Desolation Wilderness
Granite basins and 130 alpine lakes immediately west of Lake Tahoe — the most-visited wilderness per acre in the US.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Desolation Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- California, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- High Sierra granite (2,000–3,000 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: High Sierra granite (2,000–3,000 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
Granite basins and 130 alpine lakes immediately west of Lake Tahoe — the most-visited wilderness per acre in the US.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
High Sierra granite (2,000–3,000 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Plan with verified data
Desolation Wilderness trip tools
Popular pursuits at Desolation Wilderness
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
