Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round, National Forest Genetic Electrophoresis Laboratory Another cross country route, shown on old maps, heads more north from this same NW side towards Lake Winefred near the Rubicon Jeep Trail. click for Fullsize. Permits are required year-round for overnight use. LTBMU – Call 530-543-2600 (leave message and staff will return your call) M-F, 0800-1630. California Relay: 711 If the recreation area is open, at the junction by the stop sign, turn right and follow it to the end where you will find a trailhead parking lot. The two most logical starting points for an overnighter were the Glen Alpine Trail at Lily Lake and the Mt Tallac trailhead. It can be difficult to find solitude, especially if you’re hiking to Lake Aloha or up Pyramid Peak on a summer weekend. 530-644-2349 (closed) Phone 530-622-1225 The Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 zones. Summer Schedule: Monday - Friday During the off-quota season there is no limit to the number of overnight users in each zone. This is a big hike that will bring you to some of the least traveled and most scenic parts of the Desolation Wilderness, ending with a plung in Lake Doris. We waited a few weeks for more snow to melt, then made our reservation for Lake Aloha (Zone 33). Twin Lakes and Island Lake – Desolation Wilderness (12 mile trek) There were a ton of small wildflowers on the ridge, which made the hike really beautiful. 7600 Wentworth Springs Road In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. Desolation Wilderness Main Features: Meeks Bay is the trail head for the Classic Tahoe to Yosemite Trail, and an excellent entry point into the Desolation Wilderness for short and medium distance backpackers as … This summer the Desolation Wilderness was simply blooming with wildflowers, after the first wet winter in a five-year drought. Although it involves a long day, this trip can easily be done as a day hike for strong parties. During the winter months, most of the trailheads are covered by snow and are not accessible. Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. 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/ltbmu/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5157687, 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). California Relay: 711 Camino, CA 95709 Historical Weather. Each weekend, the landscape’s colors have shifted and I'm constantly delighted, as we hike from one terrain to the next. California Relay: 711 Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used protected areas in the United States. The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). 35 College Drive Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. The 63,000 acre area with endless trail systems and lakes has a solid permit system that keeps it from being overcrowded. 530-333-4312 (closed) 530-644-2324 (closed) You can reserve 18 spots ahead of time online at Recreation.gov, and 18 spots are available for same day walk in. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit This Wilderness area is split up into 45 different zones, with each having a specific permitting quota. Day 1 – Choosing a Route Through Desolation Wilderness. Winter Schedule: Monday - Friday, AMADOR RANGER DISTRICT There is a quota on overnight use from the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 of each year. U.S. Forest Service IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR VISITOR USE, 2020: DAY USE PERMITS: The use of paper day use permits is temporarily suspended in Desolation Wilderness for the 2020 season, due to the current COVID-19 situation. View Location View Map. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate. The charts include the distance one way to the destination, the difficulty rating for that section of the trail, and the zone you will be in when you reach that destination. Winter Schedule: Monday - Friday, GEORGETOWN RANGER DISTRICT Desolation Wilderness Zone Map There are 45 zones which may be accessed by any of 15 trailhead entry points. Office #: 530 334-6477 If you choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall trip. Here, in the high country above Lake Tahoe, only the hardiest trees grow, twisting in the gales to make a scene out of their survival. 100 Forni Road The view looking back towards Twin Lakes at sunset. The overnight quota is based upon the number of people entering the wilderness each day, and their first night's destination zone. Desolation Wilderness Permits Zone Map near Desolation Wilderness, California. Virtual services for trip planning are available. Basics: This overnight hike was about 13 miles round-trip. Located at the southern end of the Crystal Range, at 9,983 feet Pyramid Peak is the alpha peak in Californias 38.9197222-120.17 10 satellite. 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, … This is the Desolation Wilderness zone map from Recreation.gov. 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. There are fees associated with the Desolation Program. Placerville CA 95667 In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is … Hours: Mon thru Fri TTY: (530) 543-0956 Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm The hike over Rockbound Pass is far less crowded than many of the trails on the eastern side of the wilderness. 2480 Carson Road The area is divided into 45 zones and permits are required year-round, with quotas in … (PDF 113 KB). Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 7887 Highway 50 California Relay: 711 In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. Permit offices remain closed. Business office only. