Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Facts and practical information
The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. ()
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Best Ways to Experience the Place
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Red fox
The red fox, the largest member of the true fox family, inhabits the Northern Hemisphere, including regions in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. This versatile animal thrives in a variety of environments and maintains a diverse diet.
Mammals
Golden eagle
The golden eagle, a majestic bird of prey revered across the Northern Hemisphere, belongs to the Accipitridae family. These eagles are easily identified by their dark brown feathers accented with striking golden-brown patches on their necks.
Birds
Coyote
The coyote, a native North American canine, is smaller than the gray wolf and is classified as "least concern" by the IUCN due to its widespread distribution and adaptability. There are 19 recognized subspecies of coyotes.
Mammals
American black bear
The American black bear is a captivating and extensively dispersed bear species native to North America. As the smallest bear on the continent, these medium-sized omnivores adapt their diet based on seasonal availability and geographical location.
Mammals
Rainbow trout
The rainbow trout is a type of salmonid fish that originates from the cold-water streams and rivers connected to the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. There is a specific variant of this fish, known as the steelhead, which lives in the ocean but returns...
Fish
California