[pct-l] important Desolation Wilderness permitting info

[David Plotnikoff]

Hello from a long-time list-lurker.

The following information applies ONLY to section hikers who are 
starting at a trailhead in the Lake Tahoe basin and doing less than 
500 PCT miles. It does NOT apply to thrus with PCTA thru permits.

Because of the sheer crush of human traffic, Desolation Wilderness 
probably has more paperwork and restrictions than any PCT zone 
outside of Whitney/Crabtree. Even dayhikers passing through are 
required to go through a quota system.  If you go to the Forest 
Service Web site in search of a reserved permit (50 percent of the 
quota is reserved and 50 percent walkup) you will be directed to 
Pacific Ranger District of Eldorado NF. This is the office down the 
hill on 50 at Pollock Pines. You will see the reserved permits for 
the season are available after the third Thursday in April.

BUT there is a separate arrangement for PCT hikers that's much easier 
and efficient: Call the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit's permit 
line directly at 530 543-2694. They'll waive the usual reservation 
fees, let you jump the line in front of the April "opening day" of 
permit season, and the permit you are issued will be different in one 
significant way: It allows you to throw down *anywhere* in Desolation 
on the PCT without having to go through the LTBMU's arcane zone 
system for overnight use. Such a deal.

If you're shooting for being on the PCT in the Lake Tahoe region the 
first or second week of July -- when most of the thru pack is rolling 
through -- this may be your only way to be legal in Desolation. 
Through the usual permit system, all reserved entry permits for July 
4 week are usually booked rock solid months in advance. (And getting 
a walk-up permit would require a *significant* detour.)

So this is at least one example of the Forest Service going the extra 
mile to help PCT hikers.

See you out there,

David Plotnikoff