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 Mokelumne Wilderness is a 105,165 acre federally designated wilderness area located in the Sierra Nevada east of Sacramento, California, between Ebbetts Pass and Carson Pass. This area lies within the boundaries of the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Toiyabe National Forests and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Named for the Mokelumne River, this rugged wilderness consists of volcanic ridges, deep canyons, and high mountains, some of which reach over 10,000 feet in height. The highest point in the region is Round Top, which stands at 10,381' above sea level. The area's elevation ranges from 3,960' to 10,381', which contributes to its biodiversity.

Plants common to this region include wildflowers, grasses, and trees such as conifers, chaparral, oaks, pines, and firs.

The area is home to a variety of animals including: mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, coyote, bobcat, porcupine, badger, fisher, pine marten, red fox, wolverine, alpine rodents (such as marmots, squirrels, and pikas). Among the birds that can be found in the area are Steller Jays, Clark's nutcrackers, mountain chickadees, grouse, redtail hawks, peregrine falcons, and more. The area is also home to rattlesnakes, king snakes, and lizards.

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

  • Hiking

  • Backpacking

  • Camping

  • Horseback Riding

  • Nature watching
     

PERMITS
For information regarding regulations and permits please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019078&width=full

  • Day-use does not require a permit.

  • Overnight visits require a wilderness permit year-round.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019063

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Biodiversity. Deep Canyons. High Country.

Cons

The wilderness is divided in half by a road.

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Fishing
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Horseback riding
Bird watching
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

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