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
Red Fir Group Campground
Site Closed
Red Fir Group Campground Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG) - This guide contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.
Robbs Hut
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.Robbs HutFees and Passes
Round Top to Fourth of July Lake Trail (Camp Irene Trail)
This trail, 1.5 miles from Round Top to 4th of July Lake, is almost all in subalpine habitat, only reaching tall timbers once arriving at 4th of July Lake. The trail continues on down to the Summit…
Shealor Lake Trail
This popular 1.2 mile trail with excellent views climbs trail climbs gradually to the top of a rocky ridge, then descends to Shealor Lake.
Shriner Lake Trail
Starting from the Tanglefoot Trailhead, this 1.7 mile trail through open forest, including some that was burned in the Power Fire, passes a shallow pond before reaching Shriner Lake.
Silver Fork 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.Silver Fork CampgroundFees and…
Sly Guard Cabin
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.Sly Guard CabinFees and…
South Fork Group Campground
Site Closed
Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.South Fork Group CampgroundFees and…
Summit City Trail
Starting from Forestdale Divide, the trail leads downhill through meadows and open forest past an area that was once an active mining community. The trail continues to the junction of the trail…
Tanglefoot Trail
This trail traverses forests, meadows, and the Tanglefoot Canyon, skirts the west and north slopes of Mokelumne Peak, descends past a spring and gradually regains elevation to end at Munson Meadow,…