Carson-Iceberg Wilderness - Highway 108 Access

The 161,000 acre Carson-Iceberg Wilderness straddles the crest of the Sierra Nevada range, divided almost evenly between the Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests. Here you'll find spectacular high country, with several peaks rising above 10,000 feet, broad river valleys, perennial creeks with small waterfalls, granite-strewn slopes, and meadow-filled valleys. Here are the headwaters of the East Fork of the Carson River, the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus, and the Mokelumne River.

The Carson River, named for Kit Carson, and a distinctive granite formation called the Iceberg on the southern boundary give this area its name. You'll hike often in a thick forest of pines (Jeffrey, sugar, lodgepole, western white) and firs (red and white). Lakes, fairly common on the eastern side, are few and far between on the western side. Conversely, precipitation averaging 50 inches per year on the western slopes drops to about 15 inches per year on the eastern slopes, with about 80 percent falling as snow. Snowpacks usually linger into June, but the remainder of the summer is generally dry and mild with periodic afternoon thunderstorms and nighttime temperatures that could drop below freezing any day of the year.

Congress designated the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness in 1984. Most of the area still includes cattle grazing allotments, and you will likely encounter cows or their signs from July to September. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs for over 26 miles within the Carson-Iceberg. About 200 total miles of foot and horse trails give access to this outstanding wilderness, where human use is moderate, especially on the eastern side.

Please take a moment to learn our wilderness regulations and review Leave No Trace methods before visiting this outstanding national resource.

Current Conditions

Wilderness Permits are required from April 15-November 15. Please stop by the Supervisor's Office or a Ranger Station for your permit. A self-issue permit station is available at the Summit Ranger Station 24/7. If you plan a trip into the Wilderness let friends and family know your itinerary.

General Information

Always check conditions and weather before you start your trip.

A Wilderness permit is required for overnight visits to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. You can obtain a Wilderness Permit in person from one of the Ranger Stations or the Supervisor's office in Sonora. Self issue permits will be available at the Calaveras and Summit Ranger Stations this summer. Wilderness permits may be issued for entry on the Stanislaus National Forest, south to Tuolumne Meadows, and north to Echo Summit only.

Rules and Regulations The following regulations are necessary to ensure that future generations will find the Wilderness at least as wild and free as it is for your visit. Violating any of these regulations could result in a substantial penalty. Official orders authorizing enforcement are available for review in the supervisor’s office and all ranger district offices. · Wilderness visitors must possess a valid permit for overnight trips. · Do not camp, travel or gather in groups of more than 15 persons. · We encourage groups to restrict their numbers when visiting wilderness areas, which helps keep wilderness resources from being damaged. · Dispose of human and canine waste, and wash water more than 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Use ‘cat holes’ six to eight inches deep for human and canine waste. · Campsites must be at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails. · Do not use any soap in lakes or streams. Even biodegradable soaps are a shock to fragile and pristine aquatic ecosystems. Wash using a bucket at least 200 feet from from surface water. · Pack out all trash. Leave No Trace. Do NOT burn your trash. · Do not cut standing trees or deface them in any way. · Do not take shortcuts at trail switchbacks. · Mechanized and motorized vehicles and equipment, including chainsaws, bicycles and carts, are prohibited. Non-motorized wheelchairs may be utilized. · Constructing items such as rock walls, structures, tables or permanent improvements of any kind is prohibited. Please do not build new fire rings - use the existing ones. If a fire ring is too close to water or other natural resources, please do not use it. · Do not leave any property, including camping gear, food or other provisions, unattended for longer than 24 hours. · Discharging firearms is permitted only for taking game during appropriate hunting seasons. · Dogs not under direct control are not permitted. Tuolumne County maintains a leash ordinance. The Emigrant and portions of the Carson-Iceberg are within the Tuolumne County jurisdictions. · One night per trip camping limits are in effect in the Emigrant Wilderness at Grouse, Camp, Bear, Powell and Waterhouse lakes. · You must store your food in a bear canister (most preferred) or by properly hanging your food (least preferred). · Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in elevation and within a half mile of Emigrant Lake.

Wilderness Permits and Campfire Permits are free issue. There are no fees.

If you are leading a guide service for a summer camp or tour group you will need to obtain a Special Use Permit. Call the Summit Ranger Station for additional information.