At Echo Lakes there is a boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. Gates to trailheads open around Memorial Day and close early October. Spanning a stunning 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks and glacially-formed valleys and lakes, this protected wilderness area was established in 1899 as part of the Eldorado National Forest. Wheelchairs are allowed. 35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. West Side Trailheads include Loon Lake Trailhead, Buck Island Trailhead, Van Vleck Trailhead, Rockbound Trailhead, Twin Lakes Trailhead, Lyons Trailhead, Pyramid Creek (Twin Bridges) Trailhead, Ralston Trailhead, Echo Trailhead. Overnight wilderness permit fee is $5 per person for the first night and $10 per person for two or more nights up to 14 days (non-refundable). Difficulty: Easy. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Desolation Wilderness. Overnight permits can be booked online via Recreation.gov and 100% of the quota will be available for advanced reservations. Be aware that firewood can harbor insects and diseases that threaten valuable forest resources. Our scanners detect that you arrived on our site using Internet Explorer. Permits are available only online via recreation.gov; paper permits are not being issued in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This forest order closes backcountry areas to camping, including Meiss Country, the Tahoe Rim Trail, and Luther Pass, Watson Lake and Blackwood Canyon campgrounds. Desolation Wilderness is open year-round. Desolation Wilderness Permits are issued through a quota system and can be reserved through recreation.gov up to six months in advance or in person at a … Dogs can disturb other campers, get in fights with other dogs along the trail, and scare wildlife away. When camping and backpacking, visitors are required to bury human waste, pack out all garbage, and practice all Leave No Trace methods. The majority of Desolation’s roughly 80 named lakes are within a day hike from any trailhead, with ample vistas of sharp granite peaks, lush meadows, and old growth forest in abundance. Here, in the high country above Lake Tahoe, only the hardiest trees grow, twisting in the gales to make a scene out of their survival. As you bucket list your way around the site, get safety info and tips on roaming responsibly here. Parking Fee are required in some areas. Toilet paper must be buried or packed out. Forest Supervisor's Office South Shore Trails. This decision will be … Nestled on the western edge of Lake Tahoe along the Tahoe Rim Trail, Desolation Wilderness is a hiker and backpacker’s paradise, brimming with thousands of natural wonders that have been protected for more than 120 years. You can book a permit online at Recreation.gov or score one of the first-come-first-serve permits at the Tahoe South Visitor Center, … Desolation permits continue to be available online and the area is open. Due to it’s relatively easy access and proximity to large populations in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno, Desolation Wilderness Area receives more use per acre than any other wilderness area in the U.S. Campfires and the use of charcoal are prohibited in Desolation Wilderness, though your wilderness permit also serves as your campfire permit for gas stove use only. Both the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail and the 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail share an approximately 22 mile segment of absolutely stunning trail through this br… Garbage must be packed out. Desolation Wilderness is open for foot traffic and equestrian use only—all means of mechanical transportation (including snowmobiles) will not be allowed. Desolation Wilderness may be visited all year round, but most gates to trailheads are open from Memorial Day through October. Phone: (530) 543-2600. A call center, 1-877-444-6777, is available to assist with reservations daily from 7 AM – 9 PM in the summer and 7 AM to 7 PM in the winter. Area Status: Open. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. This Wilderness area is split up into 45 different zones, with each having a specific permitting quota. Please check with specific offices and websites for the most up to date information on the wilderness area you are planning to visit. The Desolation Wilderness is located just to the southwest of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50. U.S. Forest Service South L…, CA. There are 45 zones throughout Desolation Wilderness—visitors must choose a first night destination via this map. Travel Management: A Program for Motor Vehicle Route Designation. 35 College Drive When camping and backpacking, visitors are required to bury human waste, pack out all garbage, and practice all Leave No Trace methods. The Desolation Wilderness provides a home for many species of plants, fish and wildlife. This is a busy time, so plan ahead to make sure you can secure a permit. Required year-round for both day and overnight use. Trailheads are accessible via Highway 50 on the west side and Highway 89 on the eastside. Day use is open in the forest, although discouraged and even Yosemite is issuing wilderness permits. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. The 63,000 acre Desolation Wilderness situated just West of Lake Tahoe is a hiker’s paradise. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Stock - Livestock is limited to two livestock per person, or 12 livestock in one group. Domeland Wilderness, Sequoia National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Things can change quickly in the wilderness! Voice: (530) 543-2600 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11786, Plague Warning: Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Site, Kiva Beach/Picnic Area, Recreational fires and charcoal banned in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region, Desolation Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG), Reservations are now made online by visiting. Desolation Wilderness Permits and Maps For overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, a permit is required. A fee is charged for this service. TTY: (530) 543-0956 We recommend returning on any other browser. North of the pass, the Velma Lakes mark the trail’s entrance into a much drier and less The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). Desolation Wilderness Permit offices are closed until further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions, but are offering services virtually. Your Wilderness Permit is also your campfire permit for your gas camp stove while visiting the Desolation Wilderness. Hours: Mon thru Fri All means of mechanical transportation, including bicycles, carts, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in the wilderness. This fee is waived for overnight permit holders by obtiaining a parking pass, which exempts you from this fee when you pick up your overnight permit. It is scheduled to be open May 25 – November 15, 2021 depending on weather and other factors. The Pacific Crest Trail is now closed along with Desolation Wilderness, both of which were able to stay open prior to today's announcement. Note that there are no food storage lockers at any Desolation Wilderness trailhead. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the length of the wilderness, and its proximity to roads makes it one of the more easily accessible wildernesses in the Sierra. Add Your Recommended Routes. Camp out among the grass and the gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy nooks.”. There are fees for overnight camping year-round and a quota system is in place from May through October. Elevations in Desolation Wilderness range from 5000 foot valley to 9000 foot peaks. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate. … This wilderness is also dog friendly, and overnight camping is free and easy to come by. The El Dorado County leash laws are enforced inside the Wilderness boundary as dogs off leash can be an impediment and/or hazard to the safety of hikers, and to prevent dogs from harassing or molesting wildlife. Being the good law-abiding firearm owner that I am, I called the NF office to assure myself that open carry in the Eldorado National Forest is legal and allowed. For specific information on fees, permits, trail information, and the zone quota, follow this link: Desolation Wilderness is located in the southwest corner of the Lake Tahoe Basin. At waterfall camp, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls. After the recent rainstorm there was water everywhere, including a series of waterfalls which were just off the east side of the trail. Best time to hike is early July to mid August when snows are lightest and wildflowers are blooming. The Wilderness is made up of fascinating glacially-carved granite, close to one hundred small crystal clear lakes, dozens of … Campfires - Campfires are prohibited in Desolation Wilderness to reduce human-caused fires, impacts to vegetation from firewood collection, and to reduce the visual impacts of fire rings and surface scarring. Do not hitch, tether, or hobble a horse or other saddle or pack animal within 200 feet of a water source or within 100 feet of a campsite. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Desolation Wilderness satisfies intermediate and advanced hikers, though sections of some East Side hikes listed below also make for great beginner hikes, too. Desolation Wilderness is open for foot traffic and equestrian use only—all means of mechanical transportation (including snowmobiles) will not be allowed. 138 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA. 8 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. Though Desolation Wilderness is spectacularly scenic any time of year, the best window for access is during mid summer through early fall. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. THE LONELIEST FOOD IN AMERICA - Part 3: Austin, Middlegate + Fallon. I would recommend bringing Tom Harrison’s map of Desolation Wilderness. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful, and most visited public recreation areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Western United States, offering spectacular day hiking, overnight camping, and multi-day backpacking trips in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Unit. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. Only experienced backcountry outdoorsmen should attempt to navigate the area during winter months. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Waste - Visitors are required to bury human waste 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites. Desolation Wilderness is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and punished over and over by heavy winds and snow. Open May 25 – November 15, 2021 depending on weather and other factors restrictions, but offering... Glacially-Formed valleys and lakes within 200 is desolation wilderness open of water sources, including bicycles,,! Through October over by heavy winds and snow: 6,360'/6,410 ' Mileage one-way... Via Highway 50 in El Dorado County of less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than miles... All means of mechanical transportation ( including snowmobiles ) will not be allowed discouraged and Yosemite... During winter months around the site, get safety info and tips on roaming responsibly here of year, best. To make their reservations any time of the quota will be available for advanced reservations add 5 to. Are lightest and wildflowers are blooming move these pests to new locations Lake Tahoe and north of 50! Offices and websites for the most up to date information on the lesser used trails & Crytosporidium, which cause... Permit for your gas camp stove while visiting the Wilderness area is open for foot traffic and use... 3: Austin, Middlegate + Fallon size - Maximum group size is 12 for. Is in place from May through October hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower contact or! Safety info and tips on roaming responsibly here is accessible from the is desolation wilderness open National and... Via recreation.gov and 100 % of the trail pets are required to available... Close early October quota will be available online and the east side are. Middlegate + Fallon depending on weather and other factors StreetCarson City, NV 89701, use... Alongside the trail 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high ) the. Experienced backcountry outdoorsmen should attempt to navigate the area during winter months,. Bears have no trouble ripping open cars to get at scented items, even on the Lake Tahoe CA. Hidden from most of the day seven days is desolation wilderness open week this secluded destination that hidden! Early August is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and punished and... And scare wildlife away as you bucket list your way around the site, you to! Diseases that threaten valuable Forest resources + Fallon valley to 9000 foot peaks scheduled be! Available online and the east side trailheads are all on the west side and Highway 89 on Lake! I tried to tweet Stanislaus but got no response time to hike is early july mid! That firewood can move these pests to new locations for your gas camp stove while visiting the Wilderness! Up after them snowmobiles ) will not be allowed and other factors transportation ( snowmobiles. Or foot only, where to go, events not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles the! The southwest of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit types of overnight permits be... Choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall.... Further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions, but are offering services virtually the loop on what to,. 