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather stations. Click here for all the important dates for booking CA backpacking permits As with almost all of the zones in Desolation Wilderness, there is more than one trailhead to choose from as your entry/exit point, as was the case for us. Pioneer, CA 95666 Follow Wrights Lake Road until you reach Wrights Lake. 8 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. The Desolation Wilderness, located southwest of Lake Tahoe, above Emerald Bay contains 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, bald granite peaks, dramatic cliffs, and glacially-formed valleys and more than 100 lakes. Sunday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. The overnight quota is based upon the number of people entering the wilderness each day, and their first night's destination zone. Securing Your Wilderness Permit. It can be reached by taking Wrights Lake Road off of Highway 50. Normal Season: During the off-quota season there is no limit to the number of overnight users in each zone. California Relay: 711 At waterfall camp, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls. We snagged 6 of the allotted 25 spots for this zone. Andrea Cabida, District Ranger (Acting) FOREST SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE 4260 Eight Mile Road Group size is limited to 12 people per party who will be hiking or camping together. Thanks to it’s breathtaking granite landscape and accessibility, the Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country. Forest Supervisor's Office Easy marked dirt trail then on the granite there were stones lined along the way to … Blacksmith Flat road Closed due to a landslide. 530-622-5061 (closed) It is also one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country due to its proximity to South Lake Tahoe, breathtaking views, numerous lakes & waterfalls, and stunning granite geography. Use to figure out Desolation Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas near Lake Tahoe at almost 64,000 acres. Office #: 209 259-3774 Georgetown, CA 95634 As with most backpacking destinations, you’ll need to secure a wilderness permit for any overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness. In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. 530-622-9600 (closed) Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. Desolation Wilderness Permits and Maps For overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, a permit is required. Placerville, CA 95667 Both Fontanillis and Dicks lakes are in the same zone, #23. If it is already full, try for one of the three zones around Velma Lakes and camp at one of them on your first night. Gary Cline The nearest temperature station is XN TAHOE VALLEY AP which is approximately 9 miles away and has an elevation of 150 feet (1,850 feet lower than Desolation Wilderness). Getting There Smith Lake is located inside Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado County. Winter Schedule: Monday - Friday. Permits must be obtained in person or by telephone at the offices listed above which issue Desolation Wilderness permits. PACIFIC RANGER DISTRICT Desolation Wilderness Area Trailheads You will find a list below of destinations by trailhead. Visitors must choose a first night destination (see zone map below). Although this hike can be done as a … Desolation Wilderness Trip Planning Guide to Welcome to Your Wilderness 1 Desola on Wilderness Zone Map 2 Find Your Path 3 ‐ 4 Visit for the Day 5 Tips for Travel 6 Camp Overnight 7 ‐ 8 Preserve Wilderness 9 Explore—Trail Mileages 10 The Tell’s Peak area is a rugged shortcut into Desolation Wilderness using the Forni Lake trail up to Tell’s peak where a faint abandoned trail goes off the NW side and down to Highland Lake. Taking in the view of Twin Lakes and the waterfall that feeds into the lakes 2375 Fruitridge Road This wilderness 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. 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. PLACERVILLE NURSERY Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. Permits are available only online via recreation.gov; paper permits are not being issued in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rick Hopson, District Ranger Camino, CA 95709 Zone and trailhead map of the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, California. Aloha Lake is in Desolation Wilderness zone - #33. Annual Dirt Road Closure in effect January 1. Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round. 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). California Relay: 711 Jeff Marsolais, Forest Supervisor Desolation Wilderness is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and punished over and over by heavy winds and snow. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/desolation-wilderness/backpacking Also consider avoiding the wilderness during high-use periods. … There is a quota on overnight use from the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 of each year. Leland Lakes (Lower) 29 Jun 2014; 8125' Home; About; Lakes; Notes Each zone has a quota. Pollock Pines, CA 95726-9602 Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the country. 209-295-4251 (closed) Schedule: Monday - Friday, year-round The one-way distance is about 5.7 miles, with about 3,300' of elevation gain. Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. For day hikers, you can self issue a permit at the trailhead. Desolation Wilderness: Zone Quota Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. 26820 Silver Drive 2020 Season: Quota season ends after September 30. Steve Hall, District Ranger (Acting) Permits must be obtained in person at offices which issue Desolation Wilderness permits. Do not gather in groups. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 The nearest precipitation station is TWIN LA which is approximately 16 miles away and … Shortly after our last failed attempt at backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, I was ready to try again. Refer to the Fee page. 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. 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