04 Grouse Lakes

Desolation Wilderness · California

04 Grouse Lakes covers the Grouse Lakes zone in Desolation Wilderness. With a demand score of 48/100, it sits in the middle of the pack - quieter than the Aloha or Twin Lake corridors, but popular dates still fill. Permits are first-come-first-served with no lottery: 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

Moderate demand (48/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do Grouse Lakes permits open?

Each entry date opens on a rolling basis six months out at 7:00 AM Pacific - no lottery, no batch drop. The quota season runs May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Outside that window, permits are still required but have no quota and are available anytime on recreation.gov.

How competitive is Grouse Lakes?

48/100 - moderate - popular dates sell out. It's noticeably less contested than high-demand neighbors like Aloha, Twin, or Susie, but peak-weekend slots do go. Weekdays and shoulder-season dates are your best shot at availability without racing the six-month open.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations do appear on recreation.gov as trips change. Check back regularly, especially in the days before your target date. You can also look at lower-demand zones in Desolation Wilderness - Tells, Highland, or Lelands carry far lighter competition and may fit a similar route.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are permitted on this pass. Always verify current leash and camping rules with the managing agency before your trip, as conditions and regulations can change.

Do I need a permit in the off-season?

Yes. Permits are required year-round in Desolation Wilderness, even outside the quota season. Off-season permits have no quota - they never sell out - but you still need to book one on recreation.gov before entering.

Nearby passes

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