13 Lakes #3 and #5

Desolation Wilderness · California

13 Lakes #3 and #5 is one of the permitted entry points in Desolation Wilderness on recreation.gov. Its current demand score is 7/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.

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 (7/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do 13 Lakes #3 and #5 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. Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add 13 Lakes #3 and #5 to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.

How competitive is 13 Lakes #3 and #5?

The live demand score is 7/100. Odds of catching an opening are good - most dates stay bookable.

Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?

No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.

Nearby passes

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