Tallac. Though the Tahoe to Yosemite Route is longer down to the Echo Lake Trailhead it is downhill. 15 minute topographic backpacking Main This series of junctions offer two different routes to access the center of the Desolation Wilderness, one dropping into Desolation by hiking over the tallest mountain along the West shore of Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac, and the other climbs up into Desolation Wilderness through the Glen Alpine drainage. The "scraper," what I call the level of distance, density, and difficulty that scrapes away the effects of mass population is significantly diminished in Desolation Wilderness. During the winter months, most of the trailheads are covered by snow and are not accessible. The total distance East from this Glimore Lake trail junction to the West shore of Fallen Leaf Lake is 3.58 miles, plus either another .77 or a mile North to Cathedral Road or .34 of a mile South to Fallen Leaf Road. Web Links. Elevation gain: 2,000 ft. of These are excellent trailhead from where we can pretty quickly access various terrain features in the Desolation Wilderness. The trail from this Southern Glen Alpine junction connects with the Glen Alpine trail from the Northern junction a bit East of here for the hike down to Glen Alpine, and on down to the road to the Glen Alpine Trailhead off the Southwestern shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. Glen Alpine Trail Cathedral Lake is a lake inside of John Muir Wilderness. Before European settlement in the mid-19th century, there is evidence this area was used by the Washoe. Connects with trail to Electric Pass for 360* views of the Maroon-Bells/Snowmass Wilderness. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is a .77 mile hike North to the end of the Cathedral Road on the Northwest side of Fallen Leaf Lake or .34 of a mile South to the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road on the Southwest corner of Fallen Leaf Lake. Rising above the southwest shore of the lake, Mount Tallac is part of Desolation Wilderness and the tallest mountain on the lake's immediate shoreline. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mount Tallac. Although this sometimes works to your disadvantage if you can’t secure a permit, it is worth the solitude. Mount Tallac via Glen Alpine Trail. Great weekend trip to a pair of fabulous lakes near Lake Tahoe; Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness, El Dorado Co. . Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Details: Middle Velma Lake – Desolation Wilderness. The two trails to the Southeast offer quicker bailout routes off of the Pacific Crest-and-Tahoe to Yosemite Trails than continuing South to the Echo Lake Trailhead. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. No Comments. Pass. The trail follows the west side of Fallen Leaf Lake and you enter the Desolation Wilderness right before you reach Floating Island (there will be a large sign). Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. Try and keep up a steady pace up Cathedral Basin and soon you'll be a thousand feet higher and into the meadows, where less steep trails await along with dramatic views over the Desolation Wilderness and toward the peaks of the Crystal Mountains. It's the perfect combination: All of these side trails East to the West shore of Lake Tahoe are not too long, they are not too difficult, and they all access world-class beautiful terrains and trails. Long distance backpackers will hike straight through all three to remain on the main Yosemite to Yosemite-Pacific Crest Trail route. In the Eldorodo National Forest near Fallen Leaf Lake (also close th Lake Tahoe) California Newer Post Older Post Home. Length: 10 Miles. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Mt. Cathedral Lake; 28 Aug 2014; 7625' Home; About; Lakes; Notes Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. The trail to Cliff Lake leads to a pater noster string of lakes including Lake Genevieve, Crag Lake, Hidden Lake, Shadow Lake and Stony Ridge Lake. Glen Alpine to the East Check out my large West Lake Tahoe Topo Map to get a complete view of the relationship between Highway 89 and the trails through Desolation Wilderness. But here in the Sierras, with open forests and a thick blanket of slushy snow, it proved just as easy as trail travel. Meeks Bay is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Tahoe, California. A bunch of old guys still enjoying the mountains, and the training they need to do to get off the couch. Several dispersed campsites exist, with generally very limited camping. to the I mean historical tree blaze. CAMPFIRES/CHARCOAL ARE PROHIBITED IN DESOLATION WILDERNESS in order to reduce human … MAP, South Desolation Wilderness 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 63,000 acre area with endless trail systems and lakes has a solid permit system that keeps it from being overcrowded. If you choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall trip. