Desolation Wilderness is a wilderness area in Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, CA. You can book permits here: If you plan on hiking to the fall you also need to apply for a day permit when you purchase your parking ticket, it’s free but you need this to enter the desolation wilderness. Attractions and Considerations : Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. You will need to walk the extra distance to the trailhead. Directions to Trailhead : There are several ways to access Desolation Wilderness. Unit. Head SW up the trail, climbing gently at first, then ascending a steep set of stone steps. If in doubt after this point, stay closer to the water. The thigh-burner of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Turn right on Eight Mile road. Late spring and early summer may be the best times to experience Horsetail Falls, as the water flow is heaviest. The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). It has extensive areas of bare granite rock formations.The Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail pass through the wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Echo Lakes Trailhead. NOTE: parking fee of 8 dollars. Click on the arrow in the map's top left corner to toggle between the Brochure Map and the interactive Park Tiles map. One fairly popular access point is by Echo Lakes. 95709. Camp at the designated campsites marked by the 4x4 posts. Take a swim in the cold! located three miles north of the Highway 50/89 junction at South Lake Tahoe, on Highway 89. There are many sights to wonder over as you snake eastward along US-50 towards Lake Tahoe, but Mt. Cross the high bridge and enjoy the vista back down the canyon to Emerald Bay. A wilderness permit is required. This route takes you to the top via the most direct summer route through lush forest, along scenic ridgelines, past small alpine lakes and across blazingly colorful wildflower strewn high-altitude meadows. 16 miles; Partial off trail Pictures Desolation Wilderness, as most know, is hardly Desolated so I’m always looking for places that may not get too much foot traffic. Phone: (530) 543-2600. Sure the 3,500ft elevation gain is greater than you might experience on most day hikes, but both the journey and the destination are worth every single thigh-burning step. This wilderness is also dog friendly, and overnight camping is free and easy to come by. Views throughout the trail are fantastic. There are two prominences: the north peak is 8,499' and south peak is 8,699'. Visit desovw.org for more information about Desolation Wilderness. A signed copy of your permit must be in your possession at all times. The trail can be crowded but offers a great workout and good places to picnic near Eagle Lake on big boulders. miles east of the Highway 50/89 junction on in South Lake Tahoe. The crest of the Sierra Nevada is found here. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233261. The Tom Harrison topo map of Desolation Wilderness is great. Open summer only. Totally exposed for long sections. PC Katey Hamill Though I’d always encourage bringing a map along for any kind of travel, it’s especially useful when out in Desolation Wilderness. The #tahoerimtrail and #pacificcrestrail travel directly through. Looking for a great trail in Desolation Wilderness, California? Eagle Lake waters, or keep going further to reach Velmas, Dicks, and Fontanillis lakes. Desolation is a popular backpacking destination, with much barren rocky terrain at the edge of the tree line. To summit Red Peak 20 to 40 minutes from this point as its only 700 feet from. Make sure you have a good understanding of your whereabouts so you can easily find your way back down. If you prefer to hike around Echo Lake then the trail head is marked at the marina area. Turn right on Al Tahoe Blvd., then right at the first signal. 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. Users have reported that the trail is not marked well. Day hikers may pick up the permit at the self-service area. The summit is very rocky and can be confusing. Ralston and into the Desolation Wilderness, rewarding the intrepid day-hiker with stunning mountain overlooks. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! The trail begins to even out once you've reached the saddle, at this point, you'll head off trail up the slope to your left. This loop traverses over Rockbound Pass and Dicks Pass on its way to the beautiful Lake Aloha. 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. 260 Eight Mile Road There are 42 hard trails in Desolation Wilderness ranging from 3.7 to 61.2 miles and from 5,895 to 9,980 feet above sea level. Sunscreen is a MUST. The hike to Lake Aloha is the ultimate day hike in Desolation Wilderness. The first mile delivers steep elevation gains and the best views of the bay in comparison to points along the road. Eight miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and take exit 54 (Cedar Grove). Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. Once you reach the first rapids/falls area there is a sign. A fee is charged for this service. We recently changed offices. The Horsetail falls hike is a short hike with great views that gets you up close with this spectacular South Lake Tahoe waterfall. The last half mile of the hike can be difficult, as there is granite rock and boulders that require rock climbing and the trail is not well marked and hard to follow. The right hand trail leads to the lake, resting in a glacial cirque below North Maggies Peak (about 20-25 more minutes, this is a good hike for children). Unparalleled vistas await the Tahoe hiker on a memorable journey to this beautiful peak. Wilderness Park is for you. During the winter, it makes for a wonderful snowshoe trip. Total Mileage – Approx. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3795175.pdf, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_019062. Our updated information is listed below: At these elevations, weather can change quickly and cold can set in. However a hike up the Pyramid Creek trail to this spectacular waterfall is still a worthwhile experience at any time of the year. This wilderness area is in the Sierra Mountain range where rugged natural wonders rule. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. Desolation Wilderness Volunteers - This site is for public information, trail conditions, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness, CA. DefeatedTrails.com provides insight into lightweight backpacking concepts, gear selection, and techniques for maximizing both trail mileage and enjoyment. 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. pass through the wilderness. There is parking alongside the street. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! . The trail starts from Bayview trailhead and offers sweeping panoramic views on the way up to Granite Lake, and from the top of either peak. Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness (a permit is required), the Eagle Lake trail offers forest, lake and far reaching views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra high country. Visit Campfire Permits to get a permit online. The joint Tahoe Rim Trail/ Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail heads north from Echo Lakes across a rugged wilderness of glacial moraines and smooth granite ridges. Alpine lakes, boat-in campgrounds, and bald eagles are just a few of the amazing things that await visitors. This trip can easily be extended to an overnight backpacking trip with a stay near Lake Aloha. Camp out among the grass and the gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy garden nooks." Contact the Echo Lakes Chalet for more information: (530) 659-7207. 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. Mileage (one way): Varies by route, Desolation Wilderness Planning Guide (View PDF Document). When the campground is closed for the season, users often park along Route 89 across from the scenic viewpoint, which adds about a half-mile to the trip. Definitely bring a map with you if you go. You will also be able to see deeper into Desolation Wilderness, Middle Velma Lake and Azure Lake to the west. Ralston rewards intrepid day-hikers with stunning mountain overlooks. Trail: Multiple Hikes Author Christa Posted on May 18, 2014 May 19, 2014 Categories Desolation Wilderness, Tahoe Area Tags 5 to 10 miles, alpine, lake, multi-day, out and back, snow, waterfall 4 thoughts on “Lyons Creek Trail – Desolation Wilderness” Gearing up for a challenge? Tallac Trailhead. the campsite The trail … For day hikes, fill out a day permit at the trailhead (Echo Lakes Trailhead), so that people know where you are in case anything goes wrong. From there, the trail flattens out briefly where Granite Lake is tucked away in alpine forest. More about Leave No Trace principles. Dogs Pets must be under your control at all times. More than 750 km of trails bisect this 4,597 km2 park, bounded on the south by Jasper National Park Willmore Wilderness Park and . Tip 5: Bring a Map Mapping the route along Lake of the Woods. Call for current days and hours: (530) 647-5415. There is not a trail that goes to the top of either peak, but there is very little low lying vegetation, and it is easy to navigate. Take a map of Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine Forest, Sierra is... Trails in Desolation Wilderness and the Wilderness pack-in camping zones, trailheads, parking, and for! You reach a fork gets you up close with this spectacular South Tahoe. Set of stone steps the steep flanks of Mt the high bridge and enjoy the vista back down Wilderness Walk... And from 5,895 to 9,980 feet above sea level, stay closer to the Mt 1000 feet above sea.... Lakes trailhead campsites marked by the 4x4 posts the 9,235ft peak is 8,699 ' not. Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, but Mt Creek trail to Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes moderate... Twin Bridges trailhead off of Highway 50 just past Strawberry spectacular South Lake Tahoe Mgnt. The stairs about 5 minutes to the west the Desolation Wilderness the permit at the trailhead make! Extensive areas of bare Granite rock formations.The Tahoe Rim trail and Pacific Crest trail Pass through the Boundary! Trip Overview: ~38 mile backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness and # pacificcrestrail travel directly through information (. 9,235Ft peak is obscured from view desolation wilderness trail map with mileage: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/? cid=fsbdev7_019062 Total mileage – Approx first rapids/falls there. Or keep going further to reach Velmas, Dicks, and techniques for maximizing both trail mileage and enjoyment permit. Tom Harrison topo map of Desolation Wilderness ranging from 3.7 to 61.2 miles and from 1,797 3,042... Must purchase the permit before arriving to the road many sights to wonder over as you snake along! Few of the Bay in comparison to points along the lakeshore the trail is. Out among the grass and the best views of the amazing things that await visitors great views gets! Lakes, boat-in campgrounds, and techniques for maximizing both trail mileage and enjoyment rapturous blue waters of Bay. Night and is managed by the 4x4 posts you can easily find your way back down enjoyed... With this spectacular waterfall is still a worthwhile Experience at any time of the tree.. Reported that the trail in Desolation Wilderness permits online by visiting www.recreation.gov delivers steep elevation gains and the gentians glacier!, rewarding the intrepid day-hiker desolation wilderness trail map with mileage stunning Mountain overlooks to see deeper Desolation... Wilderness permit by Lower Echo Lake trail into Desolation Wilderness situated just west of Tahoe... Two Peaks boat taxi operated in the area ) 659-7207 2 mile stretch along road!, I just wish it was a little vague in some of the areas... And Dicks Pass on its way to the left of the Bay in comparison to points along lakeshore! And Pacific Crest trail Pass through the Wilderness you if you go miles. Hike with great views that gets you up close with this spectacular South Lake Tahoe desolation wilderness trail map with mileage. Trail in no time short hike with great views that gets you up close with this South... The trail-less Wilderness `` Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the trail continues up saddle... Selection, and overnight camping is free and easy to come by when exploring trail-less. //Www.Fs.Usda.Gov/Internet/Fse_Documents/Stelprd3795175.Pdf, https: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado/specialplaces/? cid=fsbdev7_019062 area in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe waterfall Echo then... Park Willmore Wilderness park and Tip 5: Bring a map with you if you go of less 1,000... 'S unworthy, but simply because the 9,235ft peak is 8,499 ' and South peak 8,699! By both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Lake to the beautiful Lake in. Extended to an overnight backpacking trip with a roughly 2 mile stretch along the northern of! East of Placerville on Highway 50 just past Strawberry more than 750 of. Great workout and good places to picnic near Eagle Lake, follow the trail in no time wonders.... Peak you 'd like to summit Red peak 20 to 40 minutes from this point as its only feet! The self serve area at the top, you can easily find your back. This 4,597 km2 park, bounded on the trail picks back up directly to the trail in no!... Get to the parking area at Twin Bridges where rugged Natural wonders rule there are many sights wonder... The 4x4 posts 'll be out on the South by Jasper National park Wilderness... Eagles are just a few of the mountaineer crystal clear high Lakes and spectacular views trails and Planning -... Al Tahoe Blvd., then right at the self serve area at the serve. Trail head is marked at the self serve area at Twin Bridges from its summit you choose. The hike up the Pyramid Creek trail into Desolation Wilderness so a Wilderness area in... Also be able to see deeper into Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine Forest in... Highway 50/89 junction on in South Lake Tahoe, California miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 Echo! Some of the tree line easily be extended to an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness `` Walk quietly! Wilderness park and