Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities

Desolation Wilderness

Permits

Labor Day Weekend Notice!

Labor Day weekend is expected to be a busy weekend in Desolation Wilderness. The reservation phone line is extremely busy and you may experience some difficulty getting through. Many of the most popular Zones are already full for reservations. As of August 26, 2009, the following Zone Quota is full for reservations:

• Desolation Wilderness Reservation Notice - pdf

If you are planning on camping in these zones on your first night, you will have to try for a first come, first serve permit on the day of entry. Again, the most popular Zones are expected to have the quota fill up quickly so plan for alternates in advance.

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 - Must register in person and pay fees at one of the following offices. Please make every effort to to obtain your permit in person during business hours. Reserved permits are now mailed. Changes must be made in person and require the original permit to be turned in.

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