Sculpted by powerful glaciers eons ago, Desolation Wilderness (fs.usda.gov) covers 100 sq miles of high-elevation forest spread between the south and west shores. With no roads, the only way to visit is on foot, with dozens of hiking trails passing polished granite peaks and leading to deep-blue alpine lakes, glacier-carved valleys and resplendent pine forests that thin quickly at higher elevations. It has exceptional wildflower hiking well into July. Six major trailheads provide access from the Lake Tahoe side. Tallac and Eagle Falls get the most traffic, but solitude comes quickly once you’ve scampered past the day hikers.
Permits are required year-round for both day and overnight explorations, though day hikers can get them from self-issue stations at trailheads. For backpacking permits, you’ll need to get one in advance online. Quotas are in effect from late May through the end of September; 70% of permits are made available six months in advance on recreation.gov, while the other 30% are available as same-day walk-ups from the Tahoe Basin Management Unit Supervisor’s Office at 35 College Dr, South Lake Tahoe. Be prepared to face hefty fines if you’re not fire and bear aware.
