| The Eldorado National Forest offers over 70 day use and overnight developed recreation facilities across the forest for the individual, families, and groups. Reservations are available for some of the facilities for those busy folks who cannot make it up early to grab that perfect camp spot.A Mediterranean type climate extends over most of the Eldorado National Forest with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Precipitation falls mainly from October through April. Temperature Range: 0 degrees in winter to 100 degrees in summer. Snow pack: 5 - 10 feet on average, can be as high as 15 feet. Snow present from December to May at elevations above 6,000 feet.The Forest ranges in elevation from 1,000 feet in the foothills to more than 10,000 feet above sea level along the Sierra Crest. The mountainous topography is broken by the steep canyons of the Mokelumne, Cosumnes, American, and Rubicon rivers. Plateaus of generally moderate relief are located between these steep canyons.The principle vegetative types found on the Forest are woodland, chaparral, mixed conifer, true fir, and subalpine. A wide variety of hardwoods, brush, grasses, and forbs are mixed in with each of these forest types.There are 611 miles of fishable streams in four major drainage systems: Middle Fork of the American River, including the Rubicon; South Fork of the American River; and Cosumnes River North Fork of the Mokelumne River.Eldorado National Forest offers 297 lakes and reservoirs (including both public and private acreage), which total 11,994 surface acres. 11 large reservoirs account for 9,000 acres. The rest are mostly small, high mountain lakes.The Eldorado National Forest, offers the angler many opportunities to experience fine fishing. The Forest has many coldwater reservoirs, most with developed boating access ramps and campgrounds.Hundreds of lakes lie in the Desolation Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness for backpacking or horsepacking enjoyment. Many are stocked by nature with reproducing brook trout.Most reservoirs are stocked with trout by California Department of Fish and Game, and several rivers in the forest are stocked with catchable trout.Multi-use trails allow visitors interested in different recreational activities the opportunity to venture out and create their own outdoor experience while utilizing the same trail systems. Many non-motorized trails are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrian users.The Eldorado National Forest offers a variety of trail riding experiences. In general off-highway vehicles can operate on any designated road or trail as long as it is dry enough to not be damaged and is not in a closed area. Most of the forest roads are out and back rides. Some areas have enough interconnected roads to make an enjoyable experience. The links below highlight recommended OHV opportunities, including the three excellent trail systems on the forest.The fun does not stop when the snow flies. For many people it has just begun. Whether you prefer the serenity of a backcountry ski, the speed of the downhill runs, or the power of the snowmobile, there is no one-way to see what this Forest offers. Spectacular vistas and entertaining winter recreation opportunities await people with all levels of experience and interests. |
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| | | Facilities: The Eldorado National Forest offers over 70 day use and overnight developed recreation facilities across the forest for the individual, families, and groups. Best Time To Visit: Eldorado National Forest is open year-round. Most areas of the forest are open year round offering a variety of recreational activities. Fees: Many of the facilities and services in the Eldorado National Forest are free. Accessibility: Accessibility varies from activity to activity. Rules: General rules for National Forests and National Grasslands include details about camping, pets, and other topics. Etiquette expected of visitors is outlined in the Leave No Trace program. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for vehicles parked in some areas. Directions: The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada. Portions of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, and Placer counties lie within the Forest boundary. The forest is bordered on the north by the Tahoe National Forest, on the east by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, on the southeast by the Humboldt-Toiyabe, and to the south by the Stanislaus National Forest. Sacramento is located within 1 - 1.5 hours driving time from the Forest.Map: Click here for a map to Eldorado National Forest Reservations: Reservations are not needed or required to visit Eldorado National Forest. Most of the forest is first-come, first-served. Some areas and campgrounds do accept reservations. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Eldorado National Forest | | 100 Forni Rd. | | Placerville, California 95667 |
| | | Phone | | General: (530) 622-5061 | | Fax: (530) 621-5297 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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