![]() This is the trail's highest point in Desolation and the views to the north and south are outstanding. The trail stays on Aloha's shoreline for 1.5 miles before turning east and climbing past Heather Lake, Susie Lake, Gilmore Lake, and Half Moon Lake to Dick's Pass (9,200 ft.). Then the trail climbs thru shaded forest past Tamrack Lake to Haypress Meadows at 8,400 before dropping down past Lake Margery into the barren basin of Lake Aloha (8,100 ft.). In the summer months, a water taxi crosses the lakes, making it an even easier hike into Desolation. The trail goes northwest from the Echo Lakes trailhead (7,400 ft.) for 2.5 level miles along the edge of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail are one in the same as it takes a very scenic 22 mile tour of Desolation. The forest-covered northeast contains a chain of six glacial lakes on Meek’s Creek. In the northwest the Rubicon River flows through the open exposed granite of the Rockbound Valley. The northern half of Desolation receives less use because the approaches are slightly longer and the peaks and lakes are not quite as dramatic as in the south. Surrounded by the highest peaks in the area, the starkly beautiful Lake Aloha with its highly convoluted shoreline and hundreds of flat rock islands is the heart of Desolation. This area consists of bare granite slabs and boulders, scattered weather beaten trees, rollicking streams and numerous small and large lakes. The most desolate part of Desolation is the large, glacially flattened basin that is the headwaters of Pyramid Creek in the southern part of the wilderness area. Even on the largest peaks, more difficult parts can be easily avoided. Class 2 routes can get you almost everywhere in the wilderness area. Whether hiking or skiing, the open terrain in many parts of Desolation make cross-country travel easy, pleasurable, and quite scenic. It is located southwest of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County California. These are the result of the movement of glaciers, which scraped volcanic rock layers away to expose the underlying granite. Desolation’s characteristic features, especially at the higher elevations, are the vast expanses of exposed granitic rock interrupted by sparsely scattered trees and shrubs. But don’t let this scare you away from enjoying 64,000 acres (100 square miles) of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, meadows of wildflowers, 75 glacially-formed lakes with names, and countless ones without names. Continue further and you’ll arrive at the parking lot for Desolation Wilderness and the upper falls.Due to it’s relatively easy access and proximity to large populations in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno, Desolation Wilderness Area receives more use per acre than any other wilderness area in the U.S. Continue straight past the firehouse and parking for the lower falls is along the right side of the road. Take Fallen Leaf Road about 5 miles and continue left upon seeing the marina and signs for the falls. You will see Fallen Leaf Road on your left. ![]() Take Hwy 89 north from the Hwy 50 junction for about 3 miles. Simply park and stroll down to the already visible rushing waters. The best part of the lower falls is that there is virtually no hike to get there. The lower falls are more impressive, plummeting about 60 feet down the step-like rocks. Tallac and into Desolation Wilderness, but hang left once you see the falls and the trail will take you up to the top. The upper falls is a one mile, round trip hike where the falls drop about 30 feet. Both the upper and lower falls here offer an up-close experience with the rushing water. This is a great destination that is a little off the beaten path. A wilderness permit is required for day hikes into Desolation, (self register at the trailhead.) Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. Continue 4.5 miles until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta Morris or Gilmore lakes. Another longer, more strenuous hike to Lake Aloha leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow, nd three alpine lakes. For a short walk, try the 2-mile hike to Grass Lake. Many different hikes can be accessed from this trailhead.
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