RV rental Desolation Wilderness, CA: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

As one of the most rugged terrains in California, Desolation Wilderness has earned its name. The ground is rocky and hard underfoot. Tree cover is sparse, and most of the Desolation Wilderness is laid bare to the hot California sun. The valleys and lakes were carved out by a long-gone glacier that moved north some 20,000 years ago. In contrast, its seemingly raw state, it is a quite fragile ecosystem. Several animals, some endangered, make their home in Desolation Wilderness, including wolverine, fisher, red fox, and pine marten. Large herds of mule deer are quite common, as are black bears (though they don’t roam in herds). During the wet season, when rivers run wild, rainbow and brook trout are robust, often delighting fishermen when they haul in trophy-sized catches. Golden and brown trouts are not as common but can also be caught. Several miles of hiking trails wind around and over granite peaks, descending into valleys where sub-alpine forests lend some welcome relief from the summer heat. Bicycles and any other motorized vehicles are prohibited on these trails, though horses and pack mules are permitted. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches over 2,600 miles from British Columbia, Canada, to just south of Campo, CA. The Tahoe Rim Trail also passes through Desolation Wilderness as it follows the contours of Lake Tahoe, meandering for around 165 miles. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a more manageable distance for the hikers seeking a shorter adventure. Note that all adventurers are required to obtain a free permit for day hiking and multi-day hiking. Several state parks and national forests surround Desolation Wilderness, offering additional opportunities for recreational fun. Emerald Bay State Park looks out over picturesque Lake Tahoe, which is the site of California’s first maritime heritage underwater park. Scuba divers, and to a certain extent, snorkelers can enjoy the sights of sunken barges, boats, and other watercraft that litter the bottom of Emerald Bay.