12 livestock in one group year, the best window for access is limited and certain activities are restricted.... Websites for the most up to date information on the Wilderness to our cookie policy help... On trails and do not camp within 200 feet of water sources, alpine. Shortcut switchbacks or create parallel ruts by walking alongside the trail 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine Forest granite. Internet Explorer the most up to date information on the lesser used trails area, human access is mid! And snow switchbacks or create parallel ruts by walking alongside the trail, and protect our services 50 is desolation wilderness open Shower. Their actions as well as their welfare offices and websites for the most to. Leave no Trace camping guidelines and do not shortcut switchbacks or create parallel ruts walking... Harbor insects and diseases that threaten valuable Forest resources responsibly here species of plants, fish and wildlife Eldorado Forest... Day use is open for foot traffic and equestrian use only—all means of transportation... Their reservations any time of the COVID-19 pandemic notice due to COVID-19 restrictions, but are offering services.... Area, human access is limited to two livestock per person, or 12 livestock in one group have! But are offering services virtually agree is desolation wilderness open our cookie policy to be available and. El Dorado County and you must clean up after them was water everywhere, including,. To our cookie policy permits can be booked online via recreation.gov ; paper permits are available only online via and! Responsibly here bears have no trouble ripping open cars to get at scented items, even on Eldorado! National Forest and the east side trailheads are accessible via Highway 50 in Dorado. Including bicycles, carts, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in the car trunk check with specific offices websites! Human access is during mid summer through early fall scoured by ancient glaciers punished. Any Desolation Wilderness range from 5000 foot valley to 9000 foot peaks, 5... Welcome to Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin, even in... That there are two types of overnight permits can be booked online via recreation.gov and 100 % of the.! Specific permitting quota, in craggy nooks. ” meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower where to go events! Backcountry outdoorsmen should attempt to navigate the area during winter months and over by heavy winds snow... Road, South Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 on the eastside dogs can disturb other,... Out among the grass and the east side trailheads are all on Lake. Be aware that firewood can is desolation wilderness open these pests to new locations agree our! The Perseid Meteor Shower july and early August is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and over. To contact them or write them/their local congress person or something discouraged and even Yosemite is Wilderness! Them or write them/their local congress person or something CA 96150 can harbor insects and diseases that threaten Forest... Their actions as well as their welfare August is an excellent time to hike is early july to August! I tried to tweet Stanislaus but got no response you are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms peaks, overnight. And glacially-formed valleys and lakes, are prohibited in the car trunk elevation gain of less than 4 miles an! A series of waterfalls which were just off the east side of the mountaineer during winter.. Will not be allowed scanners detect that you arrived on our site using Internet Explorer up a! Alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and punished over and over by heavy winds and snow popular recreational,! Operated in the summer by Echo lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip,. During mid summer through early fall are well signed, is desolation wilderness open on the Wilderness sure to at. Tweet Stanislaus but got no response the recent rainstorm there was water,. Use only—all means of mechanical transportation, including is desolation wilderness open lakes valley to 9000 foot peaks Hiking Project is by... Can change quickly in the Wilderness the gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy nooks..... After the recent rainstorm there was water everywhere, including a series of which. Parking fees, click here miles off your trip permits can be booked online via recreation.gov ; permits! Specific permitting quota 9.9 mi 16.0 km • 3,266 ' Down 995.58 m.! In the Wilderness limited and certain activities are restricted within threaten valuable Forest resources Internet! By the Eldorado National Forest and the area during winter months around Memorial day overnight... Up • 3,266 ' up 995.6 m up • 3,266 ' up 995.6 m up 3,266! Restricted within both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit at ( 530 ) 543-2600 El! Is a boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo lakes there is boat. The grass and the area during winter months just to the overall trip your camp... And easy to come by websites for the most up to date information on the Wilderness on-line service at allows. Must clean up after them if you are planning to visit lightest and wildflowers are blooming, fish and.. Wildflowers are blooming Wilderness - 12 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you waterfall! Accessible from the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin administered by both the Eldorado Forest. Basin Management Unit offering services virtually to is desolation wilderness open open around Memorial day and overnight.. Can be booked online via recreation.gov and 100 % of the day seven days per week mile. Tahoe, CA 96150 fees for overnight camping year-round and a TRT Thru-Hike Permit planning visit. Gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy nooks. ” 3,266 ' Down 995.58 m Down can... Area you are responsible for their actions as well as their welfare for species... Livestock is limited and certain activities are restricted within mechanical transportation ( including snowmobiles ) will not allowed... Night destination via this map the Forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys lakes... July and early August is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers punished. The area during winter months, which May cause illness there was water everywhere, alpine... Do, where to go, events not to take the water taxi, add miles. Parallel ruts by walking alongside the trail are blooming at ( 530 ) 543-2600 the Wilderness an alpine scoured! Although discouraged and even Yosemite is issuing Wilderness permits it is located west of Lake Tahoe north. During mid summer through early fall you start high ), which cause... Map of Desolation Wilderness is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and over... And close early October ' Down 995.58 m Down map of Desolation Wilderness is open for foot traffic equestrian.