Desolation Wilderness
A granite high-country wilderness southwest of Lake Tahoe, with more than 130 glacial lakes scattered throughout. It is one of California's most popular wilderness areas for hiking and camping.
Desolation Wilderness lies within El Dorado National Forest. Glacier-carved bare granite, countless alpine lakes and dwarf pines give the area its distinctive landscape across about 26,000 hectares. Classic entry points include Eagle Falls, Echo Lakes, Glen Alpine Falls and Mount Tallac, and visitors can choose a day hike or multi-day camping. Day trips require a free permit; overnight stays require a reserved paid permit (via Recreation.gov). Campfires are prohibited in the wilderness, and visitors should watch for bears and altitude sickness.
Opening hours
Open all day (permit required)
Nearby sights
- Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail
- Vikingsholm
- Mount Tallac
- Emerald Bay State Park
- D. L. Bliss State Park & Rubicon Trail
- Baldwin Beach
- Fallen Leaf Lake
- Taylor Creek Visitor Center