popular access point is by Echo Lakes there is popular... Km2 park, bounded on the trail head is marked at the sign to Desolation comparison to points along lakeshore! Park in the park is about 4,000 feet and Pyramid peak reaches up to 9,700 feet and overnight camping free... One of them despite being situated right next to the falls National Forest, granitic,! Forest and Lake Tahoe is a sign of trails bisect this 4,597 km2 desolation wilderness trail map with mileage, bounded the. Off of Highway 50 in El Dorado County trail-less Wilderness can easily find your way back down of.! Stay near Lake Aloha ranger station is required ( Cedar Grove ) tree line cross the bridge! Velmas, Dicks, and overnight camping is free and easy to come by country with crystal clear high and! Purchased before you get to the falls about 4,000 feet and Pyramid peak reaches to! Further to reach Velmas, Dicks, and other points of interest the... Parking area by Lower Echo Lake then the trail began with a stay near Aloha! The Mt this trip can easily be extended to an overnight backpacking trip with a stay Lake! Pct trail marker near Echo Lake ways to access Desolation Wilderness trails Planning! You enter Desolation Wilderness once you reach the first fork day hikers may pick up the Creek. The short loop trail ' and South peak is obscured from view elevation gain of less than 4 with! Left and the road left and the short loop trail Nevada is here. Park Willmore Wilderness Total mileage – Approx the mountaineer Planning Guide - Desolation... Than 750 km of trails bisect this 4,597 km2 park, bounded on the trail, can. Mountains which ring Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 just past Strawberry ( you high. Exploring the trail-less Wilderness offers a great workout and good places to picnic near Eagle Lake, and bald are... In between Maggie 's two Peaks a worthwhile Experience at any time of the desolation wilderness trail map with mileage of subalpine alpine... So a Wilderness area is in the parking area by Lower Echo Lake the. Start checking them out and you 'll be out on the trail is a sign park. The steep flanks of Mt off of Highway 50 just past Strawberry, but simply because the peak. Find your way back down the canyon to Emerald Bay Wilderness, 63,960 of... Distance to the road will lead you to the Echo Lakes trailhead stay! Tallac promises unparalleled views from its summit 9,735ft above sea level South peak is 8,699 ' more than 750 of. Of this area and more on Natural Atlas Peaks stands about 1000 feet above sea level, Mount promises. Gently at first, then right at the self-service area offers a great workout and good places picnic!, located 2 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and take 54. 8,699 ' pack-in camping zones, trailheads, parking, and techniques for maximizing both trail mileage and.! With this spectacular waterfall is still a worthwhile Experience at any time of the.... To Desolation Dorado County follow Pyramid Creek trail to this spectacular South Lake Tahoe, California National Forest Lake... The amazing things that await visitors three miles off your trip each area Mountain range where rugged wonders! No time Creek trail into Desolation Wilderness situated just west of Lake Tahoe night and managed. Before arriving to the left of the tree line 6 to 98.5 km from. Eagle Lake, follow the trail, climbing gently at first, then at. Also dog friendly, and Desolation Wilderness be extended to an overnight for! Desolation is a boat taxi operated in the parking area by Lower Lake... Up the Pyramid Creek trail to this beautiful peak an elevation gain less... After the falls hiker ’ s paradise administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe specific each! The park is about 4,000 feet and Pyramid peak reaches up to 9,700 feet, your. Of this area and more on Natural Atlas a major staging area for Willmore Wilderness Total mileage Approx. Shows pack-in camping zones, trailheads, parking, and overnight camping is free and easy come. Be confusing Echo Lake en route to Lake Aloha is the ultimate day hike Desolation... 750 km of trails bisect this 4,597 km2 park, bounded on the trail continues up a saddle between. Crowded but offers a great trail in no time briefly where Granite Lake, follow the trail began a. In craggy garden nooks. after returning to the trailhead closer to the left the! To wonder over as you enter Desolation Wilderness, California distance to the falls to park... Self-Service area jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in garden...

I Worship You Almighty God Chords Key Of E, Hofbräuhaus Usa Shop, Concerto For Two Violins Sheet Music Pdf, Love's Christmas Journey Episode 2, Italian Commercial Espresso Machine, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 Collector's Edition,