Desolation Wilderness
Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin
Management Unit
PO Box 8465
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Phone: (530) 573-2600
The Desolation Wilderness is easily one of the most popular regions in the Lake Tahoe area. And not without good reason. This rugged piece of California is home to a variety of wildlife including muledeer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, foxes and wolverines.
Over 100 lakes lie within the wilderness, and the hiking trails are as good as they come. Trek through the pine forests in this 64,000-acre preserve for views of Emerald Lake and Lake Tahoe. Or take the rigorous five-mile climb up Mt. Tallac. Though it's unshaded and gains about 3,400 feet, you'll see just about the entire Tahoe area from the peak.
Be aware: permits for many places in the backcountry are often in high demand. Sometimes reservations need to be placed 90 days in advance. Stays limited to 14 consecutive days.
Getting there
From Route 80, take 89 South about 30 miles.
Desolation Wilderness