Know Before You Go - Mokelumne Wilderness

Mechanized and Motorized Equipment is Prohibited

No bicycles, vehicles, hand gliders, oversnow vehicles (no Snowmobiles), strollers, chainsaws, or game carts are allowed in Wilderness areas.

California Campfire and Camp Stove Permits 

The State of California requires a campfire permit for any open flame including camping stoves, year around. Print-ready California Campfire Permits can be obtained online easily and for free at readyforwildfire.org.

Permits are valid from the date issued for the remainder of the calendar year. Check with the local office for restrictions before using the permit. Please carry your campfire permit on your person during the entirety of your travels. Please report illegal campfires that are still burning, smoldering or have hot coals to 911immediately.

  • CAMP STOVES: The Campfire permit covers your camp stove and lanterns and must be carried to use an “on and off” switch style gas camp stove.

Emergency Contact

Set up your own emergency contact prior to your trip. Leave your trip plan and your backup plan with them before beginning your trip. ALWAYS CALL 911 FIRST. We encourage the use of Maps and GPS units.

Maps

  • Digital Maps: The Avenza App is free to download on iOS or Android. The application works like a GPS unit without using data. Purchase the Mokelumne Wilderness Digital Avenza Map for $4.99.
  • Mokelumne Wilderness map: cost $13.00 + shipping and handling at ENFIA.ORG.
    • Available at the Carson Pass Information Station and Amador District office during business hours. Credit Card only.

Stock Use

Photo of Forest Service stock packing out barbed wire.In the Mokelumne Wilderness, visitors using Pack Stock in the Wilderness are subject to the same regulations and guidelines as other wilderness visitors. There are further guidelines and regulations that are intended to protect the wilderness from the more severe impacts pack stock can have on resources. The term Pack Stock includes horses and mules, which are ridden or packed, as well as llamas, pack goats, and other livestock.

The following regulations are currently in force:

  • Stock Group Size - Maximum number of stock for both day and overnight use is 12.
  • Livestock - Hold or confine stock 200 feet away from lakes, streams, and other water sources to minimize contamination of water sources and trampling of fragile stream banks and shorelines. Confine stock 100 feet away from camping areas and trails.
  • Feed - Feed brought into the wilderness must be certified weed seed free or processed feed, such as alfalfa pellets or crimped oats, to prevent the spread of exotic weed species.
  • Tying to Trees - Tying stock directly to trees except during loading and unloading is prohibited to protect fragile tree root systems from repeated trampling. The use of high lines, hobbles, or portable fences is required for longer holding periods. When breaking camp, repair pawed-up areas, scatter manure at least 100' from water courses and campsites, remove extra feed and salt blocks, and redistribute duff and litter.
  • Mokelumne Canyon - The trails in the Mokelumne Canyon are maintained in a primitive and challenging condition and are not recommended for stock use.
  • Carson Pass Management Area - Stock will be required to remain on trails and no grazing will be permitted. This area is being protected because of its special botanical values.

Restrictions

Some restrictions regarding recreational stock use have been implemented. In the Mokelumne Canyon and below Telephone Gulch in lower Summit City Canyon, camping with overnight recreational stock is restricted to the following areas:

  • In the Munson Meadow/Camp Irene/Lake Valley Corridor camping with stock is permitted only at Camp Irene and is limited to one stock group at a time.
  • In the Summit City Canyon from Telephone Gulch to the end of the maintained system trail where it crosses Summit City Creek.
  • From the Hermit Valley trailhead to approximately 1/2 mile below Deer Creek.

Camping with stock in these areas is subject to the following limits:

  • Length of Stay - 2 nights
  • Group Size - 4 animals per group
  • Feed - Supplemental certified weed free feed or processed feed, such as alfalfa pellets or crimped oats must be carried and used.
  • Exception - Llamas and pack goats are excepted from this area restriction due to their smaller size, feed requirements, and padded feet. Llamas will be permitted to use the entire Mokelumne Canyon within the group size limits and other appropriate regulations, including the requirement to carry supplemental certified weed free or processed feed in the Canyon.

Please consult the Calaveras and/or Amador Ranger Stations for complete details regarding these restrictions.

Bury Human Waste and Pack-Out Toilet Paper

Bury waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200' (100 paces) from water sources, campsites, and trails. Digging animals will expose waste buried in shallow holes. Pack out your used toilet paper. Winter Months when snow is on the ground, please pack out both TP and waste.

Treat Water

By boiling or filtering through a portable water filter.

Dogs

Must always be leashed and controlled. Handlers must physically restrain their dogs on a leash less than six feet throughout the duration of their visit in the Mokelumne Wilderness and the CPMA. Be considerate to other visitors and protect wildlife. Dogs off leash can threaten wildlife or present a hazard to the safety or convenience of other visitors.

Bears

Bear canisters are recommended. Have extremely keen noses and are attracted to food smells as well as to the scents of personal products such as toothpaste and deodorant. Using bear canisters for food storage will aid in minimal bear activity and trash; or hang your food using the counterbalancing method.

  • BEAR CANISTERS are available for no cost loan at the Amador District office.

Hunting and Fishing

Both activities area allowed in the Eldorado National Forest and in the wilderness. Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state, local, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates, and licensing. Forests and grasslands may place some areas as off limits to hunting; such as, the Salt Springs State Game Refuge.