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Camper submitted image from Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone

Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone

Reaching the Aloha Zone within Desolation Wilderness requires a wilderness permit year-round, and quotas are enforced from April through September. Permits run $5 per person for the first night or $10 for two or more nights, with a 14-day maximum stay. The trailhead at Echo Lakes connects to roughly six miles of hiking each way, though a water taxi ($12) cuts about 2.5 miles off the approach in either direction. Campfires are prohibited throughout the zone, so a camp stove is essential gear.

Dispersed sites spread across the area, with views of multiple High Sierra lakes visible from many camping spots. Lake Aloha sits at the heart of the zone, and reviewers note that in places, exposed rock paths run just inches below the water's surface, creating an unusual visual effect. Campers should follow posted signs and maintain required distances from the lake shorelines. Wildlife sightings are not commonly reported, but the lake-heavy terrain draws hikers covering 20-plus miles over multi-day loops.

Leave No Trace practices are strictly expected here. Pack out all trash, and waste must be buried properly. Cell service is listed as available, and pets are permitted. Those interested in dog-friendly camping around Eldorado National Forest will find additional options in the surrounding region. "Love the feeling of being immersed in nature and the views of all the lakes," notes Arturo C. Reservations are available, and securing a permit well in advance of a summer visit is strongly advised given the quota system.

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Map & DirectionsDesolation Wilderness is located in California near Twin Bridges

Public Campground

Coordinates

38.88479571 N
120.19366167 W

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Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Alcohol
Pets

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General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 16 min from Carson City, NV
2 hrs 21 min from Sacramento, CA
2 hrs 43 min from Reno, NV
3 hrs 3 min from Yuba City, CA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Desolation Wilderness

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the magical wilderness experience and stunning High Sierra lake scenery as major draws. Guests commonly noted this requires wilderness permits and involves significant hiking, with no traditional campground facilities available.

America G.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 9, 2022

Beautiful wilderness

One of my top 5 favorite place to go backpacking. Love the feeling of being immersed in nature and the views of all the lakes. We took the water Taxi that shaved about 5 miles off our hike. Our first night we set up camp at tamarack lake then moved up to beautiful aloha lake. The best part of this is that if you don’t want to camp you can just go on a day hike

Month of VisitJune

Chris M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2020

unbelievable

awesome trip. we just did 20+ miles, from echo lake in, around, and out to Aloha before heading back over 2.5 days. Aloha is kinda surreal. and in places there are rock path in the middle where a person can walk in a few inches of water and appear to the viewer to be "walking on water"

it was hot in July...

Sitetamarack, ralston, & aloha

Month of VisitJuly

Sean G.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Backpack hike

Had a great time for 3 solid days at this lake and the area around it Very gorgeous views and friendly people around Didn’t see to much wild life but very peaceful

Christian N.

Ranger

Reviewed Dec. 3, 2019

Alpine Lakes

This is a great glimpse at what the High Sierra lakes further south look like... but better. Dispersed camp sites all over. (Make sure to follow signs and camp appropriately distanced from the lakes)

Les R.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Lake Jabu in Desolation Wilderness

Camping here is magical! The 5-stars are not for facilities or accessibility, as this dispersed camping experience is really in the wilderness. You can hike in for 6 miles each way (12 miles round trip) via the Echo Lakes trail, or park and take the water taxi ($12) to cut off 2.5 miles of the hike each way. You must obtain an overnight wilderness permit, year round. The permits have quotas enforced April through September. Permits cost $5 per person per night for first night, or $10.00 per person for 2+ nights (14 day max). Campfires are prohibited, so bring a camp stove. They are serious about no trace here, to conserve the amazing beautiful of the area. So pack out your trash, and bury your poop deep!

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a wilderness permit required for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness?

Yes, a wilderness permit is absolutely required for all overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness, including the Aloha Zone. The permit system helps manage visitor impact in this fragile alpine environment. Permits are zone-specific, so you'll need to obtain one specifically for the Aloha Zone if that's where you plan to camp. Permits are limited and can be reserved in advance through the Forest Service reservation system. During peak summer months, permits often fill quickly, so it's advisable to plan well ahead of your trip.

What are the camping regulations for the Aloha Zone in Desolation Wilderness?

The Aloha Zone has several important camping regulations. Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, and trails. Group size is strictly limited (typically to 12 people maximum). Campfires are prohibited throughout Desolation Wilderness, so bring a camp stove for cooking. All food must be stored properly to prevent wildlife encounters. Pack out all trash and waste - this is a pristine wilderness area with no facilities. Follow Leave No Trace principles by camping on durable surfaces and minimizing your impact. The area has designated dispersed sites, so look for established areas rather than creating new campsites.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness?

Desolation Wilderness offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout the Aloha Zone. Popular access is via the Echo Lakes trail, a 6-mile hike one-way. Many campers set up around Lake Aloha itself, where you'll find scattered sites. Tamarack Lake also provides good dispersed camping options. For those wanting to reduce hiking distance, a water taxi service at Echo Lakes can cut off about 2.5 miles of the hike (for a fee). Remember to follow wilderness guidelines by camping in established sites and maintaining proper distance from lakes and water sources.

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