Desolation Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness is a designated protected wilderness area of pristine National Forest land within the Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County. Spanning nearly 64,000 acres, the protected wilderness is home to numerous alpine lakes, sub-alpine and alpine forests and stunning granite peaks, spires and teetering boulders that lend to the natural landscape's beauty. There are various places to camp that are interlinked by beautiful single track trails that are host only to feet. To protect this special part of the world, no mechanical apparatus such as bikes, motorcycles or off-road vehicles are allowed. Campers, hikers and horseback riders must obtain a permit before venturing into Desolation Wilderness. Overnight camping permits can be obtained online at recreation.gov/permits/233261. Campfires are not allowed in Desolation Wilderness, but gas stoves are allowed with a valid, California Campfire Permit obtainable online at readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.