Recreation Region: South Shore

Desolation Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area consisting of 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Located southwest of Lake Tahoe and north of U.S. Highway 50 in El Dorado County, California.

Desolation Wilderness is co-managed by the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. For reservations and specific information on fees, permits, trail information, and the zone quota, visit Recreation.gov.

Permits and bear canisters are required for overnight visits. Campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are not permitted in Desolation Wilderness. Portable stoves with on/off switches or valves are permitted with a valid permit.

Current Conditions

Bear canisters required for overnight visits; Campfires (wood, charcoal or other solid fuels) are not permitted in Desolation Wilderness. Portable stoves are allowed with a valid permit.

Active Alerts

Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage (Bear Canister) Restriction 19-25-06

Desolation Wilderness Restricted Use Area 19-24-02

Reservations

www.recreation.gov/

General Information

For complete information, visit the Eldorado National Forest Desolation Wilderness website.

Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall

Entry permits are required year-round for both day and overnight use. There are fees for overnight camping year-round and a quota system is in place from May through October.

Bear Canisters: Bear canisters are required for overnight visits. Over the last decade, bears have become more active in Desolation Wilderness. Protect yourself by using food storage canisters for all food and toiletries. More
Campfires: Wood and charcoal fires 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. Wilderness Permits include a campfire permit for propane appliances with an on/off valve.
Method of Travel: Travel is restricted to horseback or foot only. All means of mechanical transportation, including bicycles, carts, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in the wilderness. Wheelchairs are permitted. Stay on trails and do not shortcut switchbacks or create parallel ruts by walking alongside the trail.
Waste: Visitors are required to bury human waste/toilet paper 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites.

Overnight fees are required. For more information, visit the Desolation Wilderness webpage on the Eldorado National Forest website.

Pets should be kept on leash and pet owners should pack out any pet waste or bury it 6-8 inches deep.

Contact Name: Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Contact Phone: 530-543-2600

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit roadside sign on stone platform with forest and blue sky in the background.

Address: 35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: (530) 543-2600
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

Desolation Wilderness is located in the southwest corner of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Trailheads are located off U.S. Highway 50 on the west side and Highway 89 on the east side.