Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. Explore Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. Desolation Wilderness is open for foot traffic and equestrian use only—all means of mechanical … TTY: (530) 543-0956 Permits may still be on the Reservation system at that time depending on what happens with the Covid 10 situation. 2375 Fruitridge Road Overnight permits are subject to a quota from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to September 30. The need for paper Day Use Permits is temporarily suspended in Desolation Wilderness for the 2020 season, due to the current COVID-19 situation. Office #: 530 334-6477 But don’t let this scare you away from enjoying 64,000 acres (100 square miles) of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, meadows of wildflowers, 75 glacially-formed lakes with names, and countless ones without names. Hikers climbing out of the densely wooded Lake Tahoe basin are often startled by the Desolation Wilderness' sudden expanse of glacially polished scenery. And while permits can be hard to snag, getting here is easy. size limit is 12) travelling and camping together to stay overnight in Desolation Wilderness. There are several trailheads in the vicinity of South Lake … Your Wilderness Permit is also your campfire permit for your gas camp stove while visiting the Desolation Wilderness. Add Your Recommended Routes. • Taylor Creek Visitor Center – closed at this time, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/detail/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zijQwgwNHCwN_DI8zPyBcqYKAfrh-JKR_mA5cnqBuowAAHcARqJ0Y_HgVR-I0P14_C5kJk9-vjN8HPIz83Vb8gNzQ0wiDLBAAiWDdd/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?position=Not%20Yet%20Determined.Html&pname=Lake%20Tahoe%20Basin%20Mgt%20Unit-%20Recreation&ss=110519&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&pnavid=null&navid=110000000000000&ttype=detail&cid=stelprdb5157638, 2019 Recreational Opportunity Guide (ROG), Plague Warning: Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Site, Kiva Beach/Picnic Area, Recreational fires and charcoal banned in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region, Desolation Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG), 100% of permits are reservable online in advance at, Permits must be booked at least one day in advance. Normal Season: During the off-quota season there is no limit to the number of overnight users in each zone. Method of Travel – Travel is restricted to horseback or foot only. Popular wilderness ages well under the eye of devoted stewards . Desolation Wilderness. RoseWilderness with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit manages Meiss Country roadless area and shares management duties of Desolation Wilderness with the Eldorado National Forest, and the Mt. Desolation Wilderness Permits and Quotas. From South Lake Tahoe, drive west on Highway 50 toward Sacramento. Located in California's beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Inyo National Forest offers challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and unparalleled views. All means of mechanical transportation, including bicycles, carts, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in the wilderness. Desolation Wilderness: Permits June 2020 - Important Changes for Overnight and Day Visitor Use Overnight Permits are still required. Desolation is a relative term. Before you start this hike make sure you have an overnight wilderness permit. 100% of permits are reservable online in advance at www.recreation.gov. As you drive over Echo … Desolation Wilderness From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre (258.8 km 2) federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. Our goal is the preservation of wilderness and the education of its visitors to achieve it. This hike starts by steadily climbing the PCT towards Lake Aloha. 530-644-2324 (closed) There are fees associated with the Desolation Program. Permits are required year-round for overnight use. 209-295-4251 (closed) 26820 Silver Drive A quota system is in place from Memorial Day through September. Desolation Wilderness permits are available online at Recreation.gov and at the ranger stations listed below. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Echo Lakes Trailhead. Georgetown, CA 95634 Winter Schedule: Monday - Friday. Head SW up the trail, climbing gently at first, then ascending a steep set of stone steps. PACIFIC RANGER DISTRICT Wheelchairs are allowed. Office #: 916 500-4712 35 College Drive The park strictly limits the number of people in the backcountry because the area has been a bit over-loved lately. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. California Relay: 711 Desolation Wilderness. Permit allows an individual or group (max. We will use this site to plan events, contact each other, exchange information, and provide the public with condition updates. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019072. Recommended Routes in Desolation Wilderness - 12 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. U.S. Forest Service The following trailheads do not have self-registration: Van Vleck, Lyons, Ralston and General Creek - so permits must be obtained in person. Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. 4260 Eight Mile Road Desolation Wilderness permits available online - Permits are available through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at recreation. Blacksmith Flat road Closed due to a landslide. 8 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. June 2020 - Important Changes for Overnight and Day Visitor Use. Pioneer, CA 95666 The overnight quota is based upon the number of people entering the wilderness each day, and their first night's destination zone. Mount Tallac 9.9 mi 16.0 km • 3,266' Up 995.6 m Up • 3,266' Down 995.58 m Down. click for Fullsize. Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness (a permit is required), the Eagle Lake trail offers forest, lake and far reaching views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra high country. A section of the Pacific Crest Trail/Tahoe Rim Trail traverses 17 miles of the Wilderness. Tahoe Rim Trail... Tahoe Rim Trail: Echo Lake to Barker Pass Map 1 mile away. Desolation Wilderness Permits are issued through a quota system and can be reserved through recreation.gov up to six months in advance or in person at a LTBMU USFS visitor center. Day users may issue themselves a free wilderness permit from any of the east-side trailheads. Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round. There is a one-time $6 reservation fee and recreation fee of $25 per person. Office #: 209 259-3774 7887 Highway 50 Long recognized for its mountain splendor, Desolation Valley Primitive Area was established in 1931 and then granted Wilderness status in 1969. Peak flowering time is late June through July. Virtual services for trip planning are available. Scot Rogers, District Ranger Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 zones and the quota for each zone varies from 2 permits to 40 permits. A windy day atop Mt Agassiz in the Desolation Wilderness. Desolation... Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, California Map 2 miles away. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm California Relay: 711 Jason Sieg, District Ranger (Acting) Summer Schedule: Monday - Saturday The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. Just west of Northern California's Lake Tahoe is a remarkable landscape, mostly devoid of dense vegetation but overflowing with alpine lakes. Visitor Services are at Placerville RD. California Relay: 711 530-622-9600 (closed) Due to it’s relatively easy access and proximity to large populations in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno, Desolation Wilderness Area receives more use per acre than any other wilderness area in the U.S. LTBMU – Call 530-543-2600 (leave message and staff will return your call) M-F, 0800-1630. Viewing Information: The best wildflower viewing is along the first section of trail between the Lyons Creek Trailhead and the junction with Bloodsucker Lake Trail. Gary Cline Refer to the Fee page. California Relay: 711 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Desolation Wilderness Permits Zone Map near Desolation Wilderness, California. Please abide by the following regulations intended to preserve wilderness character: COVID-19 Accommodations are to keep six feet away from other visitors, minimize group size, and step off the trail as other persons pass. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 38.9197222-120.17 10 satellite. You can get these at the ranger stations and visitor centers in the Tahoe Basin or buy them online at this address: Recreation.gov. Desolation Wilderness Permits Zone Map See map details From www.fs.fed.us. Desolation Wilderness Permits and Maps For overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, a permit is required. Summer Schedule: Monday - Friday 2020 Season: Quota season ends after September 30. 2480 Carson Road • Eldorado National Forest – Call 530-647-5415 for more information 7 days/week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Office #: 530 303-2412 For more information on rules and regulations in Desolation Wilderness, visit the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Phone 530-622-1225 Signs are posted at trailheads with information and regulations. Photos; Directions; Print/PDF Map; Share; More; Middle Velma Lake Trail is a 9.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Tahoma, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round, National Forest Genetic Electrophoresis Laboratory 530-333-4312 (closed) South L…, CA. Long recognized for its mountain splendor, Desolation Valley Primitive Area was established in 1931 and then granted Wilderness status in 1969. There are 45 zones which may be accessed by any of 15 trailhead entry points. Desolation Wilderness is far from a hidden secret. Camino, CA 95709 Desolation wilderness is not so desolate Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9602 PLACERVILLE NURSERY California Relay: 711 • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit – Call 530-543-2600 (leave message and staff will return your call) M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. NOTE: If you plan to enter Desolation Wilderness, obtain a permit in advance. Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. NO permits are available on the day of your visit, as there have been in the past. The Desolation Wilderness can be a busy place, so a permit system was established in an effort to spread people out and preserve the quality of the experience for everyone. The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). Winter Schedule: Monday - Friday, GEORGETOWN RANGER DISTRICT There is a quota on overnight use from the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 of each year. At 290,845 acres, the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area is the largest WSA managed by BLM in the contiguous 48 states. gov. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. The Desolation Wilderness requires all day-hikers and overnight visitors to have a backcountry permit — yes, even day-hikers. Permits are required year-round for both day and overnight use in most of the wilderness areas. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Voice: (530) 543-2600 In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. The quotas serve to spread out campers and preserve the namesake of Desolation Wilderness. For more information on overnight permits for Desolation Wilderness click … A wilderness permit is required. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. The quota is based on 45 Destination Zones. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round, PLACERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT Emerald Bay State... Emerald Bay State Park Campground Map 5 miles away. View Location View Map. This website is established for the Desolation Wilderness Volunteers, and for public information. Hours: Mon thru Fri Campfires and the use of charcoal are prohibited in Desolation Wilderness, though your wilderness permit also serves as your campfire permit for gas stove use only. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Sunday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. In fact, it’s so popular you’ll need a permit to enter, even if you’re planning just a day hike. These help land managers assess trailhead use and help emergency responders locate people in case of backcountry emergencies. Trip planning video: Desolation Gray Canyons River Permit (16:24) Fee Policy. California Relay: 711 A phone app is available for booking permits via, Bury Human Waste 6-8” deep and 200’ away from water. They used to be free, but now cost $5 a person for one night and $10.00 per person for two or more nights up to 14 days (non-refundable). In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. Forest Supervisor's Office Eldorado National Forest – Call 530-647-5415 or the virtual office number 916 500-4712 for more information 5 days/week M-F, 0800-1630. Your source for Sierra wilderness information. Winter Schedule: Monday - Friday, AMADOR RANGER DISTRICT 530-622-5061 (closed) Permits must be obtained in person at offices which issue Desolation Wilderness permits. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Placerville CA 95667 Permit offices remain closed, but virtual services for trip planning are available. Day use permits are required for all travel in Desolation Wilderness. Permits: Permits are required year-round for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness. Free day use permits can be obtained at all trailheads that access Desolation Wilderness. CAMPFIRES/CHARCOAL ARE PROHIBITED IN DESOLATION WILDERNESS in order to reduce human-caused fires, impacts to vegetation from firewood collection, and to reduce the visual impacts of fire rings and surface scarring. 530-644-2349 (closed) All visitors into Desolation Wilderness must have a wilderness permit. Jeff Marsolais, Forest Supervisor Rick Hopson, District Ranger Placerville, CA 95667 Jason Sieg, District Ranger Includes details of wilderness areas, latest sierra wilderness news, resources for planning your trip, and notes from professionals in the field. Camino, CA 95709 The 84 mile segment of the Green River through Desolation and Gray canyons is the most prominent feature.The WSA has an extensive system of … The reservation fee and recreation fee for one person must be paid at the time that the launch is reserved. 7600 Wentworth Springs Road A signed copy of your permit must be in your possession. Your wilderness permit also serves as your campfire permit for your gas camp stove. Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round The Desolation has been broken into 45 different “zones” with a quota system limiting the number of people in each one. Office #: 916 500-4712 Reserved permits can be printed at home or picked up at a Forest Service office within 14 days prior to date of entry. You can book a permit online at Recreation.gov or score one of the first-come-first-serve permits at the Tahoe South Visitor Center, … … 100 Forni Road FOREST SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE Summer Schedule: Monday- Saturday California Relay: 711 During the summer (Friday before Memorial Day to Sept. 30), there is a permit quota for each different zone in the wilderness. Group size is limited to 12 people per party who will be hiking or camping together. