Nature and Wildlife near Placerville As a visitor of our local wilderness, you have the opportunity to experience solitude and nature in its most wild state, to enjoy spectacular scenery, and to hike, cross-country ski, ride horseback, or enjoy other outdoor activities. These attractions and easy access from urban areas draw thousands of people to the wilderness each year.

A Wilderness is an area where natural processes take precedent; a place where nature remains substantially unchanged by human use. You will find nature on its own terms; there are no buildings or roads.

Travel in the wilderness is restricted to hikers and packstock. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles or game carts are allowed. Rugged trails provide the only access, and hazards such as high stream crossings and sudden stormy weather may be encountered at any time. These are all part of a wilderness experience.

Desolation Wilderness

The Desolation Wilderness is located along the crest of the Sierras north of Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe.

Molekulmne Wilderness

The Mokelumne Wilderness is located within portions of Calaveras, Alpine, and Amador Counties and is bordered by State Highway 4 on the south and State Highway 88 on the north.