Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by:
The Stanislaus National Forest and
The Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest
Additional resources can be found on:
The Stanislaus Wilderness Pages
The Humbolt-Toyabe Wilderness Pages
The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is characterized by a geologic anomaly – a series of dark, volcanic peaks and ridges known as the Dardenelles. Designated wilderness in 1984 and managed today by both the Toiyabe and Stanislaus National Forests, the Carson-Iceberg includes both eastern and western slopes of the Sierra in its 161,181 acres. Though it lacks modern-day glaciers, the effect of glaciation is clear on its “Iceberg” namesake, a distinctive rock formation near Clark Fork Road on the wilderness’s southern boundary.
Climbing from 5,000 feet at Donnell Reservoir to the 11,400 foot Sonora Peak, the Carson-Iceberg contains comparatively few lakes but many deep river canyons lush with riparian vegetation. With almost a third of the precipitation of the wetter western slope, eastern plant life of pinon and juniper subsists on 15 inches of water a year with most of that falling as snow. Watersheds feed the Stanislaus River on the western side and the Carson River on the east, sustaining both the threatened Lahontan and sensitive Paiute trout species.
Once the former mountain warfare training grounds of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness as well as the Carson River draw their names from one of those few first Americans that braved the unknown West. Kit Carson was the first to scout and explore the area, establishing himself in this field throughout the West and especially the central Sierra. Following his initiative and boldness the first group of emigrants from the east crossed the Sierra in 1841 just north of Sonora Pass.
Inhabited most recently by the Miwok but for over 10,000 years by other native groups, the Carson-Iceberg, has supported human life for thousands of years. Currently the area supports 10 federally monitored grazing allotments. Its stored waters support the agricultural economy of the Central Valley.
Enjoying the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?
Wilderness Permits
Permits are required for all overnight trips. There are no quotas established for the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
Visit the Stanislaus Wilderness Regulations Web Page for information about wilderness permits in the Stanislaus National Forest
Visit the Humboldt-Toyabe Wilderness Regulations Web Page for information about wilderness permits in the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest.
Overnight permits are required and are available for self-registration at Ebbetts Pass, Wolf Creek Trail, East Carson River/High Trails, Corral Valley/Driveway Trails and Snodgrass Trail trailheads. They are also available at the Carson District office or the information center in Markleeville, CA. Contact the following Ranger Station for more information:
Carson Ranger District
1536 S. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 882-2766
Bears
Proper food storage is required. Bear canisters are recommended. Why?
- Keep a clean camp and never leave trash or food in the open and unattended
- Learn about area-specific food storage instructions and/or regulations
- Ask other campers or local employees about recent bear activity
- Learn all you can about black bears and your safety before heading into the Sierra for vacation
Campfires
Campfires are generally allowed within the Carson-Iceberg wilderness with exceptions. In places where fires are allowed, please make sure that you use an established fire ring and only used dead and down wood. Why?
Pets
Pets must be kept under control and not allowed to harass wildlife or people.
Other Considerations
Grazing: Livestock grazing first came to the high country in the 1860’s. The Wilderness Act allows grazing to continue where it was an established practice before the area was designated as Wilderness. There are ten grazing allotments (nine cattle, one sheep) in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Grazing management plans specify animal numbers and length of time in each feed area. Gates and drift fences control livestock movement to prevent overgrazing and to reduce conflicts with Wilderness visitors. Please help by keeping gates closed.
Contact
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
1200 Franklin Way
Sparks, NV 89431
(775) 331-6444 TDD (775) 355-5305
Carson Ranger District
Gary Schiff, District Ranger
1536 S. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 882-2766
Stanislaus National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
19777 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-3671
FAX (209) 533-1890
TDD (209) 533-0765
Calaveras Ranger District
P.O. Box 500
Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
(209) 795-1381
FAX (209) 795-6849
TDD (209) 795-2854
Summit Ranger District
#1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Pinecrest, CA 95364
(209) 965-3434
FAX (209) 965-3372
TDD (209) 965-0488
