Campfires
- Campfires are prohibited in
Desolation Wilderness to reduce human-caused fires, impacts to
vegetation from firewood collection, and to reduce the visual
impacts of fire rings and surface scarring. Your Wilderness
Permit is also your campfire permit for your gas camp stove
while visiting the Desolation Wilderness.
Method of
Travel - Travel is restricted to horseback or
foot only. All means of mechanical transportation, including
bicycles, carts, and snowmobiles, are prohibited in the
wilderness. Wheelchairs are allowed. Stay on trails and do not
shortcut switchbacks or create parallel ruts by walking
alongside the trail.
Waste
- Visitors are required to bury human waste 6 to 8 inches deep
and at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites.
Toilet paper must be buried or packed out. Garbage must be
packed out.
Group Size
- Maximum group size is 12 people for both day and overnight
use.
Pets
- Domestic pets are allowed in the Desolation Wilderness at
this time. You are responsible for their actions as well as
their welfare. Pets should either be leashed or under direct
voice control. Dogs can disturb other campers, get in fights
with other dogs along the trail, and scare wildlife away. The
Eldorado County leash laws will be enforced inside the
Wilderness boundary where dogs off leash are an impediment or
hazard to the safety of any person, or where dogs are
harassing or molesting wildlife.
Stock
- Livestock is limited to two livestock per person, or 12
livestock in one group. Do not hitch, tether, or hobble a
horse or other saddle or pack animal within 200 feet of a
water source or within 100 feet of a campsite.
