Where can you go backpacking near Sacramento?

You can go backpacking near Sacramento in Desolation Wilderness, west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50.

You need a permit for any overnight trip, all year. From the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30, 70% of each day's overnight permits can be reserved on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead, and the rest are issued the same day at the Placerville Ranger Station in Camino. From October 1 to Memorial Weekend, you can get a permit online or in person. Every overnight visitor must carry a hard-sided bear canister. In 2025 a permit cost $5 a person for one night and $10 for two or more.