Mokelumne River Canyon

Mokelumne Peak is at a towering 9334' elevation in the High Sierra known as Mokelumne Wilderness. Granite scenery, high country, big water at high elevations.

105,165 acres straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Toiyabe National Forests; bordered by Highway 4 on the south and Highway 88 on the north.

The Mokelumne River starts way up near Blue Lakes (South of Tahoe) which flows down to Salt Springs Reservoir, on the Amador & Calaveras county line. Once inside the Gold Country region the Mokelumne River drains into Pardee Reservoir, near Jackson CA.

Salt Springs Reservoir has a trailhead for the Mokelumne Wilderness.

Ellis Road - El Dorado National Forest Road #8N25

a signed turn off of Sierra Highway 88; a steep long, winding, hairy drive on a paved, back road that switchbacks down to river and prime camping. Minimal access and recreation at Salt Springs reservoir.

Mokelumne River Campground NFS

Mokelumne Campground: river fishing, tent camping

    •    Elevation: 3200′
    •    Number of Sites: 8
    •    Vehicle Accessibility: No RVs
    •    Toilets: Vault
    •    Campsites Fee: Yes
    •    Campsites Reservation: No
    •    Length of Stay: 14 Days
    •    Season: May – October
    •    Trailheads: Mokelumne River Canyon



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Mokelumne Wilderness is a popular destination for backpackers or equestrian folks, mostly in summer months. Snow closes highway for winter, with very limited access to the backcountry. A topographic waterproof map: Mokelumne Wilderness Maps or USDA El Dorado Forest Map