Dark Canyon (FR 0650-010) in CA -- Camping Rules & Access
Dark Canyon (FR 0650-010) in CA
Road corridorTahoe NF, Sierraville Ranger District
18 mi from Truckee
Maps 5,409 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Motor-vehicle season 4/24–12/31Stay limit: 14 days · Per calendar year, counted per ranger district
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- All 8.7 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Cottonwood Botanical Interpretive Trailhead.
- Estimated climb: 1,200 ft over 8.7 miles through 4 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 14% and pitches to 20%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~100 ft on the downhill side.
- Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 1.1 miles off.
- Treasure Mountain stands 1,675 ft above the map pin, 3.8 miles southwest.
Rules
Climate averages
October normals 38–65°F, 1.6″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.