Mokelumne Wilderness

Area Status: Open

Designated in 1964, the 105,165 acre Mokelumne Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests. This area is bordered by State Highway 4 on the south and State Highway 88 on the north. Watersheds drain to the Mokelumne River on the west slope and the Carson River on the east slope.

The Mokelumne Wilderness is a rugged landscape of great scenic beauty. Much of the area is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks. The rugged Mokelumne River canyon is a prominent feature. There are many smaller streams flowing through deep granitic canyons but only a few lakes concentrated in the northern portion of this spectacular area. Elevations range from about 3900 feet near Salt Springs Reservoir to 10,380 feet at Round Top. Precipitation averages 50 inches annually on the west slope and as little as 15 inches on the east slope, 80 percent of it in the form of snow. Snowpacks typically linger into June in the Round Top region to the north and on the Mokelumne plateau to the south, while the Mokelumne River canyon above Salt Springs Reservoir can be free of snow as early as March. Summers are generally dry and mild, but afternoon thundershowers occur periodically and nighttime temperatures may dip below freezing any time.

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

Special regulations apply in the Carson Pass Management Area. Visit the Mokelumne Wilderness page on the Eldorado National Forest website for more information.

MAPS:

Purchase maps at any Stanislaus National Forest Ranger Station or the Forest Service online store .

View a map of the wilderness.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Calaveras Ranger District (HWY 4)
Permit Info:	A Wilderness Visitor's Permit is required year round for overnight visits to the Mokelumne Wilderness. Special regulations apply in the Carson Pass Management Area. Visit the Mokelumne Wilderness page on the Eldorado National Forest website for more information.
Restrictions:	Please take a moment to learn our wilderness regulations. Group size is limited to 12 persons for day-use and 8 persons for overnight use. Special regulations apply in the Carson Pass Management Area. Visit the Mokelumne Wilderness page on the Eldorado National Forest website for more information.
Closest Towns:	Bear Valley, Dorrington, Arnold, Murphys and Angels Camp.
Information Center:	Please read the information about Traveling in Bear Country.