Best trails in Desolation Wilderness, California

The Desolation Wilderness is within the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. The crest of the Sierra Nevada is found here. This wilderness area is in the Sierra Mountain range where rugged natural wonders rule. Alpine lakes, boat-in campgrounds, and bald eagles are just a few of the amazing things that await visitors. The lowest elevation in the park is about 4,000 feet and Pyramid Peak reaches up to 9,700 feet. At these elevations, weather can change quickly and cold can set in. Campers, hikers, and snowshoers should be prepared with adequate clothing, water, and (optionally) bear spray for any potential bear or mountain lion encounters (although these are very rare). NOTE: Permits are required year-round. A signed copy of your permit must be in your possession at all times. We recently changed offices. Our updated information is listed below: Pick up permits for West side entry at the: Placerville Ranger Station 260 Eight Mile Road Camino Ca. 95709. Call for current days and hours: (530) 647-5415. Eight miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and take exit 54 (Cedar Grove). Turn right on Eight Mile road. Pick up permit for East side entry at the Taylor Creek Forest Service 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. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, located 2 miles east of the Highway 50/89 junction on in South Lake Tahoe. Turn right on Al Tahoe Blvd., then right at the first signal. 35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Phone: (530) 543-2600. While many California parks can be full of visitors, Desolation Wilderness truly lives up to its name, giving visitors the freeing feeling of being out in the wild. This wilderness is also dog friendly, and overnight camping is free and easy to come by. As a huge plus, poison oak does not grow at these elevations, so you can relax a bit more while spending time off trail. Kayaking on Echo Lakes, off road driving west from Lake Tahoe, or basking in Horsetail Falls and Bassi Falls after a good snowy season are just a few of the adventures you can choose from. brochure is on this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3795175.pdf Eldorado National Forest website: Desolation Wilderness information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019062 Volunteers website that yields great information for the public as well: http://desowv.org/