Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities

Mokelumne Wilderness

Welcome to the Wilderness

The 105,165 acre Mokelumne Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Toiyabe National Forests. This area lies within portions of Calaveras, Alpine, and Amador Counties and is bordered by State Highway 4 on the south and State Highway 88 on the north. Watersheds drain to the Mokelumne River on the west slope and the Carson River on the east slope. New Management Guidelines were recently adopted for the Mokelumne Wilderness.

The Mokelumne Wilderness is a rugged landscape of great scenic beauty. Much of the area is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks. The prominent feature is disputably the rugged Mokelumne River Canyon. There are many smaller streams flowing through deep granitic canyons but only a few lakes concentrated in the northern portion of this spectacular area. Elevations range from about 3900 feet near Salt Springs Reservoir to 10,380 feet at Round Top. Precipitation averages 50 inches annually on the west slope and as little as 15 inches on the east slope, 80 percent of it in the form of snow. Snowcaps typically linger into June in the Round Top region to the north and on the Mokelumne Plateau to the south, while the Mokelumne River Canyon above Salt Springs Reservoir can be free of snow as early as March. Summers are generally dry and mild, but afternoon thundershowers occur periodically and nighttime temperatures may dip below freezing any time.

Recreation Enhancement Act: Upcoming Fee Change Proposal for 2008

The Eldorado National Forest is proposing to increase fees at some sites in the Recreation Enhancement Act program, and to add several new sites to the program in 2008. Recreation managers on the Eldorado National Forest are interested in hearing your comments on the proposed fee changes. Check out the Recreation Enhancement Act web page for more information.

RECREATIONAL STOCK

In the Mokelumne Wilderness, visitors using Pack Stock in the Wilderness are subject to the same regulations and guidelines as other wilderness visitors. There are further guidelines and regulations that are intended to protect the wilderness from the more severe impacts pack stock can have on resources.  

ABOUT MOKELUMNE WILDERNESS

In this section you will find information about rules and regulations, as well as, the history, geography, flora and fauna of the Mokelumne Wilderness.  

CARSON PASS MANAGEMENT AREA

Due to the popularity of the Carson Pass Area, restrictions are now in effect to ensure your opportunities for solitude, a primitive recreational experience, and to protect popular camping destinations from overcrowding and heavy impacts.  

MOKELUMNE WILDERNESS PERMITS

Permits are mandatory for entry into the Mokelumne Wilderness year round for overnight use.