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Well, beyond the normal constraints of time, money, family, career, and whatever else you've got going on... Desolation Wilderness offers the new backpacker the comfort of having many many other backpackers nearby. Attractions and Considerations : Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Enjoy the views and remember the lake, because it’ll look small as you hike up to Mount Tallac! Cathedral Lake in the Desolation Wilderness Along within this wonderful small lake the trail also passed by Floating Island Lake ... spectacular short hike. We are going to encounter three trail junctions in rapid succession after we drop down from Dicks Pass before we reach Susie Lake. In front of us we could see Pyramid Peak, Ralston Peak and much of Desolation Wilderness. DIFFICULT 4.5 mi. 17-nov-2013 - June Snowfall @ Cathedral Lake, Desolation Wilderness Area, Lake Tahoe, CA, by Midland05, via Flickr Below find the closest Ground Stations, Point and Regional Forecasts along the West shore of Lake Tahoe. A couple of big loops around Desolation Wilderness will give us good context on the trails and terrain. Dates: 21st Aug & 22nd Aug 2009. The trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lakes. Sep 22, 2013 - Why do I go backpacking? Not so this one. The link above brings us to the Front Page of the High Backpacking Trails and Topics Forums. Beautiful alpine lake. Directions: The trailhead is located approximately 3-1/2 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Hiking East from these Three Trail Junctions along the PCT-TYT. The destination, Lake Aloha in the California’s Desolation Wilderness, near Lake Tahoe. These "side trails" along our primary route all access stunningly beautiful locations and open up the options for short backpacking trips as well as long loops around Desolation Wilderness made by hooking up to various lengths of the main Pacific Crest-Tahoe to Yosemite Trail route that runs through the middle of Desolation Wilderness from North to South. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it … Good Morning Midnight: life and death in the wild; Tom Patey: one man’s mountain ; My Climbs In The Alps And Caucasus; The Snow Leopard ; Total Pageviews. 5.0. … If the campground is open, you might be able to park close to the trail as there are a few spots up next to the actual trailhead. Check out my Google Map of the West Tahoe Shore below to understand the relationship of the main trail through the Desolation Wilderness in relation to Highway 89's position along the Western shore of Lake Tahoe. North: Dicks We also have the option of hiking East from trail junction at Cathedral Lake. Friday, June 16, 2017 A quick pan of Granite Lake, Desolation Wilderness. This distance between the trail junction near Gilmore Lake to the trail junction at Cathedral Lake is 2.59 miles. Check out the Full Desolation Wilderness Topo Map to get a broad context on how to access the main Tahoe to Yosemite and Pacific Crest Trails across the Desolation Wilderness from this series of trailheads along the West shore of Lake Tahoe. While there are parts of Desolation Wilderness where you will not see another human for days, this is not one of them. But, the Gilmore Lake trail takes us almost up to the top of Mount Tallac over 9440 feet of elevation on our way over to Cathedral Lake, over one of the highest peaks in the region. South Shore Trails. On the other hand, if any of these trails lead to your favorite trailhead along the Western shore of Lake Tahoe, post up your notes and thoughts about it. Hiking Trails (8) 1. Cathedral Lake / Floating Island Lake from Mt. Stunning display of Aspens in the fall. I wasn’t expecting it to be so close to Twin Lakes. trail junctions MAP, The Triple Trail Junctions between Dicks Pass and Susie Lake, Your guide to the High Sierra Crest, including the Tahoe to Yosemite, Pacific Crest, and John Muir Trails, © Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney: Crown Jewel of the Pacific Crest Trail, Southern Desolation Wilderness Backpacking Map, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit permits