05 Brown Mountain

Desolation Wilderness · California

05 Brown Mountain covers the Brown Mountain zone in Desolation Wilderness. Dogs are welcome here. With a demand score of 11/100 and odds rated good - most dates stay bookable, this is one of the quieter entry points in the wilderness - a meaningful contrast to high-pressure neighbors like Aloha or Twin. Permits are first-come-first-served; no lottery, no drop system. The quota window is May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026, with off-season entry still requiring a permit but never subject to sellout.

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

Easy to get (11/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do 05 Brown Mountain 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. No lottery is involved - it's a straight race to book once the window opens.

How competitive is 05 Brown Mountain?

Demand is 11/100 - low relative to most zones in Desolation Wilderness. Odds are good - most dates stay bookable, so you generally do not need to scramble at the six-month mark. If your preferred dates are a weekend during peak season, book promptly anyway; quieter zones can still fill on popular summer weekends.

What if my dates are sold out?

Check back regularly - cancellations do appear. You can also look at neighboring zones in Desolation Wilderness with similarly low demand scores if your itinerary has flexibility. Set a Permit Ranger alert so you hear about openings without manually refreshing.

Is a permit required outside the quota season?

Yes. Off-season entry into Desolation Wilderness through this zone still requires a permit purchased on recreation.gov. There is no quota applied, so permits are always available and never sell out - book anytime before your trip.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed on a 05 Brown Mountain permit. Verify current Desolation Wilderness regulations for leash rules and restricted zones before your trip, as conditions and rules can be updated by the managing agency.

Nearby passes

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