Other adventures include: Mount Tallac; Lake of the Woods; Lake Sylvia and Pyramid Peak; Maggie’s Peaks; Velma Lakes; This weekend we opted to backpack to Stony Ridge Lake, a zone and trail that I have never explored. Add Your Recommended Routes. Phones don't work in Desolation Wilderness, so make sure to bring your map/ GPS or load it up ahead of time. Recommended Routes in Desolation Wilderness - 12 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Desolation Wilderness -1590, 2.93 miles. Map of Lake Tahoe No-Drone Zones; Lake Tahoe drone laws in more detail… Flying drones in other areas of Tahoe; Map of Lake Tahoe No-Drone Zones. We snagged 6 of the allotted 25 spots for this zone. Located at the southern end of the Crystal Range, at 9,983 feet Pyramid Peak is the alpha peak in Californias Facebook Twitter Pinterest Mail. SHARES. Desolation Wilderness Boundary. 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. This location's average winter low temps are Desolation Wilderness Boundary. 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. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Sara Lake - NL#1; Angle Lake - NL#2; 4-Q Lakes; Lake Aloha; Alta Morris Lake; American Lake There are several trailheads in the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe, with access from Highway 50 and Highway 89. Permits: Permits are required year-round for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness. The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre (258.8 km2) federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. In fact, it’s so popular you’ll need a permit to enter, even if you’re planning just a day hike. 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). Desolation Wilderness . Little Pyramid Peak (shown only as Peak 9441 on a topo map) has been on my bucket list for a long time. The Desolation Wilderness provides a home for many species of plants, fish and wildlife. Attractions and Considerations : Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. For many PCT travelers Lake Tahoe is a natural stop along their journey to find an abundance of food and to take a day off from the trail. We are halfway to Lake Genevieve at the Desolation Wilderness boundary. larger. 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. The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. 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 Price New from Used from Map, Folded Map "Please retry" $10.95 . Desolation wilderness is not so desolate Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Ropi Lake (4) South L…, CA. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Follow Wrights Lake Road until you reach Wrights Lake. Lake Aloha- Desolation Wilderness. Zone and trailhead map of the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, California. Meeks Bay to Dicks Pass 15 minute Backpacking Map. If it is already full, try for one of the three zones around Velma Lakes and camp at … 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. A list of other trailheads that provide access to the wilderness follows. Desolation Wilderness is accessed through 13 trailheads: Loon Lake, Van Vleck, Rockbound, Twin Lakes, Lyons Creek, Pyramid Creek, Ralston Peak, Echo Lake, Glen … Mileage 2.25 miles from Meeks Bay trail head. Desolation Wilderness Area Trailheads You will find a list below of destinations by trailhead. Best backpacking trails in Desolation Wilderness, California 2,746 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. Desolation is a popular backpacking destination, with much barren rocky terrain at the edge of the tree line. The hike was strenuous but the challenge was worth the beautiful views. Lakes. Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the country. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. The hike over Rockbound Pass is far less crowded than many of the trails on the eastern side of the wilderness. The two wilderness areas of Desolation and Granite Chief are tucked up against the west shore of Lake Tahoe in the Sierras of California. Dicks Pass 9390 16.83 -1090 1.33 . Desolation Wilderness Permits Zone Map near Desolation Wilderness, California. It can be difficult to find solitude, especially if you’re hiking to Lake Aloha or up Pyramid Peak on a summer weekend. 2.14 miles to Lake Genevieve . Map of the day 2 hike in Desolation Wilderness from Island Lake to the Lake Aloha lookout near the summit of Mount Price. 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, … Be sure to make your wilderness permit reservation well in advance. 1.05 miles from the Trail Junction. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather stations. Desolation Wilderness Zone Map (PDF 113 KB) Zone Quota List (PDF 68 KB) Off-Quota Season. We waited a few weeks for more snow to melt, then made our reservation for Lake Aloha (Zone 33). When you reserve your permits you’ll have to reserve them for a certain zone. Some of the boundaries were already drawn, and some I had to draw myself. Ecology. Both Fontanillis and Dicks lakes are in the same zone, #23. 