Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities

Mokelumne Wilderness - Permits

Permits are mandatory for entry into the Mokelumne Wilderness year round for overnight use. The permit system allows the Forest Service to inform visitors of their responsibilities for preserving the wilderness resource, gather important recreation use data, and to limit use where necessary. Permits can also be helpful in locating people during emergencies. Organized commercial or institutional groups will also need an Outfitter-Guide permit: contact the local Ranger Station for more information.

• Overnight Permits are required year-round.
• Day-Use permits are not required.
• Maximum group size: 12 people for day-use, and 8 people for overnight use. If you have a larger group than is permitted, reduce the number of people, split the group to visit different areas, or visit an area which permits larger numbers. You are not permitted to camp or travel within one mile of a related group.
• Only one permit is required per group and must remain with someone in the party at all times.
• Each permit is good for one trip only.
• You must enter at the trailhead designated on your permit.
• Permits for the Carson Pass Area can only be obtained from the Carson Pass Information Station during the summer. The Station is open 7 days a week during the summer:
  • Monday through Thursday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Friday through Sunday - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Call the Amador Ranger Station for more information at 209-295-4251.
• Permits for the Mokelumne Wilderness in general can be obtained from Amador Ranger Station in Pioneer, Carson Pass Information Station, and the Eldorado Information Center in Camino.