12 Phipps

Desolation Wilderness · California

12 Phipps is one of several overnight zones in Desolation Wilderness, allocated first-come-first-served with no lottery. Its demand score of 41/100 sits in the moderate range - quieter than high-traffic neighbors like Aloha or Twin, but popular dates do sell out. Quota-season permits open on a rolling six-month window; off-season permits are still required but carry no quota and never sell out. Dogs are welcome.

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 (41/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do Phipps 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 Phipps?

Its demand score is 41/100, rated moderate - popular dates sell out. It's less contested than zones like Aloha, Twin, or Susie, but peak-summer weekends can sell out once that date's quota window opens.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations do occur. Set an alert on Permit Ranger and check back - spots return closer to the entry date. You can also look at lower-demand zones in Desolation Wilderness such as Tells, Highland, or Red Peak, which historically see far less competition.

Do I need a permit in the off-season?

Yes. Desolation Wilderness requires a permit year-round. Outside quota season, permits are still purchased on recreation.gov but have no quota, so they never sell out - book anytime.

Are dogs allowed on this permit?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Phipps permit.

When does quota season run?

The quota season runs from May 20, 2026 through September 30, 2026 for 2026. Outside those dates, permits are required but quota-free.

Nearby passes

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