DISCOVER THE HIDDEN ADVENTURES OF CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS

Explore Like a Marine!

Once the former mountain warfare training grounds of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness as well as the Carson River draw their names from Kit Carson, one of America’s early western frontiersman. Following his initiative and boldness the first group of emigrants from the East crossed the Sierra in 1841 just north of Sonora Pass.

This unique and special wilderness area is a favorite of Sierra Rec Magazine, because of its quite untouched nature. Filled with deep canyons and river canyons that carve the landscape, the Carson Iceberg Wilderness is an easy escape for the Carson City / Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra.

Inhabited most recently by the Miwok Indians but for over 10,000 years by other native groups, the Carson-Iceberg, has supported human life for thousands of years.

Designated wilderness in 1984 and managed today by both the Toiyabe and Stanislaus National Forests, the Carson-Iceberg includes both eastern and western slopes of the Sierra in its 161,181 acres. Though it lacks modern-day glaciers, the effect of glaciation is clear on its’ distinctive rock formation near Clark Fork Road, the wilderness’s southern boundary. The area is also characterized by a geologic anomaly a series of volcanic peaks and ridges known as the Dardanelles.

Glacial carved river valleys are prevalent in the Carson Iceberg wilderness but lakes are limited. Compared to the Desolation Wilderness to the North, Carson Iceberg Wilderness is far less visited by tourist traffic and backpackers, hikers and horseman can find a quiet day in the wilderness in almost every corner.

Access to the Carson Iceberg Wilderness generally takes a little navigation on several back road connections that will end at the wilderness boarded. Locations such as Wolf Creek or the Highland route have limited amenity Campgrounds suitable for horses at the wilderness boundaries. Bull run Lake, Sword Lake and Heiser lake are the most common lake backpacking destinations. The headwaters of the East Fork of the Carson River, the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus, and the Mokelumne River can also be explored in the Carson Iceberg Wilderness.

Featured Carson Iceberg Wilderness Adventures

Editors Choice – Carson Iceberg Wilderness Adventure

Congress designated the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness in 1984. Most of the area still includes cattle grazing allotments, and you will likely encounter cows or their signs from July to September. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs for over 26 miles within the Carson-Iceberg. About 200 total miles of foot and horse trails give access to this outstanding wilderness, where human use is moderate, especially on the eastern side.

Carson-Iceberg Wilderness: Trail Mileages
Stanislaus National Forest

Wilderness Regulations Emigrant/Carson Iceberg/Mokelumne Areas
Stanislaus National Forest

The following regulations are necessary to assure that future generations will find the
Wilderness at least as wild and free as it is for your visit. Violation of any of these regulations could result in a substantial penalty. Official
orders authorizing enforcement are available for review in Forest and District offices. Wilderness visitors must possess a valid permit for overnight trips.
Do not camp, travel or gather in groups exceeding 15 persons. (Limit per group is 12 persons in the Mokelumne Wilderness. Voluntary reduction of group size when traveling in wilderness areas is always encouraged as a hedge against resource damage.

• Dispose of body waste and wash water more than 100 feet from water, trails and campsites. Use “cat holes” six to eight inches deep for human waste.
• Do not use any soap in lakes or streams. Even biodegradable soaps are a shock to fragile and pristine
  aquatic ecosystems. “Wash” using a bucket well away from surface water.
• Campsites must be at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, trails and any “No Camping” signs.
• Pack out all refuse.
• Do not cut standing trees or deface them in any way.
• Do not shortcut trail switchbacks.
• Mechanized and motorized vehicles and equipment (including chainsaws, bicycles, Drones and carts) are prohibited. Non-motorized wheelchairs may be utilized.
• Construction of items such as rock walls, structures, tables or improvements of any permanent kind is prohibited.
• Do not build new fire rings—use the existing ones, please (except those too close to water).
• Do not leave any property (including camping gear, food or other provisions) unattended for longer than 24 hours.
• Discharging of firearms is permitted only for the taking of game during appropriate hunting seasons.
• Out-of-control dogs are not permitted. Check county ordinances for pet control requirements.
• One night camping limits (per trip) are applicable at the following lakes: Grouse, Camp, Bear, Powell and Waterhouse
• Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in elevation and within ½ mile of Emigrant Lake.

WILDERNESS PERMITS

The western half of the Carson-Iceberg is managed by the Stanislaus National Forest, while the eastern half is managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. There are no quotas on the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, however Permits are required for all overnight trips. Use the links in the sidebar to access the appropriate National Forest for more info.

BEARS AND FOOD STORAGE

Bear canisters are recommended. Use the Bear Section on this site to learn more.

CAMPFIRES

Campfires are generally allowed within the Carson-Iceberg wilderness, with a few exceptions. In places where fires are allowed, always follow smart campfire guidelines.

Not Ready for a full blown Wilderness Overnight Experience? Check ut Local Camping Solutions near by and day hike into your favorite wilderness locations. Our Sierra Nevada Camping Guide is a great place to start

PETS

Pets must be kept under control and not allowed to harass wildlife or people.

Wildlife

The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, located in the Sierra Nevada range of California, is home to a diverse array of wildlife. While the exact species you may encounter can vary depending on factors such as season and habitat, here are some of the wildlife commonly found in this wilderness area:

1. Mammals:
   • Black bears
   • Mountain lions (also known as cougars or pumas)
   • Mule deer
   • Coyotes
   • Gray foxes
   • Bobcats
   • Bighorn sheep
   • Martens
   • Marmots
   • Chipmunks
   • Squirrels (including Douglas squirrels and golden-mantled ground squirrels)
2. Birds:
   • Stellar’s jays
   • Mountain chickadees
   • White-headed woodpeckers
   • Red-tailed hawks
   • Golden eagles
   • Peregrine falcons
   • Clark’s nutcrackers
   • Western bluebirds
   • American dippers (also known as water ouzels)
   • Various species of owls (such as great horned owls and northern pygmy owls)
3. Reptiles and Amphibians:
   • Western fence lizards
   • Northern Pacific rattlesnakes
   • California kingsnakes
   • Various species of frogs and toads (such as Pacific treefrogs and Yosemite toads)
4. Fish:
   • Rainbow trout
   • Brown trout
   • Brook trout
   • Cutthroat trout
   • Golden trout (California state fish)
5. Insects and Arachnids:
   • Butterflies (including various species like swallowtails and admirals)
   • Dragonflies and damselflies
   • Beetles
   • Spiders (including tarantulas)

Remember to always respect wildlife and their habitats while visiting the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, and follow guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation to minimize your impact on the environment.

Explore More Wilderness Areas

• Wilderness Adventure — All Sierra Wilderness Areas
• Explore Desolation Wilderness
• Explore Ansel Adams Wilderness
• Emigrant Wilderness
• Explore John Muir Wilderness
• Explore Granite Chief Wilderness
• Explore Golden Trout Wilderness
• Explore Mokelumne Wilderness
• Explore Bucks Lake Wilderness
• Explore the Caribou Wilderness of Northern California
• Exploring Hoover Wilderness
• Exploring the Dinkey Lake Wilderness
• Jennie Lakes Wilderness