LAKE TAHOE BASIN

DESOLATION WILDERNESS 

 

In 1969 Desolation Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation system by an Act of Congress.  Wilderness is a place where nature is unchanged by humans.  You will find nature on its own terms in desolation – natural fires may be encountered, and hazards such as high water stream crossings and sudden stormy weather can occur at any time.  These are all part of a wilderness experience. 

Desolation Wilderness contains 63,475 acres of subalpine forests, granite peaks and glacially formed valleys and lakes.  As in all wilderness areas, travel is limited to foot or horseback.  No motorized or mechanized equipment, such as bicycles, hangliders, chainsaws or game carts are allowed.

 

Wilderness Permits                                                                                                                                                     

All visitors into Desolation Wilderness must have a wilderness permit.  Day users may issue themselves a wilderness permit from any of the east-side trailheads.  For west-side entry, not all trailheads have self-registration available, so permits must be obtained in person.  Overnight users must register at the Forest Service office in South Lake Tahoe or at the Eldorado Information Center in Camino.  Open campfires are prohibited in Desolation Wilderness.  Use portable gas stoves only.

 

The Quota System                                                                                                                                                       

Because Desolation is an extremely popular wilderness area and receives very heavy use during the summer months, it has been necessary to impose a quota for overnight use from June 15 through Labor Day.

The quota is based upon the number of people, the date and particular point of entry.  During this time, the quota gives access to 700 overnight users per day.  There is a limit of 15 people per permit.  These numbers help maintain the “wilderness experience” that most people are seeking.

For overnight users, 50% of the quota permits may be reserved up to 90 days in advance.  The other 50% are issued on the actual day of entry on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If a permit has been issued on Friday, permittees must enter on Friday.  The permit is not valid entry on Saturday since the quota is based on day of entry.  Likewise, a permit issued for entrance at one trailhead cannot be used at another.  Reservations may be made over the phone or in person.  Permits are issued in person only, unless a written request with a complete itinerary is sent well in advance of your trip.

 

Wilderness Ethics                                                                                                                                                       

Human impact can potentially destroy wilderness areas.  Resident and visitor alike must share in the responsibility of protecting this unique resource.  Here are a few suggestions on how you can help:

Pack out your trash (including toilet paper) and any other litter that you see.

Make camps and do all washing at least 100 feet paces)

from all water sources.

Bury human waste six inches deep at least 100 feet (50 paces) from lakes, streams, campsites and trails.

Stay on trails to reduce erosion.

Leave radios and tape players at home.

 

Other Wilderness Areas                                                                                                                                               

In addition to Desolation, there are several other nearby wilderness areas to choose from for back-county travel.

GRANITE CHIEF, on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, borders the back of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley ski resorts before travelling south toward Twin Peaks and Barker Pass.  This wilderness is not as crowded as Desolation and does not require a wilderness permit at this time.  Campfire permits are required.

MT. ROSE, is a newly established wilderness area northeast of Lake Tahoe in the state of Nevada.  A wilderness permit is not requires at this time.  A campfire permit is required.  To obtain current trail conditions or maps, contact the Carson Ranger District, 1536 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 or call (775) 882-2766.

MOKELUMNE WILDERNESS lies between Highway 88 and Highway 4, it has 105,165 acres of remote backcountry with excellent recreational opportunities.  The elevation ranges from 4,000 feet near Salt Springs reservoir to over 10,000 feet at Round Top.  The average summer use period is usually from early June through late September.  Wilderness permits are required for overnight users only.  A campfire permit is required.  Campfires are NOT allowed at the following lakes: Frog, Winnemucca, Round Top, Fourth of July and Emigrant.

 

Information                                                                                                                                                                 

For more information on wilderness area or minimum impact camping contact

 

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

870 Emerald Bay Road / South Lake Tahoe, CA  96150

(530) 573-2600 (Voice) / (530) 541-4036 (TDD)

 

Eldorado Information Center

3070 Camino Heights Drive / Camino, CA  95709

(530) 644-6048