Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

The 160,000 acre Carson-Iceberg Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus and Toiyabe National Forests. This area lies within portions of Tuolumne and Alpine County and is bordered by State Highway 108 on the south and State Highway 4 on the north. Watersheds drain to the Stanislaus River on the west slope and the Carson River on the east slope. The name Carson-Iceberg is derived from two prominent geographical features: the Carson River (named for noted scout and explorer Kit Carson) and the distinctive granite formation called "The Iceberg" on the southern boundary near Clark Fork Road.

The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is a rugged landscape of great scenic beauty. Much of the area is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks. Prominent in the southwestern portion are the Dardanelles. There are many streams flowing through deep granitic canyons but few lakes. Elevations range from about 5000 feet near Donnell Reservoir to 11,462 feet at Sonora Peak. From some vantage points one can view vast desert to the east and dense conifer forest to the west. Precipitation averages 50 inches annually on the west slope and as little as 15 inches on the east slope, 80 percent of it in the form of snow. Snow packs typically linger into June, sometimes later following very wet winters. Summers are generally dry and mild.

Enjoy the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness with an America Outdoors outfitter!