The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre federally protected wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada within Eldorado National Forest, west of Lake Tahoe. It is a very popular recreation site and is jointly managed by Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
The Desolation Wilderness features granite peaks, glacial valleys, waterfalls, and scenic alpine lakes. There are pine forests and sparsely vegetated woodlands with juniper and chaparral. It has streams and meadows with a variety of your-round and perennial plants, including wildflowers, grasses, aspens, and willows.
The Crystal Range, a subrange of the Sierra Nevada, runs through the area including Pyramid Peak (9.985') which is the highest point in the range and wilderness.
ANIMALS
The Desolation Wilderness is home to many species of plants and animals, including mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, marmots, and squirrels. Among its birds are Steller's jay, Clark's nutcracker, mountain chickadee, grouse, mountain bluebird, and occasionally the golden eagle.
RECREATION
Desolation Wilderness is an extremely popular hiking, camping, and backpacking destination. This area features several trails, including the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Among the other highlights are Horsetail Falls and Lake Aloha, the largest body of water within the wilderness.
PERMITS
A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays as well as day use. Permits and permit information can be found at www.recreation.gov.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
United States Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11786.
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