Desolation Wilderness Permit

Eldorado National Forest

Desolation Wilderness is open for overnight and day use. Visitors should use caution when travelling through areas burned in the Caldor Fire and be aware of dead and fire-weakened trees and other hazards present in the recently burned landscape.

Use this Desolation trip planning guide (PDF) to make the most of your visit and learn more about the permitting system, trail conditions and Desolation wilderness stewardship opportunities.

Visitors must obtain a Wilderness permit for overnight camping as well as day visits, year-round. A quota system is in place for the 45 overnight destination zones from the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30th each year. The system disperses visitors throughout the area, providing an opportunity for solitude and reflection. Overnight permits are available for reservation six months in advance. A recreation fee is assessed during the permitting process. Day use permits are free of charge.

Desolation Wilderness is accessed through 13 trailheads: Loon Lake, Van Vleck, Rockbound, Twin Lakes, Lyons Creek, Pyramid Creek, Ralston Peak, Echo Lake, Glen Alpine, Mt. Tallac, Bayview, Eagle Lake and Meeks Bay. During the winter months, most of the trailheads are covered by snow and are not accessible by vehicle. Contact a local U.S. Forest Service office for current conditions.

Long recognized for its many lakes surrounded by glacial carved granite basins, Desolation Valley Primitive Area was established in 1931 and became a congressionally designated wilderness area in 1969. Desolation Wilderness is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in California. It straddles the crest of the Sierra Nevada range, encompassing 63,690 acres, and has elevations ranging from 6,500 feet to nearly 10,000 feet. Pyramid Peak as the highest point, topping out at 9,987 feet. Horsetail Falls, which tumbles in stages for nearly 500 feet, is just one of the area's many waterfalls.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail traverses 17 miles through Desolation Wilderness, from Echo Lakes to the south to Richardson Lake just past the northern boundary. The Tahoe Rim Trail also travels through Desolation.

While summertime draws the most visitors, during the winter, the area is a popular playground for experienced backcountry skiers and snowshoers.

Notifications and Alerts

Permit & Season Information

Overnight Permits: 

Day Use Permit: 

Obtain a free permit from a local Forest Service office , or at trailheads in the summer.  

Need to Know

Desolation Wilderness Guidelines 

To protect fragile ecosystems and reduce environmental impacts, follow the visitor use guidelines below and this additional trip planning information. 

Permits 

Campfires 

Quota 

Group Size 

Camping 

Special Management Areas 

Waste 

Bears and Food Storage 

Pets 

Natural Features 

Livestock 

Other Considerations 

Commercial Use 

Fee Policy

Reservation Fee: A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each overnight permit reserved.

Overnight Recreation Fee: There is a per person fee for a Desolation Wilderness Overnight Permit. Fees are charged as follows:

Adult (over 12 years in age): $5 per person for the 1st night; $10 for 2-14 nights

Child (12 years and younger): Free

Desolation Annual Pass Holder: Free. However, the $6/permit reservation fee still applies.

Parking: Pyramid Creek, Eagle Falls, Loon Lake, Rockbound, and Twin Lakes Day Use Areas have a day use fee, which is waived for overnight permit holders. Overnight permit holders must display parking pass in vehicle.

The maximum charge for recreation fees is $100 per permit.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations

Cancel at least eight days prior to entry date: all recreation fees will be refunded. 

Cancel seven days or less prior to the entry date: none of the fees will be refunded. 

The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable for all reservations. 

Change Policy: 

Changes to your permit are allowed if they are made greater than eight days before your date of entry. Once your permit is available to print, no changes will be allowed (refer to cancellation policy). 

Change in the number of people, number of days, or the first night destination zone: log onto the website or contact the call center to make changes. A $5 change fee will apply (if you are increasing your party size, additional use fees will apply). 

Changing the date of entry: cancel your current permit and reserve a new permit. A $6.00 reservation fee will apply to the new permit reservation.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

4260 Eight Mile Road Camino CA 95709

Mailing Address

35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe CA 96150

Phone Number

530-647-5415 or 530-543-2600

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