DESOLATION
WILDERNESS
Eldorado National Forest Information Center
3070 Camino Heights Dr.
Camino, CA 95709
Reservations: (530) 644-6048
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Eldorado National Forest
Information Center: recorded message:
(916) 644-6985; National Forest Recreation Reservations: 1-800-280-CAMP; Rim
Trail information: (702) 588-0686
Desolation Wilderness is 12-1/2 miles long and 8 miles wide, and is accessed by 15 named and numbered trailheads. The relatively small 63,500 acre Desolation Wilderness contains many small streams with about 150 alpine and sub-alpine lakes. Elevations within the wilderness range from about 6,500 to over 10,000 feet. Because of it's close proximity to Lake Tahoe the Desolation Wilderness receives heavy use from June through September.
Wrights, Echo, Fallen Leaf and Eagle Falls trailheads receive particularly high use. The northwest portions of the wilderness receive less use. Feed for pack animals must be carried in due to the sensitive nature and limited resources of the alpine environment. Visitor permits are required year round for both overnight and day hikes.
Because
of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most
heavily-used wilderness areas in the U.S. To preserve its natural beauty, use is
restricted to hikers, horses, llamas and the like. There
are no buildings or roads in Desolation Wilderness. Bicycles
and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Although no wood fires are
allowed, camp stoves are permissible.
Permits and Quotas: You must have a permit for either day-use or overnight. There are fees for overnight camping year-round. From June 15 to Labor Day a quota of 700 overnight users entering each day is in effect. Day-use is not limited at any time of the year. Under the quota, each trailhead has its own allowance of overnight visitors who enter each day. When a trailhead quota is filled, no more entries will be allowed on that day.
It is wise to call ahead. When you call to make a reservation, please have a second choice in mind for your trailhead entry point. Your permit is good at only the trailhead you reserve, only on the date of entry, and only for the number of people specified.
Group size limit is always 15, and smaller groups are recommended for some heavily-used trails. Each stay is limited to 14 consecutive days. A group staying together needs only one permit. If your party intends to separate, make sure to obtain a copy of the permit for each group that will be hiking together. From after Labor Day to June 14, there is no limit to the number of overnight users.
