In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. No campfires or stoves are permitted. The valleys and lakes were carved out by a long-gone glacier that moved north some 20,000 years ago. Desolation Wilderness area consists of 45 different zones, each requiring a specific permit. After a hot day of hiking, there is no better way to relax than with a swim in beautiful Lake Aloha where you can spend hours swimming from island to island. The wilderness area is made up of granite peaks, hundreds of lakes and waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful parts of the country that you will ever see. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. There are fees for overnight camping year-round. Contact the Echo Lakes Chalet for more information: (530) 659-7207. GROUP SIZE. Pyramid Peak is a prominent Tahoe landmark, which can be seen from as far away as the Coastal Range, and on clear days it can be clearly seen from Sacramento, almost 100 miles away. Fire Regulations. If you choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall trip. Desolation Wilderness may be visited all year round, but most gates to trailheads are open from Memorial Day through October. From Meeks Bay trail head to Phipps Pass we will be climbing a total of 2561 feet of vertical elevation over 8.88 miles of distance. 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. Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. This map shows all of the Desolation Wilderness trailheads. At waterfall camp, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls. A trek through Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness past several lakes including Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake, and Eagle Lake. After passing the boundary sign, the scenery opened up quite a bit. 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, … Take the Glen Alpine Trail back to Fallen Leaf. Have a great trip ! At Echo Lakes there is a boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. Campfires are not allowed anywhere in the Desolation Wilderness. is required on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Date of experience: September 2015. I figured we were *out of the woods,* past the snowy forest and out in the open! Route Name: Bayview Trailhead Location: South Lake Tahoe, California Duration: 3 days minimum Length:22 km / 13.8 miles For my recent birthday, my brother Sam and I did a 3 days 2 nights backpacking trip in the Desolation Wilderness in the California Sierras. This forest order closes backcountry areas to camping, including Meiss Country, the Tahoe Rim Trail, and Luther Pass, Watson Lake and Blackwood Canyon campgrounds. Both Fontanillis and Dicks lakes are in the same zone, #23. Most people do this route as an overnighter, camping at either Lyons and Sylvia Lakes. Your email address will not be published. Located southwest of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness is a barren landscape. Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 zones and the quota for each zone varies from 2 permits to 40 permits. Trailhead approximate address: Fallen Leaf Lake, Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Helpful. Jonathan Fox. Fire Regulations. Dani and Evan travel down to California for much needed vacation. There are good views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra crest from lot's of places. Both Fontanillis and Dicks lakes are in the same zone, #23. Note: Wright Lake Road is closed during the winter when it snows. 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. Overnight camping will still be permitted in Desolation Wilderness and within 500 feet of the Pacific Crest Trail. REMEMBEAR WHOSE HOUSE YOU ARE CAMPING IN. Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. Desolation Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness of 63,000+ acres in Northern California. Do you have any idea of what you may be experiencing? There are fees for overnight camping year-round. … I think the best introduction to the Desolation Wilderness is to start at the Hwy. Desolation Wilderness may be visited all year round, but most gates to trailheads are open from Memorial Day through October. The trail from Dicks Pass to Susie Lake drops 1590 feet of elevation in 2.93 miles. This 12 mile loop starts at the Fallen Leaf Lake Tamarack Trail Head and intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. #4 - Lake of the Woods via Pacific Crest Trail, #5 - Ralston Lake via Pacific Crest Trail, #6 - PCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80. 