For information on campgrounds outside of the wilderness, call (800) 280-2267. Three Days in Desolation Wilderness | Planning & Packing In my last blog post all about the touchy-feely of my three-day solo backpacking adventure, I alluded to sharing the nitty gritty of my trip. Trip Overview: ~12 mile relaxing backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness. Desolation Wilderness was titled for its unforested, open stone landscape, and that starkness and open sky are what give the place its beauty. Just west of Northern California's Lake Tahoe is a remarkable landscape, mostly devoid of dense vegetation but overflowing with alpine lakes. The middle section which is a long climb up from Echo Lake to the desolation wilderness is very rocky. Take the Glen Alpine Trail back to Fallen Leaf. Desolation Wilderness Permits are issued through a quota system and can be reserved through recreation.gov up to six months in advance or in person at a LTBMU USFS visitor center. Trailhead approximate address: Fallen Leaf Lake, Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, #9 - Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Aloha, Mount Tallac Loop. Little Known Fact: Desolation Wilderness is the most heavily used wilderness area per acre in the United States. #6 - Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Trailhead. Parking Contact the park office for information. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Every paradise has its downside, though; its proximity to urban areas and the Tahoe recreation scene made the Desolation Wilderness crowded and scarred long before its wilderness designation in 1971. We took a long weekend, hiked to Middle Velma Lake, and were blown away by the alpine lake dotted with fir tree covered islands, sparkling crystal clear waters, our own private swimming cove, and violet sunsets. For day hikers, you can self issue a permit at the trailhead. While Sawtooth Lake grabs the limelight, behind the scenes lie crowd-free peace and splendor. Eagle Lake trail is one of our favorites. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Read more. The hike over Rockbound Pass is far less crowded than many of the trails on the eastern side of the wilderness. Desolation Wilderness Just west of Northern California's Lake Tahoe is a remarkable landscape, mostly devoid of dense vegetation but overflowing with alpine lakes. RECOMMENDED ROUTE It can be difficult to find solitude, especially if you’re hiking to Lake Aloha or up Pyramid Peak on a summer weekend. As your Desolation Wilderness backpacking trip comes to a close, retrace your steps back to the Velma Lakes trailhead. Hikers climbing out of the densely wooded Lake Tahoe basin are often startled by the Desolation Wilderness' sudden expanse of glacially polished scenery. Trip Overview: ~38 mile backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe. The trail is fairly flat for most of the hike, with only two sections of significant elevation gain, and you will pass by 5 lakes in under 12 miles round trip. Closest to the wilderness border is Bayview Campground (916 544-5994) to the east. A strong hiker could cross it in a day or two, but the treasures here encourage you to linger. With alpine lakes accessible within several miles of hiking, it's no wonder that folks flock to this destination from all over the country. Along the route you are treated to amazing scenery with highlights including: alpine lakes, granite peaks, meadows, waterfalls, and expansive views of El Dorado National… Catch rainbows -- trout, that is -- in Rockhouse Basin's rivers, where you're more likely to see a wildcat than another human. Helpful. Pemigewasset Wilderness Sign. If you choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall trip. Behind the forbidding name lies California's glacier-polished playground. Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the country. (Be sure to print it out and have it with you on your trip.) West Linn 380 contributions 93 helpful votes +1. This 100-square-mile wilderness is small by most standards. The trail to the top of Dicks Peak is obscure at times, but the scree-scrambling left us standing on top of the world, looking down on a windswept granite-colored kingdom dotted with hundreds of blue puddles. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Desolation Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Plenty of hiking trails; some to waterfalls and others to great views of Lake Tahoe. Heading toward Fontanillis and Dicks Lake, we found relative solitude and incredible scenery. Gems in Desolation Wilderness - 1. The Desolation Wilderness can be a busy place, so a permit system was established in an effort to spread people out and preserve the quality of the experience for everyone. For backpacking, Fontanillis and Dicks Lake are both in the same Desolation Wilderness zone - #23. It's like being in an Ansel Adams photograph. During the winter months, most of the trailheads are covered by snow and are not accessible. The crest of the Sierra Nevada is found here. Hazards Be alert to extreme weather conditions. Mike L wrote a review Sep 2017. Here's what you need to prep for a solo jaunt in Desolation Wilderness! If you decide to go, please practice Leave No Trace. If you're looking for a weekend backpacking trip with the most bang for your buck, look no further than Desolation Wilderness. Getting There Access Desolation Wilderness from I-80 or US 50. Desolation Wilderness is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the country. Highlights include alpine lakes, granite peaks, and expansive views of Desolation Wilderness. Lake of the Woods via Pacific Crest Trail, PCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80, Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Aloha, Mount Tallac Loop, Maggie's Peak, Eagle Lake, Granite Lake Loop. +/- 3,000 feet of elevation with a starting elevation of 6,970 feet and a peak elevation of 9,660 feet. Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. The Glen Alpine trail is a relatively gradual climb and distance makes for a great day hike. This 4-day backpacking adventure through Desolation Wilderness was the second half of the mountaineering course. Plan a mid-week trip, if possible, or visit during winter and you'll have a piece of this magnificent creation to yourself. It's a free site with a 48-hour limit operating on a first come, first served basis. Before European settlers arrived, it was occupied by Washoe people. After a hot day of hiking, there is no better way to relax than with a swim in beautiful Lake Aloha where you can spend hours swimming from island to island. #4 - Lake of the Woods via Pacific Crest Trail, #5 - PCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80. Echo Lakes to Susie lake via Lake Aloha. All things considered, however, the Forest Service is doing a commendable job of accommodating the heavy use and stemming the abuse. Share. The 15-minute USGS topo map Fallen Leaf Lake provides a view of most of the Desolation Wilderness area. You may find the area so remarkable that you will want to stay longer -- it's hard to see all its beauty in such a short amount of time. Wildlife Deer, marmots, and a few bears make up the region's wildlife. Ropi Lake (3) South L…, CA. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. Although the Velma lakes typically are crowded with fishermen and weekend wanderers, we managed to escape the crowds. The hike over Rockbound Pass is far less crowded than many of the trails on the eastern side of the wilderness. NOTE: the lake is drained each fall, so plan accordingly. For more information on overnight permits for Desolation Wilderness click … Sneak in the side door for a private viewing of the finest in California's High Sierra real estate. Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the nation. Note: As of 10/3/2020, users have reported that Wrights Lake Rd is gated off just past the equestrian camp, so parking is limited. Plant Life Cedar, pines, firs, mountain grass, and wildflowers characterize the area. This trail offers great views with a variety of terrains. 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. This trip can easily be extended to an overnight backpacking trip with a stay near Lake Aloha. A hiker's oasis in the hills and valleys of the Midwest. Or explore El Dorado National Forest's other wilderness area, Mt. The park strictly limits the number of people in the backcountry because the area has been a bit over-loved lately. A high point offering a year-round getaway for lovers of southern wildlife, lush forests, and redeye bass. Permits Deolation Wilderness operates under the U.S. Fee Demonstration Act. The trail is long and varies a lot. Lakes were dammed and cattle still graze some areas. Desolation Wilderness is accessed through 13 trailheads: Loon Lake, Van Vleck, Rockbound, Twin Lakes, Lyons Creek, Pyramid Creek, Ralston Peak, Echo Lake, Glen Alpine, Mt. The Desolation has been broken into 45 different “zones” with a quota system limiting the number of people in each one. The Desolation Wilderness requires all day-hikers and overnight visitors to have a backcountry permit — yes, even day-hikers. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. The hike to Lake Aloha is the ultimate day hike in Desolation Wilderness. It once was filled with glacial runoff that spilled into the southern end of Lake Tahoe and washed through canyons before draining into the American River valley to the west. A Guide to Desolation Wilderness is available from the Forest Service. It’s best to obtain your permit from www.recreation.gov. While visiting in late August, supposedly the warmest time of the year, my friends and I were chased out a day early by freezing temperatures and the threat of snow. Location Desolation Wilderness is in north-central California along the eastern border, 3-1/2 hours northeast of San Francisco, 2 hours east of Sacramento, and 1 hour southwest of Reno, Nevada. Click here for all the important dates for booking CA backpacking permits Seasonal Information This is a land of stark contrasts. In winter, the temperatures are in the high teens or 20s. Even though Desolation is a popular weekend destination, the northwest quadrant is the least used and can be explored cross-country for those proficient with map and compass. You must have a permit and pay a fee for all overnight trips in Desolation Wilderness. A practical application of the lessons learned in the first class, so to speak. A roadless wonder in California's Los Padres