08 Tells

Desolation Wilderness · California

08 Tells is one of several entry-zone permits for Desolation Wilderness. Its demand score sits at 0/100, making it among the quietest zones in the wilderness - most dates stay open well past the release window. Permits follow a rolling first-come-first-served system: 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, a permit is still required but the zone never sells 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

Easy to get (0/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do 08 Tells 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. The quota season runs from May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Outside that window, permits are still required but carry no quota and never sell out - book anytime on recreation.gov.

How competitive is 08 Tells?

Not very. With a demand score of 0/100 and odds rated good - most dates stay bookable, this zone sees far less pressure than neighbors like Aloha, Twin, or Gilmore. If your schedule is flexible, you generally won't need to scramble for a spot here.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations do happen, so checking back on recreation.gov can pay off. Alternatively, consider nearby lower-demand zones - Tells is already one of the quieter options, but zones like Highland, Red Peak, or Lake 3 and 5 carry even less competition if your route allows flexibility.

Are dogs allowed on this permit?

Yes, dogs are allowed with an 08 Tells permit.

Do I need a permit in the off-season?

Yes. Desolation Wilderness requires a permit year-round. Off-season permits are purchased on recreation.gov the same as quota-season permits, but there is no quota - they never sell out, so you can book anytime without worrying about the 6-month release window.

Nearby passes

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