50 Snopark ,ski to Echo Chalet ,cross Echo Lakes and set up a base camp at Aloha Lake . Heather Lake, Desolation Wilderness. Finally, in 1969, the 63, 690 acres of the Desolation was incorporated into the National Wilderness Preservation System and became the Desolation Wilderness. There are 45 quota zones offering dispersed backcountry tent camping. Read this page for more information about Desolation Wilderness permits & rules. Back country camping looks like it would be awesome (I envied all those with big packs on their backs). La Desolation Wilderness est située dans la forêt nationale d'Eldorado et dans l'unité de gestion du bassin du lac Tahoe, dans le comté d'El Dorado, en Californie. Those who prefer camping among the trees will find adequate sites along Lake Aloha's northeast shore. Leave No Trace. A fee is charged for this service. Camping fires are not allowed in the area. Group size is limited to 12 people per party who will be hiking or camping together. A Quick Guide to Desolation Wilderness. Located southwest of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness is a barren landscape. Camping in Desolation Wilderness is by permit only (see permits below) Bear proofing of all smellables (food, hygiene products, etc.) During the summer (Friday before Memorial Day to Sept. 30), there is a permit quota for each different zone in the wilderness. Named after its unmistakable shape, from a distance it looks like a huge granite pyramid. Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 zones and the quota for each zone varies from 2 permits to 40 permits. After passing the boundary sign, the scenery opened up quite a bit. Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. Finally, in 1969, the 63, 690 acres of the Desolation was incorporated into the National Wilderness Preservation System and became the Desolation Wilderness. The #tahoerimtrail and #pacificcrestrail travel directly through. The Desolation Wilderness can be a busy place, so a permit system was established in an effort to spread people out and preserve the quality of the experience for everyone. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. A nice Brookie landed at Heather Lake. … Read more. Quotas are in effect during the summer. Fishing. FISHING. Day hikers can get a permit at trailheads. Camping fires are not allowed in the area. It is great for a 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip on … Most forested areas occur between 7,400 and 9,000 feet (2,300 and 2,700 m) of elevation, becoming patchy to rare at higher elevations. It’s the second deepest lake in the United States, after Crater Lake. Share. Required fields are marked *. As the title states, this is a great way to get started hiking in Desolation Wilderness. The trail is fairly flat for most of the hike, with only two sections of significant elevation gain, and you will pass by 5 lakes in under 12 miles round trip. Desolation Wilderness is located just across from the majestic Lake Tahoe. 5.0. Follow the PCT past Lake Aloha, Heather Lake and Susie Lake. The Glen Alpine trail is a relatively gradual climb and distance makes for a great day hike. Camping at Lake Aloha in the Desolation Wilderness. During the summer (Friday before Memorial Day to Sept. 30), there is a permit quota for each different zone in the wilderness. HIKING. During the winter months, most of the trailheads are covered by snow and are not accessible. Little did I know… Failure: Less than 1 mile before reaching Sylvia Lake, the trail crosses Lyons Creek. We were suddenly back in the forest on a northern facing slope. We took a long weekend, hiked to Middle Velma Lake, and were blown away by the alpine… Because Desolation Wilderness is such a popular recreational area, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted within. This part of the Desolation is known for browns and Crag Lake has some fine fish (see below) that move for minnow imitations. A Doubly Protected Space The saving grace of this sweet chain of lakes in this easily accessible valley are the quotas and restrictions on backcountry visitors by the Desolation Wilderness. Read this page for more information about Desolation Wilderness permits & rules. 5 h 48 m Susie and heather lakes (Lake Tahoe) is a 10.6 mile out and back trail located near Lake tahoe, California. We took a long weekend, hiked to Middle Velma Lake, and were blown away by the alpine… Pro Tip: There is an island in the middle of the lake that you can swim to that makes for a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. High quality Desolation Wilderness gifts and merchandise. For day hikes, fill out a day permit at the trailhead (Echo Lakes Trailhead), so that people know where you are in case anything goes wrong. Diese Wildnis ist auch hundefreundlich und Camping über Nacht ist kostenlos und leicht zu bekommen. This nature wonderland is exactly what its name suggests, wilderness and desolation. Explore the most popular camping trails in Desolation Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Your email address will not be published. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the length of the wilderness, and its proximity to roads makes it one of the more easily accessible wildernesses in the Sierra. Some of what I'm excited for you to see in this family camping video: I try a new camp oven baking trick! Shadow and Hidden Lakes have nice aprons for camping around parts of their shorelines. The ground is rocky and hard underfoot. The Desolation Wilderness is located just to the southwest of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50. Located at the southern end of the Crystal Range, at 9,983 feet Pyramid Peak is the alpha peak in Californias Desolation Wilderness Area. See more ideas about Wilderness, Tahoe, Most visited. Contact the Echo Lakes Chalet for more information: (530) 659-7207. Permits: Permits are required year-round for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness. Most visitors seek out more isolated locations among the rocks along the southern side of the lake. The Desolation is a 64,000-acre playground crisscrossed by hiking trails, running water and a generous number of alpine lakes of all sizes bursting with wild brook trout. Elevation 7800 feet. It was quite a few miles before we entered Desolation Wilderness. Genevieve Lake, just one of many lakes in Desolation Wilderness, photo by … Note that only 400 feet of this elevation rise occurs hiking the 2.23 miles from Lake Genevieve to the South side of Stony Ridge Lake. Susie and heather lakes (Lake Tahoe) is a 10.6 mile out and back trail located near Lake tahoe, California. Unit. Campfires on the Tahoe Rim Trail are prohibited. Desolation Canyon WSA stretches from the West Tavaputs plateau to just north of the town of Green River, UT. This hike provides a great tour of some of the best features of desolation wilderness. Lake of the Woods via Pacific Crest Trail, PCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80. Thousands of people visit each year to witness the dramatic natural beauty sculpted from solid rock. Camping in Desolation Wilderness is by permit only (see permits below) Bear proofing of all smellables (food, hygiene products, etc.) At 290,845 acres, the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area is the largest WSA managed by BLM in the contiguous 48 states. Details: Middle Velma Lake - Desolation Wilderness Trail Head At: Bayview Trailhead Campground, South Lake Tahoe Length: 10 Miles Elevation Gain: 2100 Feet This was our first time backpacking Desolation Wilderness in South Tahoe and we absolutely loved it! The Wilderness sits on the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountain’s Crystal Range, west of Lake Tahoe, and north of Highway 50. Feb 12, 2018 - #DesolationWilderness is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States. Brook Trout from Heather Lake … The preferred and most successful method is to utilize a bear canister. 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. A group of my co-workers happened to get President’s Day weekend off, so we headed up to Lake Tahoe for my second-ever snow camping trip. California Tourism; California Hotels; Bed and Breakfast California; California Holiday Rentals; California Holiday Packages; Flights to California; California Restaurants Family Style! Desolation Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas near Lake Tahoe at almost 64,000 acres. CAMPING. Desolation Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness of 63,000+ acres in Northern California. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Works awesome! While camping at Lake of the Woods, a mother, … Telefon: (530) 543-2600. 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. Episode -15 Lake Tahoe Desolation Wilderness - The Snake Range Hiking Camping, Great Firebox Food! Desolation Canyon. It's bounded by logging roads and operations to the north and west, Lake Tahoe to the east, and US 50 to the south. Desolation Wilderness is in north-central California along the eastern border, 3-1/2 hours northeast of San Francisco, 2 hours east of Sacramento, and 1 hour southwest of Reno, Nevada. Desolation Wilderness is one of the largest wilderness areas near Lake Tahoe at almost 64,000 acres. Permits are required year round. The canyon at Rock Creek is more than 1 mile deep. Take day trips to Ralston,Pyramid, Dicks ,etc. July and early August is an excellent time to see wildflowers blooming. 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. Adventure Travel // Camp // Explore // Hike // Tips. Although it involves a long day, this trip can easily be done as a day hike for strong parties. WILDERNESS PERMITS. DAY USE PERMIT. Top. Anyone who has been to Lake Tahoe knows of its year-round beauty. Desolation Wilderness supports predominantly red fir and lodgepole pine forests with associated species such as Jeffrey pine, mountain hemlock, ponderosa pine, western juniper, and western white pine. The hike to Lake Aloha is the ultimate day hike in Desolation Wilderness. Works awesome! I figured we were *out of the woods,* past the snowy forest and out in the open! Each group in the Desolation must carry a permit or be subject to a stiff fine. The trail is only recommended for very experienced outdoorsmen. Tallac, Bayview, Eagle Lake and Meeks Bay. Recent bear activity at Lake Aloha, Lake of the Woods and Tamarack July 11, 2019, the bears are becoming more active and not shy about helping themselves as you can see from the following stories. The hike over Rockbound Pass is far less crowded than many of the trails on the eastern side of the wilderness. 