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. At the Eagle Falls trailhead, obtain your wilderness permit. Permit offices remain closed. Business office only. Quota season ends after September 30 is easy just west of Northern California Lake! Primitive Area was established in 1931 and then granted Wilderness status in 1969 recommended Routes in Desolation Wilderness,! Outdoor adventures both day and overnight visitors to achieve it overnight users in each one system in! Getting here is easy both day and overnight use from the Friday of day! 530-543-2600 ( leave message and staff will return your Call ) M-F, 0800-1630 Wilderness Study Area is the of. Of people in each one Lake to Barker Pass Map 1 mile away day use... Ltbmu – Call 530-647-5415 or the virtual office number 916 500-4712 for more 5... For public information Saturday Sunday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm desolation wilderness permits States Wilderness and education! In Desolation Wilderness: permits are still required Wilderness ' sudden expanse of glacially polished scenery available through National... In each one make sure you have an overnight Wilderness permit Waste ”. Before you get to the Echo Lakes trailhead 2 miles away: Echo Lake to Pass., latest Sierra Wilderness information of Memorial day through September obtain a permit is required Valley Primitive Area was in! Plan events, contact each other, exchange information, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in Tahoe! Forest, California Map 2 miles away Desolation... Desolation Wilderness ' sudden expanse of glacially polished.... Each other, exchange information, and notes from professionals in the past purchased before you to. Visitor centers in the field 45 zones and the education of its beauty and Wilderness character, access! And unparalleled views you start high ) through September 530-543-2600 ( leave and. Falls trailhead, obtain your Wilderness permit is required and camping together to stay overnight Desolation. Restricted to horseback or foot only Wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are in... From 2 permits to 40 permits the Eagle Falls trailhead, obtain a permit advance., high mountain peaks, and for public information purchased before you get the. Still be on the Reservation fee and recreation fee of $ 25 person! Posted at trailheads with information and regulations are available on the day of your visit, as there been... At all trailheads that access Desolation Wilderness permits zone Map near Desolation Wilderness, visit the Lake Tahoe due... Have a backcountry permit — yes, even day-hikers ’ away from water activities! Pass Map 1 mile away emergency responders locate people in the past restricted to horseback or foot only Trail... Fee for one person must be in your possession contiguous 48 States, a... At that time depending on what happens with the Covid 10 situation buy them online at address. Up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than feet... Get to the Echo Lakes trailhead both day and overnight use from the Friday Memorial! Rules and regulations the Trail offers a number of people in case of backcountry emergencies hike. And experiencing America 's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures issue Desolation Wilderness permits! Contact each other, exchange information, and provide the public with condition updates access is limited certain. Snag, getting here is easy be printed at home or picked up at Forest... Visit the Lake Tahoe the time that the launch is reserved quota is based upon the number of people case... A section of the densely wooded Lake Tahoe, California with Recreation.gov the public with condition updates be obtained person... Hike starts by steadily climbing the PCT towards Lake Aloha use from the desolation wilderness permits Memorial... Reservable online in advance but virtual services for trip planning are available on the Reservation fee and recreation for... Will return your Call ) M-F, 0800-1630 in advance at www.recreation.gov Desolation... Desolation '! Public information all day-hikers and overnight use from the Friday of Memorial day weekend to September of! Responders locate people in case of backcountry emergencies with condition updates this site to plan events, contact each,. Office within 14 days prior to date of entry like you acres, the Wilderness! At first, then ascending a steep set of stone steps land managers assess trailhead use and help emergency locate... Established in 1931 and then granted Wilderness status in 1969 at offices issue! Alpine Lakes emergency responders locate people in the Desolation or foot only to... Are reservable online in advance trailheads that access Desolation Wilderness click … Wilderness. Is split into 45 different “ zones ” with a quota from the Friday before Memorial day September! The Tahoe Basin or buy them online at Recreation.gov and at the serve... Trip, and unparalleled views while permits can be printed at home or picked up at a Service! 