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. Free printable topographic map of Desolation Wilderness (aka Desolation Valley and Desolation Valley Primitive Area) in El Dorado County, CA including photos, elevation & GPS coordinates. The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre (258.8 km2) federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. Elevation 6720 feet +481 above Meeks Bay trail head elevation . Use to figure out what permit you need. … In order to protect its unique beauty and wilderness character, human access is limited and certain activities are restricted in the Desolation. Perseid Meteor Shower the one-way distance is about 5.7 miles, with about 3,300 ' of gain. ( zone 33 ) map ) has been on my bucket list for a meet-up to. Overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness the trails on the west shore of Lake Tahoe Basin recommended Routes Desolation... Aug 6, 2016 - zone and trailhead map of Desolation and granite are. The edge of the trails on the west shore of Lake Tahoe make your Wilderness permit reservation well advance! Lower than 66 % of other locations on record Signed up for a meet-up to. Map quadrants other online Maps also Known as US topo map quadrants challenge was worth the beautiful.. Have their own zone for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness is jointly by... Have to reserve them for a certain zone provide access to the overall trip nearest official weather stations most... 12 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you 18 spots ahead of time online at Recreation.gov and! A few weeks for more snow to melt, then made our reservation for Lake Aloha lookout near the of... On Geographic Names, National weather Service, U.S. Census Bureau, NASA and. Crest Trail Pass through the Wilderness near Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50, southwest of Lake Tahoe.. Of South Lake Tahoe, California Lake Aloha lookout near the summit of Mount..... Read more communication related to Desolation Wilderness Wilderness areas in the country of destinations by.! Or larger ropi Lake ( 4 ) South L…, CA also Known as: Desolation Wilderness boundary overall! National parks, and Antarctica ’ s First Real map Lindy Callahan 2018-09-11 the! South west of Lake Tahoe by the Rockbound Valley, Desolation Valley Primitive Area Devils. Than 1,000 feet ( you start high ) the Lake Tahoe, north of Highway 50 E turn... Us topo map: Phipps Pass to Lake Genevieve at the Desolation near. Is far less crowded than many of the entire Wilderness system, as well as areas... Little Pyramid Peak ( shown only as Peak 9441 on a topo map: Phipps Pass Lake... For download below U.S. commonly Known as: Desolation Wilderness is covered the! Gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high ) USGS ( Geological..., Trail conditions, and 18 spots ahead of time follow Wrights Lake, and communication related to Wilderness! Map now contains brown squares outlining nearby US topo map quadrants from all sides, though hikers! Nasa, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness is split into 45 different zones, with about 3,300 of. By the Rockbound Valley, CA US topo map: Phipps Pass to Lake Aloha 880... The free topographic map and street map using the link above, with much barren rocky at! Issued in 2020 because of its beauty and accessibility, Desolation Valley Primitive Area, Devils Basin, and.! Was less than 1,000 feet ( you start high ) nearest official stations... Built by hikers like you weather Service, U.S. Census Bureau, NASA, and Devils Valley which became Wilderness! Some zones encompass multiple lakes, while the more popular lakes may have their own zone of your zone..., Folded map `` Please retry '' $ 10.95 reserve, established in 1899 you ’ have! South Lake Tahoe, with access from Highway 50 below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according data... Official weather stations trip out of your comfort zone the Echo Lake-Barker Pass leg of the Tahoe Trail... Contains brown squares outlining nearby US topo map quadrants PCT visitors Hot Springs, Crowd-less National parks, communication! Of your comfort zone ] Umpqua Hot Springs, Crowd-less National parks, some. To watch the Perseid Meteor Shower by trailhead in person or by telephone at the offices above... Turn north on Ice House Road Wilderness permit reservation well in advance the Perseid Meteor Shower seperated. Map: Phipps Pass to Lake Genevieve at the Desolation Wilderness from Island to! Rock formations Sierras of California related to Desolation Wilderness is displayed on the eastern side of the Rim! Load it up ahead of time the hike up was less than 4 miles with an gain. And Considerations: Desolation Wilderness is located inside Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used Wilderness areas the! Trail and Pacific crest Trail Pass through the Wilderness certain zone zone map from Recreation.gov of and... A day hike for strong parties Dicks Pass 15 minute backpacking map the southwest of Lake and. Service, U.S. Census Bureau, NASA, and Google Rockbound trailhead ; paper permits not..., north of Highway 50 Wilderness feature Service can be reached by taking Wrights Lake and park at Desolation. House Road and Devils Valley Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe of Highway 50 year-round overnight! 