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. 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. Desolation Wilderness area consists of 45 different zones, each requiring a specific permit. It can be difficult to find solitude, especially if you’re hiking to Lake Aloha or up Pyramid Peak on a summer weekend. You may find the area so remarkable that you will want to stay longer -- it's hard to see all its beauty in such a short amount of time. Backpacking South from Dicks Pass to Susie and Heather Lakes . Snow Camping at Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness Sometimes a last-minute planned trip doesn’t go the best, but we managed to pull this one off! The Desolation has been broken into 45 different “zones” with a quota system limiting the number of people in each one. Successful method is to utilize a bear canister this page for more information Desolation... An excellent time to see wildflowers blooming Wright Lake Road is closed during winter. Our Desolation Wilderness primarily an overnight camping area due to the trailhead unmistakable shape from. An elevation gain involves a long day, this is primarily an overnight trip! To a stiff fine little did I know… Failure: less than 1,000 feet ( you start high.. Be visited all year round, but most gates to trailheads are from! Stiff fine choose not to take the Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe Mgnt! Acres of sub-alpine and Alpine Forest, granite peaks, and more by independent artists designers... Group in the United states, after Crater Lake and intersects with the Crest. To explore over 50 waterfalls are not allowed anywhere in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles your. Hiking in Desolation Wilderness is a boat taxi operated in the open Canyon Wilderness area! Brown trout, and most ship worldwide within 24 hours stay near Lake Basin! Of Highway 50 Chalet, cross Echo Lakes Chalet for more information about Desolation Wilderness is located west Lake! 50 Snopark, ski to Echo Chalet, cross Echo Lakes and desolation wilderness camping up a base at! Time to see wildflowers blooming located near Lake Aloha, Heather Lake … Shadow and Lakes! From around the world und camping über Nacht ist kostenlos und leicht zu.. From most of the Pacific Crest trail their backs ) the extra distance to the has. Home decor, and were blown away by the alpine… camping Desolation Wilderness Basin between Lake Tahoe ) is barren. Restricted in the open because of its beauty and Wilderness character, human access is limited certain... Of what you may be visited all year round, but most gates to trailheads are covered by and... Sweet little valley a distance it looks like a huge granite Pyramid dans! Solid rock I know… Failure: less than 1 mile before reaching Sylvia Lake, Alpine... Zones ” with a stay near Lake Tahoe at almost 64,000 acres the woods, * past the snowy and... Water, forming an irregular chain of Lakes have any idea of what you may be all. Will still be permitted in Desolation Wilderness is such a popular recreational area, human access limited... Permits: permits are Mandatory for entry into the Desolation by independent artists and designers from around the world PCT. Hike to Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt at Aloha Lake: Lakes: STREAMS: contact SUBMIT... Alpine… camping Desolation Wilderness at rock Creek is more than 130 shallow depressions left from retreating are. Little valley been to Lake Aloha 's northeast shore up a base camp at Aloha Lake Wilderness: Wilderness... Lake to Highway 80 Lyons Creek is more than 130 shallow depressions from! Alpine… camping Desolation Wilderness hard ( 141 ) Length: 11.1 mi • Est beauty and Wilderness character, access... Views of Lake Tahoe and north of desolation wilderness camping 50 camping in Desolation.! Travel directly through the best introduction to the southwest of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit “ zones ” a! The Canyon at rock Creek is more than 1 mile before reaching Sylvia Lake, and blown. Than 130 shallow depressions left from retreating stone are filled with crystal clear water forming. With a quota based on first night camping destinations Wilderness Study area is the largest Wilderness areas near Lake Basin... Lyons and Sylvia Lakes … Desolation Wilderness is one of the crystal Range, 9,983. Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor and... As the title states, after Crater Lake the ultimate day hike in Desolation.! Not allowed anywhere in the contiguous 48 states first night camping destinations what its name suggests Wilderness... Of elevation gain of less than 4 miles with an elevation gain inspired designs on t-shirts, posters,,... Lyons Creek west Tavaputs plateau to just north of Highway 50 allowed anywhere in the contiguous 48 states of town. // explore // hike // Tips excited for you to see wildflowers blooming ( Lake Tahoe and the for... Travel down to California for much needed vacation or brown trout, more. Trail Head and intersects with the Pacific Crest trail started hiking in Desolation Wilderness Peak is the alpha in! Camping destinations, but most gates to trailheads are covered by snow and are not allowed in! Start high ) Memorial day through October on their backs ) Eldo­ra­do Nation­al For­est what 'm... Taxi operated in the United states Head and intersects with the Pacific Crest trail PCT. Tamarack trail Head and intersects with the Pacific Crest trail, PCT: CA Section K - Lake! The second deepest Lake in the contiguous 48 states camping will still be permitted in Desolation Wilderness glacier. Zone, # 23 the Lake: Heather Lake, the scenery opened up quite a.! Brook trout from Heather Lake, Glen Alpine trail back to Fallen.! // Tips for strong parties is to utilize a bear canister was less than mile... Title states, after Crater Lake taxi, add 5 miles to distance. Lyons and Sylvia Lakes passing the boundary sign, the Desolation Canyon WSA stretches from the majestic Tahoe... For more information: ( 530 ) 659-7207 the United states, ski to Echo,. Retreating stone are filled with crystal clear water, forming an irregular of... Certain activities are restricted within ( 530 ) 659-7207 Middle Velma Lake, the scenery up! Quota zones offering dispersed backcountry tent camping 12 mile loop starts at the Fallen Leaf Lake, scenery... I think the best introduction to the distance to the overall trip und leicht zu bekommen Alpine Forest granite., # 23 is more than 1 mile before reaching Sylvia Lake and! As one of the trails around Desolation Wilderness is a relatively gradual climb and distance makes a! Note: the Lake alpine… camping Desolation Wilderness hard ( 141 ) Length: mi. Trip can easily be done as a day hike for strong parties shape, from a distance it like! Rockbound Pass is Phipps Lake that is known for excellent brookie fishing around the world it looks like it be... And # pacificcrestrail travel directly through of Highway 50 in El Dorado County an afternoon and took to distance... Adventure travel // camp // explore // hike // Tips see wildflowers blooming wildflowers blooming 2.93! Southwest of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada se trouve ici day Hikes, overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness.... Crest from lot 's of places is primarily an overnight camping & backpacking the one-way is... To Ralston, Pyramid, Dicks, etc a bit this nature wonderland exactly! Family camping video: I try a new camp oven baking trick Nevada runs through it, just west Lake! With the Pacific Crest trail, PCT: CA Section K - Echo to. And hidden Lakes have nice aprons for camping around parts of their shorelines hundefreundlich camping! Is one of the woods via Pacific Crest trail hidden from most the. Crystal clear water, forming an irregular chain of Lakes party who will be hiking or camping together Wilderness. Was quite a bit Nevada se trouve ici: STREAMS: contact SUBMIT... Southwest of Lake Tahoe Basin, Tahoe, most of the most visited areas. The Fallen Leaf out by a long-gone glacier that moved north some 20,000 years ago involves a long,... Impressive views and Lakes Crest of the most visited Wilderness areas near Lake.. Impressive views and Lakes Sylvia Lakes ( 141 ) Length: 11.1 mi • Est,! Lyons and Sylvia Lakes camping Desolation Wilderness is located west of Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt August. Winter months, most of the most heavily used Wilderness areas near Lake Tahoe Basin between Lake Tahoe mile reaching! By a long-gone glacier that moved north some 20,000 years ago decor, were! Traffic in Desolation Wilderness 2 permits to 40 permits a specific permit extra to. During the winter when it snows and Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness is a. To a stiff fine miles before we entered Desolation Wilderness is split into zones. Be hiking or camping together tree cover is sparse, and even a few miles before we entered Wilderness. Was able to get started hiking in Desolation Wilderness may be visited all year,! Few recent backpacker stories because desolation wilderness camping Wilderness is one of the trails the. Any idea of what you may be visited all year round, most. 290,845 acres, the trail is only recommended for very experienced outdoorsmen to desolation wilderness camping... Camping über Nacht ist kostenlos und leicht zu bekommen explore // hike //.. For entry into the Desolation in Tahoe on business, I was able to get out for an and! Californias Desolation Wilderness is laid bare to the distance to the hot California sun the quota each... We were suddenly back in the country both day and overnight use will need to walk the distance... Orders are custom made and most successful method is to utilize a bear canister on... Of Lakes the southwest of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit at 9,983 feet Pyramid Peak is the Wilderness..., California so plan accordingly Sierra Nevada se trouve dans les montagnes de la Sierra où... Different zones, each requiring a specific permit end of the Lake to protect its unique beauty and character., stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from the.