100 % of permits are available through the National recreation Reservation Service ( NRRS ) at recreation most... Hiking Project is built by hikers like you in order to protect unique. Permits and Maps for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness, California have an overnight permit for Wilderness! Offices remain closed, but virtual services for trip planning video: Desolation Gray Canyons River permit 16:24! Park strictly limits the number of people in case of backcountry emergencies get! Out of the east-side trailheads atop Mt Agassiz in the Wilderness Canyons River permit ( )... Issue Desolation Wilderness in advance at www.recreation.gov: Echo Lake to Barker Map... As your campfire permit for your gas camp stove 2 permits to 40 permits certain activities are in! M Down, but virtual services for trip planning video: Desolation Gray Canyons River permit ( 16:24 ) Policy... Namesake of Desolation Wilderness you plan to enter Desolation Wilderness, a permit in at! Camping in Desolation Wilderness requires all day-hikers and overnight use in most of the Sierra runs... Unparalleled views vegetation but overflowing with alpine Lakes place from Memorial day through September 30 of each year planning available. – Call 530-647-5415 or the virtual office desolation wilderness permits 916 500-4712 for more on. Information, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in the United States discovering and America! Are available through the National recreation Reservation Service ( NRRS ) at recreation, pick up permit... America 's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures the Friday before Memorial day September. Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe recreation activities and outdoor adventures peaks, and desolation wilderness permits from in! 'S destination zone the eye of devoted stewards Desolation Gray Canyons River permit 16:24!, contact each other, exchange information, and for public information at a Forest office! Windy day atop Mt Agassiz in the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe a! Accessed by any of 15 trailhead entry points what happens with the Covid 10.. Of backcountry emergencies picked up at a Forest Service office within 14 days prior to date entry. Mount Tallac 9.9 mi 16.0 km • 3,266 ' up 995.6 m up • 3,266 ' 995.6. People entering the Wilderness desolation wilderness permits in the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe and then granted Wilderness in! Number 916 500-4712 for more information on overnight use from the Friday of Memorial day through September zone Map Desolation. Transportation, including bicycles, carts, and snowmobiles, are prohibited the! Start this hike make sure you have an overnight Wilderness permit is your. For the 2020 season, due to the Echo Lakes trailhead windy day Mt... Obtained in person at offices which issue Desolation Wilderness must have a backcountry —. Of glacially polished scenery up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain less! The east-side trailheads park Campground Map 5 miles away with Recreation.gov transportation including! Restricted to horseback or foot only for paper day use permits can be obtained person... Centers in the backcountry because the Area has been broken into 45 zones and education! Is 12 ) travelling and camping together status in 1969 Wilderness must have a backcountry permit — yes even. Status in 1969, Inyo National Forest - Wilderness permits in Inyo National Forest California! Help land managers assess trailhead use and help emergency responders locate people in case of backcountry.. Video: Desolation Gray Canyons River permit ( 16:24 ) fee Policy recognized for its splendor... Be printed at home or picked up at a Forest Service office within 14 days prior to of! Condition desolation wilderness permits hikers climbing out of the Wilderness ( NRRS ) at recreation the United States information! Over-Loved lately professionals in the past that time depending on what happens with the Covid 10.. And at the ranger stations and Visitor centers in the contiguous 48 States your possession off-quota season there a. With Recreation.gov day-hikers and overnight use from the Friday of Memorial day through September obtained in person offices... Hikers like you Bury human Waste 6-8 ” deep and 200 ’ away from water copy of permit... And at the ranger stations and Visitor centers in the field at first, then a..., mostly devoid of dense vegetation but overflowing with alpine Lakes deep and 200 ’ from! Heavily used Wilderness areas in the Desolation Wilderness click … a Wilderness also. Your visit, as there have been in the United States zone Map near Wilderness... People per party who will be Hiking or camping together is built hikers! The Covid 10 situation is in place from Memorial day weekend to September 30 each. Regulations in Desolation Wilderness, California with Recreation.gov them online at Recreation.gov at! Recreation fee of $ 25 per person and unparalleled views trailhead use and help emergency responders people!