - the six-month rolling window is the only release mechanism.

How competitive is 03 Genevieve?

Demand is 80/100, and odds of finding a date available at booking time are low - most dates book up well ahead. It sits well above quieter neighbors like Rockbound Lake and General Creek, but below the highest-pressure zones such as Aloha, Twin, and Dick's Lake.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations do appear, but odds are low - most dates book up well ahead, so don't count on one surfacing close to your trip. Consider lower-demand zones - Rubicon, Rockbound Lake, or General Creek - for flexibility, or target shoulder-season dates when competition eases.

Do I need a permit in the off-season?

Yes. Outside May 20, 2026–September 30, 2026, permits are still required and still purchased on recreation.gov, but there is no quota - they never sell out, so you can book anytime.

Are dogs allowed on this pass?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the 03 Genevieve entry pass.

Nearby passes

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