Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities

Desolation Wilderness

New Application Process and Dates for the Desolation Wilderness Permit Reservation System Summer 2011

Big changes are coming! To help streamline the overnight permit reservations and provide for better customer service, we are working with the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) to move the Desolation Wilderness overnight permit reservation system to a web-based program, similar to our campgrounds. The website will begin to accept reservations for Desolation on March 23, 2011. Once the website is active, Desolation Wilderness visitors wishing to reserve an overnight permit in advance will need to apply through the website or the call center provided by NRRS. Those visitors that prefer not to utilize the website or call center can make a reservation in person at a Forest Service permitting office. We will no longer accept reservations over the phone, by FAX or by mail. Tthe visitor can prepare for reserving a permit in the coming year by visiting www.recreation.gov and setting up a profile.

To view an example of what the online permit service will look like, click on the Permits section of the website, where the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and several river permit systems now have their home.
Visitors who need extra assistance for trip planning will still be able to call the Forest Service office for more information. Only 50% of the available quota in each zone during the quota season (Friday of Memorial Weekend through September 30) will be available for advanced reservation. The remaining quota will still be available for first come, first served at permit offices on the date of entry.

Permits

Permits are required year-round for both day and overnight use. There are fees for overnight camping year-round.

Group size is limited to 12 people per party who will be hiking or camping together.

Day users may obtain a free permit from one of the following offices, or may issue themselves a permit at most major trailheads in the summer. During the winter, day permits are available at the Pacific Ranger Station. Day use is not subject to fees nor limited by quota at any time of the year.

QUOTA - During the summer a Quota is in effect on the number of people allowed into the wilderness. Refer to the Zone Quota page for more information.

OVERNIGHT USERS - The new on-line service at www.recreation.gov will allow wilderness visitors to make their reservations for 50% of the quota any time of the day seven days per week. A call center will be available to assist with reservations daily from 7 AM – 9 PM in the summer and 7 AM to 7 PM in the winter. For first-come, first-served overnight permits you must register in person and pay fees at one of the following offices during business hours.

• Tips - How to obtain a reserved overnight permit (pdf)

Pick up permits for WEST side entry at the:

PACIFIC RANGER DISTRICT
Located four miles east of Pollock Pines on Highway 50.
7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Phone: (530) 647-5415
Winter: Weekdays only. Monday through Saturday as of late April.
Summer: 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October.

Pick up permit for EAST side entry at the:

LAKE TAHOE VISITOR'S CENTER
Located three miles north of the Highway 50/89 junction at South Lake Tahoe, on Highway 89.
Call for hours, phone: (530)543-2674
Open summer only.

LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT
Located two miles east of hte Highway 50/89 junction in South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50. From the highway turn right on Al Tahoe Blvd. and then turn right at first signal.
35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Phone: (530)543-2600