Explore Eagle Falls and Desolation Wilderness

Explore Eagle Falls Trail Into Desolation Wilderness Discover Lake Tahoe past the crowds

Eagle Falls Trail and Day Park on HWY 89 is a very popular destination for Locals and Tourists a like. Not only are the falls completely accessible off HWY 89, but the views of Emerald Bay are stunning all year round. Parking is at a premium most of the year and from April to October weekend parking is challenging at best.

However the draw of Eagle Falls is well worth the stop and challenge of parking if visiting Lake Tahoe. But there is a even bigger reward for those willing to plan and explore a little deeper into the Lake Tahoe Region from this trail location.

Desolation Wilderness in all its allure is easily accessible from the Eagle Falls Trail head, and provides visitors an array of options for overnight backpack trips or

challenging day hike experiences to a handful of the Desolation Lakes.

Emerald Bay Views from HWY 89

Eagle Lake- Frozen over in winter Eagle Lake is great one night backpack location that many visitors choose to get their feet wet in backpacking or exploring Desolation.

Middle Velma

Upper Velma

Upper Velma

For those who are more adventuresome, a challenging climb out of the canyon into the desolation back country awaits as you head off to the Velma Lakes, Dicks Lake, Fontanillis Lake for a evening or weekend getaway.

Trail mileage from the Eagle Falls Trail Eagle Falls to:

Eagle Lake

1.0

Moderate

Middle Velma Lake

4.4

Difficult

Dicks Lake

4.3

Difficult

Dicks Pass

5.3

Difficult

Fontanillis Lake

4.9

Difficult

Desolation Wilderness Facts 1969 Desolation became a designated wilderness. It was known as Desolation Valley Primitive Area.

Desolation Wilderness is managed jointly between the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the El Dorado National Forest.

15 trail heads into Desolation, 6 on Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit side and 9 on the El Dorado National Forest side.

Trailhead use in the Lake Tahoe Basin, from heaviest to least use: Eagle Falls, Glen Alpine, Echo Lakes, Tallac, Bayview and Meeks.

Desolation Wilderness is 99 square miles, or 63,960 acres.

Heaviest used wilderness for its size.

One of the most studied wilderness areas in the country.

Access permits/Wilderness permits were started in 1997 just to enter the Desolation Wilderness for either day or overnight trips.

In 1997 a fee was imposed for overnight camping. The day hike permit was free.

Campfire ban in 1990.

Online Permit Reservations for Desolation Wilderness Recreation.gov

USFS ENF Desolation Wilderness

LTBMU Desolation Wilderness