page, This map identifies some of my favorite resources and trail heads around South Lake Tahoe. Explore. These three trail junctions leading to two distinct exits from the center of Desolation Wilderness give us another set of options for local and long backpacking backing trips into and around Desolation Wilderness, rather than hiking across its full length, as we are. Great views into Desolation Wilderness and of Gilmore Lake. Additionally, I wasn’t expecting any kind of scenic views on this hot, sunny Thursday in June. This may well be a suitable bailout point for the injured or hungry backpacker. Blu and Tucker were starting Kinder together soon so this was there pre-school bonding time, which was an absolute riot. The Gilmore Lake Junction is the Southwestern approach to climb Mount Tallac, and exits the Desolation Wilderness around the Southeastern flank of Tallac after approaching the crest. It has been almost 35 years since Dougal was killed in an avalanche in Leysin. From the West shore of Fallen Leaf Lake we either hike to the Northeast or the Southwest to trailheads along the West shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. A A hike through the Desolation Wilderness could be a nice change of pace after spending a day on the water with your Lake Tahoe boat rental from H2O Craft Rentals. Meeks Bay is located on the south western shore of Lake Tahoe, California. A question I have started to think about ... Have you had enough of summer and can not wait to ... No gathering of the fossil clan is complete ... For all my climbing partners who have joked about ... Great memories in Desolation Wilderness ... Great hike into Desolation Wilderness ... A short section heading south from Barker Pass ... Cathedral Lake in the Desolation Wilderness, Semi-rest day on the side of Mount Tallac, Very runnable trail into the Desolation Wilderness. Dicks Lake, Gilmore Lake, and Lake Aloha from Cascade Lake is a 21.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tahoma, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Posted by Hock at 5:32 AM. Radar, Western US Once we get the overall picture in focus we will se that Desolation Wilderness is full of scrambling routes. This is a historically important essay written in 1988. We are located on Fallen Leaf Lake, on the edge of the Desolation Wilderness, providing easy access to numerous iconic hikes, including the Cathedral … Brand your Ass! through forest This point is located 3.83 miles from this junction. At waterfall camp, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls. The trails junctions described above link two basic routes from the Western shore of Lake Tahoe to the main Tahoe to Yosemite-Pacific Crest Trail route passing through the heart of the Desolation Wilderness. I accessed this lake via the Bayview trailhead on a heavy snow year (2017). On trees. Gilmore Junction to Cathedral Lake: 2.59 miles, Cathedral Lake to Spring Creek Road: 2.20 miles, Spring Creek Road to Highway 89: 2.92 miles. TRAILHEAD, Central Backpacking to Upper Velma Lake in Desolation Wilderness The Before Photo at the Bayview Campground Trail Head. Trip: Camping - Lake Tahoe Desolation Wilderness. Dicks Pass. To the Southbound backpacker's Right this trail junction marks the beginning of the 2.07 mile trail Northwest to dead end at Alta Morris Lake, just past Half Moon Lake. Site: Lake Tahoe and the Desolation Wilderness Location: On the border of Central California and Western Nevada; about two hours east of Sacraments Places to See: Truckee River, Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, Lower Eagle Falls, the five lakes loop (Granite, Dick’s, Fontanillis, Velmas, and Eagle), Heavenly Ski Resort Cool Factor (1-5): 4.5 (It is hard to beat high mountain lakes!) Besides offering excellent bailout opportunities, these three trail junctions described above can also act as a hub for our shorter distance trips into the Desolation Wilderness from Fallen Leaf Lake. You can launch your trip from Tahoe to Yosemite, and on to Mount Whitney, from your favorite Desolation Wilderness trailhead. NWS Regional Forecast; Greater Lake Tahoe, NWS Regional Forecast: West Slope Sierra Tahoe to Yosemite, North California South Contact Us : Desolation Wilderness: General Information and Regulations. Who knows? The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral lakes is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. KURTYKA WAS A LEADING PROPONENT OF FAST AND LIGHT IN THE 1970s and 1980s. South of Dicks Pass and North of Susie Lake, North Entering the Desolation wilderness en route to Lake Aloha. Getting There Crag Lake is a popular destination in Desolation Wilderness that is reputed to hold Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout. It's a win-win-win situation. A little while later, I was descending through the thin woods, following some random footprints. Heather Lake. Stop at Lower Cathedral Lake and sit on the granite banks enjoying the tranquil waters before heading up the trail to the truly epic view of Upper Cathedral Lake. Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite National Park Picturesque Lakes only 3½ miles from Tuolumne Meadows; Emigrant Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, Tuolumne County Multi-day trip to a fabulous fishing lake; Fontanillis & Dicks Lakes, Desolation Wilderness, El Dorado Co. Great weekend trip to a pair of fabulous lakes near Lake Tahoe If the campground is closed, park on the dirt near the gate, on the highway. The distance between Gilmore Lake to Highway 89 via Spring Creek Road is 7.71 miles, while the distance from the nearby Glen Alpine Junctions to Highway 89 at Fallen Leaf Lake is 8.42 miles. This set of trailheads into Desolation Wilderness are located South of the Eagle Falls and Bayview Trailheads along Highway 89. The Grand in a day ... two or even three times! 3) Mount Tallac (Cathedral Lake) Trail - In some circles, this is the "official" summer trail up Mount Tallac. United States › California › Desolation Wilderness › ... Overview. About two thirds of the route is over open slopes, and the views become steadily better, especially at the conclusion of the steepest section, where the path reaches a sloping plateau that extends south from the summit, revealing extensive granite landscapes to the west, at the center of the Desolation Wilderness. Fallen Leaf Lake, Half Moon Lake Posted by Hock at The only wild things in California nowadays are its out of control irresponsible growth, the greed and lawlessness that drives this growth, and the indifference of the rest of us to the damage it has brought. When we reach the trail junction at Cathedral Lake we can either hike .99 of a mile East down to Fallen Leaf Lake, or 2.2 miles North to Spring Creek Road off of Highway 89. Trail Guide Like most lakes in Desolation Wilderness, American Lake is accessible from a variety of trailheads depending on where you want to start, desired mileage, and elevation gain/loss. Hiking Topo Map: Phipps Pass to Susie Lake       Hiking Topo Map: Phipps Pass to Susie Lake, Next page Lowest Altitude: 6300 ft. Continuing South on the Pacific Crest Trail the Echo Lake trailhead is 10.55 miles distant from the Gilmore Lake trail junction. Above: PCT emblem burned onto the trail junction post. To reach Granite Lake in Desolation Wilderness, start at the Bayview trailhead near Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. It is accessible from the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin. Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. to North America Travel. Tallac, Bayview, Eagle Lake and Meeks Bay. We took a long weekend, hiked to Middle Velma Lake, and were blown away by the alpine lake dotted with fir tree covered … Maggie’s Peaks to Azure Lake, Desolation Wilderness. Tallac, Cathedral Lake, and on to Fallen Leaf Lake and the Tallac Trailheads along Highway 89. We went up rocky switchbacks; there were some nice stairs built out of granite. Elevation: 6,360'/6,410' Mileage (one-way):1 mile. MAP, 15 minute topographic backpacking Highest Altitude: 9800 ft. Howlas: 5. Forest trail losing elevation. From Left Eric, Ken, Eric, T, Phil, John, Rob, Scott and Karl : Santa Clara, CA - This set of photos come from my first backpacking trip of the year, July 14th to July 18th, 2011. Half Moon Lake, and Glen Alpine The Backpacker's Forum. Cathedral Lake in the Desolation Wilderness Along within this wonderful small lake the trail also passed by Floating Island Lake ... spectacular short hike. Obtain a Desolation Wilderness trail permit at the kiosk where the hike begins. Once motorists started making their way over Echo and Donner summits, the land became part of the newly formed Eldorado National Forest. Behind us was a great view of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. We headed out the Glen Alpine Trailhead with plans to visit Lake Aloha and come back… Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor's Office 35 College Drive South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Voice: (530) 543-2600 TTY : (530) 543-0956 Hours: Mon thru Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stay Connected. Southeast, Left or East, towards the Southwest shore of Fallen Leaf Lake via Glen Alpine, The third trail junction South of Dicks Pass is the Southern trail junction Southeast to Glen Alpine. Satellite, All The Half Moon Lake trail junction is the next junction to the North. Day 0 - Collect Gear and Pack. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. The Trailhead is a paved parking that gives visitors direct access via rock road to the Historic Glen Alpine Spring Resort. Contact a local U.S. Forest Service office for current conditions. Attractions and Considerations : Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The trail to Crag Lake starts on a dirt road and stays flat for the first 1.6 miles. Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. These trails, from Meeks Bay and the Bayview/Eagle Falls Trail junctions to our North, through the Gilmore and Glen Alpine junctions described above to our East, and the Triangle Lake Trail to Fallen Leaf Lake trail junction further to our South, all contribute to make the Desolation Wilderness chock full of potential short and medium distance backpacking opportunities. Got that? Or about anything else in the wilderness. Trailhead : Miles One Way: Difficulty: Twin Lakes to: Grouse Lake: 2.1: Moderate/Difficult : Hemlock Lake The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, camping, and backpacking and is best used from July until September. Tapering to my Jay Peak race next weekend ... A nice 20k run as part of a four-person relay team... Beautiful watercolor paintings by Riccarda de Eccher. These three trail junctions we are encountering in quick succession on the South side of Dicks Pass all point East to the Tallac or Glen Alpine trailheads accessible from Highway 89 along the West shore of Lake Tahoe. The return hike follows the same route. This proximity puts Desolation Wilderness within the reach of far more folks than the average wilderness in California. Travel Destinations. ... Cathedral Lake. At 9,738 feet, the mountain stands as a commanding landmark, and it is a continual draw for hikers in the summer and After several really steep switchbacks, we made it up to the ridge behind Mount Tallac. All of these West shore trailheads are located fairly close to one another on Highway 89 along Lake Tahoe's beautiful Western shore. Mount Tallac via Mount Tallac Trailhead. The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. The two trail junctions to the South of the Gilmore Lake junction, the two trail junctions to Glen Alpine descend all the way down to Fallen Leaf Lake along Glen Alpine Creek. Books I Am Reading. The trailhead serves the Granite Lake route and the Cascade Falls trail. Trailheads on El Dorado National Forest (West) Side. The reserve’s vast alpine forest is the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. The Desolation Wilderness region was established in 1899 as part of the Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve, according to the U.S. Forest Service. from the Post it on 4.59 miles past that point this road intersects with Highway 89 after bending around the Eastern Shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. ... Cathedral Lake and Floating Island Lake. Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail be-comes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Lakes. The two Southern trail junctions of the three trails intersecting with the Pacific Crest Trail between Dicks Pass and Susie Lake point Southeastward out of the Desolation Wilderness to the Southwestern end of Fallen Leaf Lakes via Glen Alpine Creek past Lily Lake. The name changed to Desolation Valley Primitive Area in 1931, and in 1969, Congress adopted Desolation Wilderness into … Once we get the overall picture in focus we will se that Desolation Wilderness is full of scrambling routes. 4.59 miles past that point this road intersects with Highway 89. This may not be a suitable bailout route if you are injured. The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre (258.8 km2) federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. Nonetheless, I believe access to Desolation Wilderness is good for people, even if it's tough on Desolation. Part of the Desolation Wilderness, a dirt and rocky gradual uphill climb. Near the top of the climb, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake (0.5 mile to lake). Weather and Fire Information, All Art... on a heavy snow year ( 2017 ) our way to get started hiking in Wilderness... 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