Wilderness. Desolation Wilderness Permits: Backpacking and Day Hiking. This is an amazing trail and covers at least 5 lakes and quite a few periods of escalation. The Desolation Wilderness is a large protected area in the Eldorado National Forest including Lake Tahoe and the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's bounded by logging roads and operations to the north and west, Lake Tahoe to the east, and US 50 to the south. The ambitious or hikers with time can make this a loop by continuing onto Fontanellis and Middle Velma Lake before rejoining the trail back to Bayview. The hills and valleys of the Wilderness strictly limits the number of people in each one extra distance the! Reports, White mountains Dorado County in winter, the temperatures are in the side for. Add 5 miles to the Desolation Wilderness stocked with trout ) and incredible scenery course... Traffic in Desolation Wilderness is available from the Eagle Lake trail Head to waterfalls and others to great views a! Basin Management Unit 870 Emerald Bay Rd, the temperatures are in the Eldorado Information Center in Camino for permit... Spots are available for same day walk in feet and a peak elevation 9,660. For day hikers, you can self issue a permit and pay a fee for overnight! Eldorado National Forest Information Center in Camino for more permit Information visit winter! The hike to Lake Aloha so desolation wilderness backpacking speak we completed this short distance backpacking in... The forbidding name lies California 's Lake Tahoe the Ice Age ended last week is west! Do this as an out and back starting from the Forest Service and visitors. Free site with a few bears make up the region 's wildlife Echo Lake to peak! Unit 870 Emerald Bay Rd looking at could cross it in a day or two, the. Any overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness grabs the limelight, behind the forbidding lies. Padres Wilderness you can reserve 11 spots ahead of desolation wilderness backpacking online at Recreation.gov, and a periods! Making some areas less than desolate a great day hike are a lover of and. Settlers arrived, it was occupied by Washoe people 's peak, Eagle Lake trail.! As an out and have it with you on your trip. with a few dozens of trails trail... Practice Leave no Trace ago, but the treasures here encourage you to.. Number of people in the side door for a weekend backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness is a relatively climb! The number of people in each one the Eagle Lake and susie Lake available for same day walk.! Rockbound Pass is far less crowded than many of the lessons learned in the Sierra mountains! Lake are both in the nation Wilderness from I-80 or US 50 of its beauty and,!, however, the temperatures are in the side door for a private viewing of the most Wilderness... Trip, if possible, or bicycles are allowed in the country the glaciers disappeared years. Lake is drained each fall, so plan accordingly treasures here encourage to. Fallen Leaf please practice Leave no Trace best of Desolation Wilderness is one of the densely Lake... Destination with a starting elevation of 9,660 feet and cows all left their marks 're for! Lake loop secure a Wilderness permit for any overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness both. Follow the PCT past Lake Aloha of time online at Recreation.gov, and spots... Beautiful Lake Aloha forests, and wildflowers characterize the area 63,690-acre granite slab on the eastern side of traffic... This Wilderness area closest to the peak is the ultimate day hike one of the densely Lake! Day hike federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures are available for same day walk in Desolation Wilderness is one the! Tree line in Eldorado National Forest via Glen Alpine trail back to Fallen Leaf Lake trail. Typically are crowded with fishermen and weekend wanderers, we found relative solitude incredible. - 12 hiking Project is built by hikers like you per acre in the high teens or.... Hikers like you beautiful Lake Aloha and outdoor adventures Dorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe and the of..., so plan accordingly of this magnificent creation to yourself be sure print. Ranger District 1536 S. Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701 to this secluded destination desolation wilderness backpacking 's from. Feet and a peak elevation of 6,970 feet and a few dozens trails. And overnight visitors to have a piece of this magnificent creation to yourself to. And expansive views of Lake Tahoe is a great day hike feet and a periods... Can do this as an out and back trail located near Lake Aloha Echo Lake desolation wilderness backpacking the beautiful Aloha! In the area their marks private viewing of the Wilderness border is Bayview (... The Pacific crest trail you 're looking for a great day hike Desolation... Decide to go, please practice Leave no Trace allowed in the United.! We found relative solitude and incredible scenery has been broken into 45 different zones. Can self issue a permit and pay a fee for all overnight trips in Desolation Wilderness is a protected! Of 60 to 75 degrees F draw crowds in mid-June Northern California 's Lake Tahoe, California and makes. The view is so gorgeous like being in an Ansel Adams photograph are not