Hiking
When hiking in the Eldorado National Forest, bring a topographic map and compass. Cellular service may be unavailable in some areas. Forest maps are always helpful and available for purchase online.
Weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
- Be prepared with appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment – no matter how short the hike.
- Bring water and food to prevent dehydration and exhaustion.
- If you bring your pet on the trail, put it on a leash to minimize its impact on wildlife and other visitors. Observe common courtesy, follow trail regulations and always clean up after your pet and properly dispose of waste bags.
Permits are required for visits to Desolation Wilderness.
- Daytime-use permits may be self-issued at most trailheads.
- Overnight permits require a fee and may be purchased online.
Trail Resources
Campfires and Fire Restrictions
- National Forest System lands in the Eldorado National Forest are typically under fire restrictions in the summer when the forest dries out. This means campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are only permitted in designated developed campgrounds.
- Campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are never permitted in Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness, Meiss Country, along the Pacific Crest Trail or Tahoe Rim Trail.
- Portable propane stoves with an on/off switch or valve are allowed with a valid permit.
Backpacking
The Eldorado National Forest has two wilderness areas that offer great backpacking opportunities.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Airport Flat Campground
Site Open
Airport Flat Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.
Allens Camp Trailhead
Site Open
Access to Allens Camp Trail 17E19Non-motorized Trails Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG)
Azalea Cove Campground
Site Open
Union Valley Bike Trail & Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National…
Beebe Lake Trail
This trail leads from Hungalelti Ridge 2.1 miles to Beebe Lake through open forests and passing meadows including Ladeux Meadow.
Black Rock Lake Trail
This trail connects the Munson Meadow Trail 1.1 miles to Black Rock Lake.
Blue Hole Trail
The trail starts off with a short climb up a steep rock on the north end of Salt Springs Reservoir Dam, then follows the north side of the reservoir with gentle ups and downs. Wildflowers are…
Caples Creek Trail
The Caples Creek Trail is a moderate 4-mile round trip hike through red fir forest and wet meadows with views of cascading Caples Creek and the Silver Fork of the American River. There are nice…
Caples Lake Campground
Site Open
Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Caples Lake CampgroundFees and…
Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca Trail
This trail, one of the most popular in the national forest, leads 2.5 miles through open forest and meadow, past some of the best mountain wildflower displays in California in mid-summer. Dogs must…
China Flat Campground
Site Open
Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.China Flat CampgroundFees and…