The 160,000 acre Carson-Iceberg Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada mountain range, within the Stanislaus National Forest and Toiyabe National Forest. 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 of the wilderness near Clark Fork Road. 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.

• Take advantage of the 195 miles of trails on foot or horseback. Major trailheads on the Stanislaus portion are Wheat's Meadow, County Line, Arnot Creek, Disaster Creek, and Clark Fork on the Summit Ranger District (Highway 108) and Silver Valley (Lake Alpine), Stanislaus Meadow, Mosquito Lakes, Pacific Valley, and Highland Lakes on the Calaveras Ranger District (Highway 4).