Mokelumne Wilderness is a protected wilderness area spanning 105,165 acres across the central Sierra Nevada in California. This rugged landscape is characterized by dramatic elevations, ranging from approximately 3,900 feet to 10,380 feet at Round Top, featuring striking volcanic ridges, serene alpine lakes, and glacial canyons. The diverse ecosystems and extensive trail system make it a prime location for several sports like hiking, jogging, and more.
The Mokelumne Wilderness offers a range of outdoorβ¦
58
Routes
4.9
(17)
Average rating
555
People visited

5.0
(1)
5
hikers
5.46km
01:40
270m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
hikers
8.60km
02:29
220m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
hikers
11.0km
03:17
380m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
15.1km
04:32
600m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.84km
00:27
50m
220m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

12
riders
17.6km
02:09
690m
690m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
6.89km
00:35
100m
90m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
9.41km
01:04
320m
320m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
runners
7.50km
00:58
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.99km
00:22
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
6.80km
00:46
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

2
runners
10.0km
01:20
370m
370m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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60
riders
99.6km
05:43
2,370m
2,370m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
44
riders
66.4km
03:34
1,290m
1,290m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

38
riders
54.3km
03:09
1,220m
1,220m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

17
riders
58.4km
03:28
1,410m
1,410m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(1)
22
riders
57.9km
04:03
1,120m
1,120m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
riders
13.4km
00:53
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
riders
42.0km
03:05
970m
970m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
72.4km
05:34
1,950m
1,950m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Mokelumne Wilderness is suitable for hiking and trail running. The area features an extensive trail system, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, and offers opportunities for primitive recreation. Activities like mountain biking and road cycling are prohibited within the wilderness boundaries.
Overnight permits are required year-round for any overnight stays in Mokelumne Wilderness. For day use, specific permits are generally not required, but visitors should adhere to general wilderness regulations, including group size limits.
The wilderness offers diverse hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Popular routes include the Winnemucca Lake β PCT Trailhead and Carson Pass loop. More information on hiking options is available in the guide Hiking in Mokelumne Wilderness.
Yes, Mokelumne Wilderness features trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. Visitors can find routes for less strenuous hikes. Consult the guide Easy hikes in Mokelumne Wilderness for specific recommendations.
The wilderness is known for its rugged beauty, including volcanic ridges and peaks like Round Top, which reaches over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). Other features include the Mokelumne River Canyon and numerous glacial lakes such as Winnemucca, Round Top, and Fourth of July Lakes.
Trail running is a popular activity in Mokelumne Wilderness, particularly around the Carson Pass area. The wilderness provides an immersive experience through open forests, meadows, and river views. Find suitable routes in the guide Running Trails in Mokelumne Wilderness.
Elevations within Mokelumne Wilderness range significantly. The lowest points are around 3,900 feet (1,189 meters) near Salt Springs Reservoir, while the highest peak, Round Top, reaches approximately 10,380 feet (3,164 meters).
Mokelumne Wilderness has 2 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 34 ratings. More than 900 visitors have shared their experiences in the area.
Official information about Mokelumne Wilderness is available through the USDA Forest Service. The Eldorado National Forest provides a dedicated page at fs.usda.gov/recarea/eldorado/recarea/?recid=71556. For direct inquiries, the Amador Ranger District can be reached at (209) 259-3774.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for activities in Mokelumne Wilderness. These include Hiking in Mokelumne Wilderness, Easy hikes in Mokelumne Wilderness, and Running Trails in Mokelumne Wilderness.
Mokelumne Wilderness spans a large area across the central Sierra Nevada. It covers approximately 105,165 acres (42,559 hectares) and is managed by the USDA Forest Service.

