Desolation Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by:
The Elderado National Forest and
The Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Additional resources can be found on:
The Elderado Forest Wilderness Pages and
The Tahoe Basin Wilderness Pages
Part of the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country. The Desolation straddles both sides of the Sierra Nevada, averages 12.5 miles in length and eight miles in width, and has elevations ranging from about 6,500 feet to over 10,000 feet. Waiting to be discovered are numerous streams and approximately 130 lakes, some reaching 900 acres in size. Snow often blocks the high passes until mid-July. Long recognized for its mountain splendor, Desolation Valley Primitive Area was established in 1931 and then granted Wilderness status in 1969. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses about 17 miles of the wilderness.
Explore the Desolation Wilderness with Google Maps:
Enjoying the Desolation Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
Group size is limited to 12 people per party who will be hiking or camping together. Why?
Wilderness Permits
Due to its popularity and fragile ecosystem, permits are required year-around in the Desolation Wilderness for both day and overnight use. Why?
Day Use:
Day users may obtain a free permit from one of the Forest’s offices or may issue themselves a permit at most major trailheads. Day use is not subject to fees nor limited by quota at any time of the year.
Overnight Trips
During the summer a quota is in effect on the number of people allowed into the wilderness for overnight trips.
Reservations: On April 15 the Forest Service will open the entire quota season (which runs from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through September 30) for reservations. Due to limited zone quotas, reservations for overnight permits are strongly encouraged during the quota season, especially for holidays and weekends. For phone reservations, call 530-644-6048 to reserve a permit for your first-night stay in any zone in Desolation Wilderness. Please have your credit card ready. When you call to make a reservation, please have a first-night destination in mind. An information assistant will help you with necessary details. There is a reservation fee of $5.00 per party/per permit (non-refundable).
Wilderness Camping Fees are collected as part of a national demonstration program that was approved by Federal legislation in 1997. These revenues have helped to increase the level of wilderness ranger patrol, have contributed to an increase in trail maintenance, signing, site clean-up and restoration, and have made possible other wilderness conservation and education projects.
Camping Permit Fees: $5.00 per person for one night, $10.00 per person for two or more nights up to 14 days (non-refundable). The cost of a single permit will not exceed $100.00.
Special Passes: A $20.00 per-person Annual Camping Pass for Desolation is available and is valid until December 31 of each year. You must still obtain a permit in person, subject to quota limits for each trip you desire to take.
Pick up permits for west side entry at:
Pacific Ranger District Office
7887 Highway 50
Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9602
(530) 647-5415
TTY 530-647-5407
FAX 530-647-5405
Phone: (530) 644-6048×4
Pick up permit for east side entry at:
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Located three miles north of the Highway 50/89 junction
at South Lake Tahoe, on Highway 89.
Open summer only.
Call for hours, phone: (530) 543-2674
or at:
LTBMU Supervisors Office
35 College Drive
S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone: 530-543-2694
Bears and Food Storage
- Bear proof food storage containers are available for free rental from the Taylor Creek Visitor Center or the LTBMU Supervisor’s Office on the east side entry, while supplies last.
- Keep a clean camp and never leave trash or food in the open and unattended. Why?
- 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 not allowed in Desolation Wilderness. Camp stoves are permissible. Why?
Pets
Dogs must be controlled at all times.
Other Considerations
Livestock are limited to two livestock per person, or 12 livestock in one group. Do not hitch, tether, or hobble a horse or other saddle or pack animal within 200 feet of a water source or within 100 feet of a campsite.
Contact
Eldorado National Forest
Pacific Ranger District
7887 Highway 50
Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9602
530-644-2349
TTY 530-647-5407
FAX 530-647-5405
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Supervisor’s Office
35 College Drive
S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
530-543-2600 (voice)
(530) 543-0956 (hearing impaired)
(530) 543-2693 (fax)
