09 Highland

Desolation Wilderness · California

09 Highland is one of several overnight zone permits for Desolation Wilderness. With a demand score of 2/100, it sits well below the area's most competed zones - most dates stay available well past opening. No lottery: each date's quota opens on a rolling basis per 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., so planning ahead is the main requirement. Dogs are allowed. Off-season entry still requires a permit but quotas don't apply.

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 (2/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do 09 Highland permits open?

Each entry date opens on a rolling first-come-first-served basis, six months out at 7:00 AM Pacific. The quota season runs May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Off-season dates are also bookable on recreation.gov but never sell out - no quota applies outside the main season.

How competitive is 09 Highland?

Not very. Its demand score is 2/100 out of 100, and the odds band is good - most dates stay bookable. Compare that to zones like Aloha, Twin, or Susie, which regularly approach or exceed 90 - Highland is one of the quieter options in the area.

What if my dates are sold out?

Given good - most dates stay bookable, sellouts are uncommon. If a specific date is taken, nearby lower-demand zones like Lelands or Lakes #3 and #5 may have space. You can also set a cancellation alert on Permit Ranger and book the moment a spot opens.

Is a permit required off-season?

Yes - permits are required year-round and purchased on recreation.gov. Outside the quota season, though, there's no daily cap, so permits are always available and you can book any time.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on this permit.

Nearby passes

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