Desolation Wilderness
Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Desolation Wilderness (map of the Desolation Wilderness) in 1969 and it now has a total of See Desolation Wilderness breakdown of 64,041 acres.
All of this Wilderness is located in California and is managed by the Forest Service.
Description
Desolation Wilderness covers 63,475 acres of rugged alpine terrain west of Lake Tahoe, featuring granite peaks, glacial valleys, subalpine forests, and about 130 lakes. Elevations range from 6,500 to nearly 10,000 feet, with snow often blocking high passes until mid-July.
Designated a wilderness area in 1969, it includes 17 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and offers access through 13 trailheads, including popular ones at Wrights, Echo, Eagle Falls, and Fallen Leaf. The northwest section is quieter and more remote, requiring navigation skills.
Because of its beauty and accessibility, it’s one of the most visited wilderness areas of its size in the U.S. Permits are required for all visits, with day users self-registering at trailheads and overnight visitors needing advance permits through Recreation.gov. Campfires are banned, and hard-sided bear canisters are mandatory.
Leave No Trace
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Desolation Wilderness.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.