If an area is crowded, move to a less occupied location. Hoover: This 42,800-acre wilderness area is located in northwestern Mono County in the eastern Sierra. Map – Downloadable PDF Water Source Info; Explore Desolation Wilderness. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Map includes surrounding trails. Add Your Recommended Routes. The charts include the distance one way to the destination, the difficulty rating for that section of the trail, and the zone you will be in when you reach that destination. Desolation Wilderness Boundary. This area consists of bare granite slabs and boulders, scattered weather beaten trees, rollicking streams and numerous small and large lakes. Alpine lakes, boat-in campgrounds, and bald eagles are just a few of the amazing things that await visitors. IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR VISITOR USE, 2020: DAY USE PERMITS: The use of paper day use permits is temporarily suspended in Desolation Wilderness for the 2020 season, due to the current COVID-19 situation. The Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 zones. The 15-minute USGS topo map Fallen Leaf Lake provides a view of most of the Desolation Wilderness area. Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 zones and the quota for each zone varies from 2 permits to 40 permits. Maps. Attractions and Considerations : Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Both Fontanillis and Dicks lakes are in the same zone, #23. The most desolate part of Desolation is the large, glacially flattened basin that is the headwaters of Pyramid Creek in the southern part of the wilderness area. Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used protected areas in the United States. Meeks Bay to Dicks Pass 15 minute Backpacking Map. The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). This wilderness area is in the Sierra Mountain range where rugged natural wonders rule. Between Echo Lake and Barker Pass, the trail leads deep into the granite heart of the Desolation Wilderness, where cool blue lakes lie cradled in ice-polished basins. It can be reached by taking Wrights Lake Road off of Highway 50. Best backpacking trails in Desolation Wilderness, California 2,701 Reviews Explore the most popular backpacking 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. Recommended Routes in Desolation Wilderness - 12 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The Desolation Wilderness is within the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. Nearly 80 named hikes are within a day hike from any trailhead, and the 2,650 Pacific Crest Trail and the 165 Tahoe Rim Trail share 20+ miles through this southwestern corner of Lake Tahoe. Here, in the high country above Lake Tahoe, only the hardiest trees grow, twisting in the gales to make a scene out of their survival. Gems in Desolation Wilderness - 1. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Desolation Wilderness Area Trailheads You will find a list below of destinations by trailhead. Other Trip Options. Desolation Wilderness Area ─ Zone Quotas Because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the United States. Mileage 2.25 miles from Meeks Bay trail head. May 19, 2016 - Zone and trailhead map of the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, California. We did a backpacking trip to Desolation wilderness in July to Zone 33 and it was wonderful. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Your permit only specifies your night of entry into the wilderness and the zone you will camp in on the first night. A Guide to Desolation Wilderness is available from the Forest Service. We are halfway to Lake Genevieve at the Desolation Wilderness boundary. This map covers the whole area of Desolation Wilderness, including its Western Approaches, and not just the central zone of Desolation Wilderness through … Desolation Wilderness Volunteers - This site is for public information, trail conditions, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness, CA. Do not gather in groups. Use to figure out Also consider avoiding the wilderness during high-use periods. 6.63 miles to Phipps Pass . Permits are available only online via recreation.gov ; paper permits are not being issued in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic . The nearest precipitation station is TWIN LA which is approximately 16 miles away and … Lakes. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Desolation Wilderness are 38.9209672, -120.1722347 and the approximate elevation is 8,104 feet (2,470 meters) above sea level. More info about the permits and zones can be found on the Forest Service website . Use to figure out This is the Desolation Wilderness zone map from Recreation.gov. Each zone has a quota. Some zones encompass multiple lakes, while the more popular lakes may have their own zone. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Most of the wilderness area is located in Zone X12, but the southern tip is in Zone X9a. At waterfall camp, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls. If you choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall trip. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather stations. Sara Lake - NL#1; Angle Lake - NL#2; 4-Q Lakes; Lake Aloha; Alta Morris Lake; American Lake There are 45 zones throughout Desolation Wilderness—visitors must choose a first night destination via this map. Add Your Gems. Be sure to make your wilderness permit reservation well in advance. Desolation Wilderness is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and punished over and over by heavy winds and snow. Desolation Wilderness Map & Zone System. 1.05 miles from the Trail Junction. Elevation 6720 feet +481 above Meeks Bay trail head elevation . It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. If it is already full, try for one of the three zones around Velma Lakes and camp at … Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. Map showing trails to Lake Aloha in the Desolation Wilderness, along with a trail elevation profile. This Wilderness area is split up into 45 different zones, with each having a specific permitting quota. Anyone who is interested in visiting Desolation Wilderness can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. They used to be free, but now cost $5 a person for one night and $10.00 per person for two or more nights up to 14 days (non-refundable). Ropi Lake (3) South L…, CA. Desolation Wilderness Trail Map: Waterproof, tearproof (Tom Harrison Maps) Map – Folded Map, May 8, 2015 by Tom Harrison Maps (Author), Tom Harrison (Editor, Illustrator) 4.6 out of 5 stars 47 ratings In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. Location: Main Features. lt borders the backside of Yosemite and is loaded with mountains, canyons, streams, lakes and meadows in elevations ranging from 10,000 to 12,446 feet. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. 9. Follow Wrights Lake Road until you reach Wrights Lake. Best camping trails in Desolation Wilderness, California 2,886 Reviews 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. When you reserve your permits you’ll have to reserve them for a certain zone. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Desolation Wilderness Trip Planning Guide to Welcome to Your Wilderness 1 Desola on Wilderness Zone Map 2 Find Your Path 3 ‐ 4 Visit for the Day 5 Tips for Travel 6 Camp Overnight 7 ‐ 8 Preserve Wilderness 9 Explore—Trail Mileages 10 Getting There Smith Lake is located inside Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado County. Historical Weather. Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. The nearest temperature station is XN TAHOE VALLEY AP which is approximately 9 miles away and has an elevation of 150 feet (1,850 feet lower than Desolation Wilderness). Desolation Wilderness permits have a quota based on first night camping destinations. The crest of the Sierra Nevada is found here. Aug 6, 2016 - Zone and trailhead map of the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, California. 2.14 miles to Lake Genevieve . 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