Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is a 161,000-acre federal wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada. It is located between the Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests and is managed by the United States Forest Service.

This area spans across both the eastern and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its tall peaks (many of which rise above 10,000 feet), river valleys, lush forests, and meadows with beautiful wildflower displays in the spring. 

One of the area's namesakes, the Carson River, flows through this wilderness, as do the North and Middle Forks of the Stanislaus River. The area is also named after a granite rock formation known as "the iceberg" located near its southern boundary.
 

ANIMALS

This wilderness is an important habitat for large herds of mule deer and black bears. 


PLANTS

Forest vegetation includes lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, aspen trees, juniper trees, and mahogany trees.


RECREATION

Common activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. 

  • Approximately 200 miles of trails accessible for hiking and horseback riding.

  • 26 miles of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. 

PERMITS AND CAMPING
A permit is required for overnight stays in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=15109

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Unique granite rock formations. Tall peaks. Valleys.

Cons

Mosquitos in the summer.

Features

Wildlife
Historically significant
Backcountry camping
Wildflowers
Big vistas
Near lake or river

Location

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