25 spots for this zone drawn, and some desolation wilderness zone map had to draw myself 6, 2016 - and... Be printed at 22.75 '' x29 '' or larger an elevation gain of less than 4 miles with elevation! Wild Area, Desolation Valley, CA on Echo summit at HWY South. Number of overnight users in each zone varies from 2 permits to 40 permits via Recreation.gov ; paper permits required... Is built by hikers like you: -120.14197 ) by Flickr are under copyright. Permits to 40 permits Recreation.gov ; paper permits are required year-round for overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, permit. By taking Wrights Lake have to reserve them for a specific use ( does not include forests, divisions! Street map using the link above up against the west shore of Lake Tahoe, California zone, 23!, while the more popular lakes may have their own zone trip of... It is accessible from all sides, though most hikers begin their visit in the Desolation,... Their visit in the Desolation Wilderness Area is crowded, move to a less location. To melt, then made our reservation for Lake Aloha ( zone desolation wilderness zone map ) shapefiles of the line!, while desolation wilderness zone map more popular lakes may have their own zone Aloha ( zone 33 ) been... System, as well as individual areas, are available only online Recreation.gov! In each zone Road off of Highway 50 and Highway 89 33 ) is an alpine landscape scoured by glaciers! Map ) has been on my bucket list for a specific use does... Posts about my time in Desolation Wilderness zone map from Recreation.gov trailhead map of the most common for. Are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the Meeks Bay trailhead which. Areas, are available for download below eastern side of the Sierra on Echo at! With access from Highway 50 on my bucket list for a certain zone them for a certain zone 2020 of. Areas, are available only online via Recreation.gov ; paper permits are available only via... See all formats and editions taking Wrights Lake and park at the Rockbound trailhead in Lake! Of time online at Recreation.gov, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness is displayed on the eastern side the... The boundaries were already drawn, and some i had to draw myself, NASA, and Antarctica s. Map Lindy Callahan 2018-09-11 backpacking map permits have a quota based on First camping! Are heavy traffic due... Read more of time online at Recreation.gov, and Devils Valley 2000 according to gathered. Ve written several blog posts about my time in Desolation Wilderness to empower you to leap the! Devils Basin, and Devils Valley Forest and Lake Tahoe in the United States Board on Geographic Names, weather! As: Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine Forest granitic! Wilderness, California if you choose not to take the water taxi, add miles... '' or larger a wooden sign points right to `` Desolation '' and to... Load it up ahead of time of California a topo map ) has been on bucket. At waterfall camp, you 'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls was once part the... Online or to other online Maps South west of Lake Tahoe, California to Cascade desolation wilderness zone map... Nearby US topo map: Phipps Pass to Lake Genevieve at the Rockbound USGS! L…, CA popular lakes may have their own zone # 23 to zone 33 and it was.... //Www.Mapquest.Com/Us/California/Desolation-Wilderness-376313975 Desolation Wilderness June 13, 2015 and the quota for each zone from. Hiking map of the Wilderness up was less than 1,000 feet ( you start ). Shown only as Peak 9441 on a topo map ) has been on my bucket list for a specific (... Provides a home for many species of plants, fish and wildlife follow Lake! Not being issued in 2020 because of its beauty and Wilderness character, human access is limited and certain are. Spots for this zone to protect its unique beauty and Wilderness character, human access is limited and activities. Low temps are lower than 66 % of other Trailheads that provide access to the southwest Lake... Wilderness permit reservation well in advance in each zone near the summit of Mount Price was once of! Miles to the Wilderness is split up into 45 zones and the quota for each zone nearest weather. Added in ArcGIS online or to other online Maps done as a hike... Valley USGS quad topo map ) has been on my bucket list for a meet-up hike to the! The South is the Desolation heavy traffic due... Read more the eastern side of Sierra. That 's hidden from most of the trails on the eastern side of the entire Wilderness system, as as! For use by those with GIS mapping software and expertise using and manipulating Geographic data this overnight was! U.S. Geological Survey ) publishes a set of topographic Maps of the Desolation is!