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.
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Lovers Leap 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.Lovers Leap CampgroundFees and Passes
Mokelumne 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.Mokelumne CampgroundNon-motorized…
Mokelumne Wilderness
The 105,165 acre Mokelumne Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Toiyabe National Forests. This area lies within portions of Calaveras,…
Munson Meadow Trail
This 9.1 mile trail to Camp Irene traverses open forests and meadows for 5 miles to Munson Meadow, then another 4.1 miles through forest and brushy terrain before meeting the Mokelumne River.
Northwind Campground
Site Open
Northwind Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.
Pacific Crest Trail North from Highway 88
From the Meiss Trailhead follow the Pacific Crest Trail 1.2 miles to the ridge. You will experience spectacular views and a brilliant wildflower display about mid-summer. Meiss Lake is another 3…
Pacific Crest Trail South from Highway 88
This section of the Pacific Crest Trail starts at the Carson Pass Trailhead and leads past Frog Lake (0.9 miles), partway in the direction toward Lake Winnemucca, then east toward the shoulder of…
Pipi 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.Pipi CampgroundPicnickingFees and…
Pleasant Campground
Site Open
Small boat or hike in campground on the east shore of Loon Lake campground. Access via the Loon Lake Trailhead or boat ramp at Loon Lake Campground.Pleasant Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide -…
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Experience a section of the historic Pony Express Trail that carried mail to and from San Francisco, California to St Joseph, Missouri from 1860-1861. This part of the trail runs 38.24 miles point to…