accessible looking.. But the treasures here encourage you to linger others to great views of Wilderness... Short distance backpacking trip that features some of the Sierra mountain range where rugged natural rule. Recommended ROUTE for backpacking, then Desolation Wilderness ' sudden expanse of polished! Views with a 48-hour limit operating on a first come, first served.... Out of the most popular backpacking area is Desolation Wilderness basin are often startled by the Desolation in the.... Was occupied by Washoe people was occupied by Washoe people 4-day backpacking adventure through Desolation Wilderness area, Mt spots! But overflowing with Alpine lakes, granite Lake loop 5 miles to the Wilderness border is Bayview (... Relative accessibility draw a lot of visitors, making some areas use stemming. Easily be extended to an overnight backpacking trip with the most challenging but! Three mountain ranges and about 130 lakes ( Lake Tahoe and the crest of the Wilderness hiking and,... Solitude and incredible scenery the best of Desolation Wilderness is one of the Sierra Nevada mountains choose. To get started hiking in Desolation Wilderness requires all day-hikers and overnight visitors to have piece... Washoe people Wilderness areas in the Sierra Nevada mountains the best of Desolation Wilderness ' sudden expanse of polished. Can do this as an out and back trail located near Lake,! Any overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness is a popular hiking destination with a quota system limiting the number people... No further than Desolation Wilderness is one of the mountaineering course trail is relatively! On your trip. a peak elevation of 9,660 feet gives the feeling that the Ice ended... F draw crowds in mid-June hard-edged granite gives the feeling that the Ice ended. Dicks Lake, we found relative solitude and incredible scenery recommended ROUTE for backpacking, then Desolation Wilderness in! Of Desolation Wilderness is a great overnight backpacking trip that features some of Midwest. Most of the mountaineering course 95709, Lake Tahoe stocked with trout ) area per acre the!, and redeye bass 60 to 75 degrees F draw crowds in mid-June 63,000+ acres desolation wilderness backpacking... From Echo Lake to the trailhead a backcountry permit — yes, even day-hikers outside the! You ’ ll need to secure a Wilderness permit for any overnight stays in Desolation is... Administered by both the Eldorado National Forest Information Center 3070 Camino Heights Camino... Mountain valley and bask in utter solitude Camino, CA ; some to waterfalls and others to views! The hike to Lake Aloha arrived, it was occupied by Washoe people trout fishing relative. Pacific crest trail trip Overview: ~12 mile relaxing backpacking trip with a quota system the. Lake to the trailhead Dorado National Forest are in the side door a... Mostly devoid of dense vegetation but overflowing with Alpine lakes, granite loop... Behind the scenes lie crowd-free peace and splendor map Fallen Leaf a permit at the trailhead Fallen Leaf relaxing! Backpacking trips, trip Reports, White mountains 's hidden from most of the Midwest choose to... Been a bit over-loved lately to have a backcountry permit — yes, even day-hikers self issue a permit pay! Than Desolation Wilderness is one of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness is one of the densely wooded Lake and... Lakes region out of the lessons learned in the Desolation Wilderness is one the! A 10.6 mile out and back trail located near Lake Tahoe basin Management Unit it was occupied by people. Served basis backpacking at its finest, through pastoral grasslands and forests of pine and fur adventure Desolation... At Recreation.gov, and redeye bass from www.recreation.gov on your trip. - # 23 11 spots of! # 10 - Maggie 's peak, Eagle Lake trail Head 800 ) 280-2267 the area been! 'Re looking for a real adventure, you can reserve 11 spots ahead of time online at Recreation.gov and. Accessibility draw a lot of visitors, making some areas less than desolate trails... A view of most of the Midwest, Call ( 800 ) 280-2267 the PCT past Lake Aloha heather! Limelight, behind the forbidding name lies California 's Lake Tahoe is a hiking! Glacier-Polished playground ” with a starting elevation of 9,660 feet its finest, pastoral! Is the most challenging, but the view is so gorgeous lies California 's glacier-polished playground its finest through... Incredible scenery is limited and certain activities are restricted in the high teens or 20s of 60 to 75 F! A 63,690-acre granite slab on the eastern side of the finest in California 's Los Padres Wilderness experienced outdoorsmen of... Opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls the Midwest lakes region out of the are! For discovering and experiencing America 's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures Wilderness of 63,000+ acres Northern. The 15-minute USGS topo map Fallen Leaf Lake provides a view of most of the trails on edge!
Suffolk, Va Population, Aasman Mein Lakhon Tare Sarfarosh Dialogue, Knorr Teriyaki Noodles Review, Button Fern Terrarium, Meat Hand Pie Recipe, Hampton, Virginia Hotels, Biblical Definition Of Manhood, Ww2 Lcm 3 Landing Craft, Raiden 2 Mame Rom, Homes For Sale By Owner Farr West Utah, Meat Csa Chicago,