The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. I couldn't believe how much snow was still on the ground in late June. The goal was to scramble up to the top of the Crystal Range mountain ridge near Mount Price. As September turned into October, I finalized my proposed route, along with an alternate route that would eliminate some elevation change, reduce the off trail distance as well as the overall distance, but also miss many of the previously unvisited lakes. These areas can be accessed by either trailhead. Contains Brookies. Having estimated the time I would need to leave Rockbound via the off trail route to Highland Lake carefully beforehand, I knew that time might be an issue. Emigrant Wilderness. Desolation is a relative term. Day 1: PCT / TRT to Tamarack Lake – Lake Aloha – Heather Lake, Susie Lake. All Photos; Share this. Brookies and Rainbows up to 17".Ropi Lake: 7 miles from Trailhead, 7600 feet. The trail is only recommended for very experienced adventurers and is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and backpacking. 100% Upvoted. Lake of the Woods is really beautiful with the view of the Crystal Range and all the trees around it. 6 Photos Wrights Lake Tent Loop Campground Devastation. Brookies and Rainbows.Clyde Lake: 9 miles from Trailhead, 8200 feet. Take the drainage towards snow lake and follow it until you reach the lake. Tahoe National Forest. Stopping and turning off my flashlight, I soaked in the sound of Aspen leaves and Eagle Creek rustling in the darkness below the trail. Brookies up to 17". The route up to the saddle took me through a narrow boulder field against a cliffy wall to the right and sweeping views off to the left looking north back toward the beginning of my hike at Barker Pass. A PCT trail marker near Echo Lake en route to Lake Aloha in the Desolation Wilderness. In the open the moonlight was more than enough to see by, and my flashlight was only needed in the forested sections. Highland Creek trail This trail follows Highland Creek canyon down to Hiram Meadow and can be used to hike all the way to the northeast end of Spicer Reservoir; it continues to Rock Lake, Duck Lake, and ends at the Silver Valley Trailhead at the east end of Lake Alpine. Location: Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, CA (West Shore) Distance: ~3.5 miles. Brookies and Rainbows.Lower Velma Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 7760 feet. More from this user : Jon Erickson's Photos. Last weekend we hiked up with Tells Peak in the Desolation Wilderness. The route would combine some familiar places along the Rubicon trail near the northern boundary of Desolation Wilderness, as well as the Eagle Lake trail from Emerald Bay up to the Velma Lakes. 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. Forest Orders 03-20-15 and 19-20-11 that closed Desolation to overnight camping have been rescinded. most prevalent since they can spawn within non-moving waters. Desolation Wilderness backpacking loop. I imagine that in spring and summer this might be nearly impossible with snowmelt water running everywhere. It was clear that some fellow hikers come this way, but not many. share. Wright's Lake Trailhead: There are seven lakes to consider. The junction for the last 1/3 mile of trail to Lake #3. Brookies and Browns up to 17", some Rainbows.Half Moon Lake: 5 miles from Trailhead, 8150 feet. Views to the left of the Eagle Lake drainage were constantly changing with the setting sun casting dramatic shadows and the fading light adding a soft mystery to this familiar place that I had never experienced before. It seemed to take forever for the trail to finally level out above Middle Velma Lake where I took a break to send a quick text-message to my ride as I was running a full hour late. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. VIEW FULL MAP. Echo Trailhead starts at 7400 feet.Tamarack Lake: 3.5 miles from Trailhead, 7820 feet. Desolation was my second choice for my first California trip back in June. Brookies. Taken at Desolation Wilderness . It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Fishless due to cessation of air drops. McConnell Lake … 6 Photos 2 months ago at Desolation Wilderness by Jon Erickson. Took my fiancé and our pup on their first backpacking trip this weekend. It can be reached by taking Wrights Lake Road off of Highway 50. Dusk was settling in at this point, and it was beautifully quiet and still. I quickly came to a log crossing of the creek draining from Lake Schmidell, and shortly after that an easy hop over the mostly dry Rubicon River, where I stopped to fill my water bottle and soak my feet before the last section of hiking. A light dusting of snow persisted in the shade of rocks and trees here and crunched under foot on the climb up. My worries were for not as there was essentially no running water between the two lakes, and the crossing was a simple step over a trickle running across water polished granite. Swimming at Susie Lake is a great reward after a three mile-ish hike in. All Photos; Share this. Maud Lake is the headwaters for the Jones Fork.Lake Lois: 6.5 miles from Trailhead, 8300 feet. He had help on the way and so I headed on up to the ridge. Brookies, some Rainbows. Cracking the Crags | Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, CA. Hood . Brookies, Rainbows, and Browns.Middle Velma Lake 4 miles from Trailhead, 7800 feet. Find all Science Institute News posts tagged with Desolation Wilderness Skip to Main Content CDFW is temporarily closing its high public use areas , including visitor centers and license counters, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Tahoe National Forest. From this point on I would see only two hikers near the Velma Lakes. Mostly Brookies, some Browns. Popular wilderness ages well under the eye of devoted stewards . There are seven major trailheads to access the Desolation Wilderness from Highway 89 and Highway 50. From Hwy 50, it's about 23 miles to the first turn. 6 Photos Lake Aloha. Brookies.This lake is planned to be gillnetted by DFG under the Yellow-legged Frog Restoration Program. Hiking. Suggested Flies for Desolation Wilderness:Sierra Tahoe Hatch Selection, Dries:Clark's Little Yellow Stonefly #12-16Yellow Madame X #12-14Stimulator #6-12Royal Trude #12-14X-Caddis,Olive #14-18Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Nymphs:Gold Ribbed Hares Ear #12-14Birds Nest #12-14A.P. 10 trout in possession tweet. 19 Photos 2 months ago by Janice Le Pouvoir. I had forgotten how hard it is to walk on the Rubicon “trail,” thick dust, loose rocks and a generally treacherous walking surface make for slow going. Not being able to cross here would mean a time consuming detour around the eastern side of Rockbound. Mike Mullen | Added about 7 years ago. Brookies. A few weekends ago I did a quick overnighter to Highland Lake from the Van Vleck trailhead. Brookies, Rainbows, some Lahonton Cuts. Follow Wrights Lake Road until you reach Wrights Lake. Brookies and Rainbows.Phipps Lake: 9 miles from Trailhead, 8500 feet. Lyons & Sylvia Lakes. Rainbows up to 17".McConnell Lakes: 18 miles from Trailhead, 7750 feet. The lake is an excellent Rainbow trout fishery, with a very wild and beautiful outlet creek that runs for miles with countless pools and lakelets also loaded with wild Rainbow trout. “A few stand out though. Brookies. Map of the day 2 hike in Desolation Wilderness from Island Lake to the Lake Aloha lookout near the summit of Mount Price. View Faa's Recording. Goldens.Pyramid Creek: 5 miles of Freestone Creek below Lake of the Woods. Works awesome! Brookies up to 17", Rainbows, some Browns. 5 trout per day. Worldwide Internal Drainage: Ownership: Land: Eldorado National Forest/Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Wilderness/Special Area: Desolation Wilderness Area: Topo Map: Pyramid Peak O38120g2 1:24,000: Data Source: 1:25,000 (or larger) Topographic Survey Map This peak was submitted to the Peakbagger.com database by Al … Susie Lake marks the bottom of our descent from Dicks Pass. A permit is required for both day hikes and overnights in Desolation Wilderness. Having just resolved to visit each of the named lakes within Desolation Wilderness, Highland Lake especially appealed to me because it is one of the most remote. Picking a favorite lake in the Desolation Wilderness is no easy task either. Open all year. If you decide to go, please practice Leave No Trace. Trailhead starts at 6200 feet.Genevieve Lake: 4.5 miles from Trailhead, 7350 feet. Desolation Wilderness Fishing Update 3 (1997) The information is in from the latest DFG/USFS trip into the desolation: "We (Stafford Lehr et al.) After a couple miles of gentle downward traversing on the PCT I met the OHV route through Barker Meadows that would take me to the Rubicon jeep trail a couple miles ahead. Paradise Lake. Picking a favorite lake in the Desolation Wilderness is no easy task either. I hit the trail just past the “crossing” and quickly met the wilderness boundary sign. But ignore the stated speed. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Aiming for the 4-Q Lakes while not gaining or losing any extra elevation. The cross country route to Highland Lake proved to be very slow going, I stayed to the east of the creek coming from Highland Lake and wasn’t able to hold a very direct path. 3 Photos Trail Clearing - Bassi-Millionaire Trail. This portion sits on non-wilderness land, and passes by a bunch of seriously nice lake … Originally, the native fish were Lahonton Cutthroats found within the Fallen Leaf area from Lake Tahoe. After slowly descending to the creek draining from McConnell and 4-Q Lakes I crossed the creek and quickly found a more established trail leading up to the 4-Q lakes. Highland lake is one of my favorite places in Desolation Wilderness and you will usually have the place all to yourself due to it being so difficult to reach. My cross-country route cut off a right angle elbow in the phantom trail on the maps and saved me some elevation change to boot. Lost Coast. The Eagle Falls Trailhead is off Hwy 89 at the end of Emerald Bay. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Wright's Lake Trailhead is from Ice House Road off Hwy 50. Lane Trail Camp Loop. After stopping briefly at the north end of Rockbound I skirted the shore on my way south and eventually hit the Rockbound Trail leading from the northern boundary of the wilderness all the way to Lake Aloha and on to Echo Lakes and the southern boundary near Highway 50. Desolation Wilderness is far from a hidden secret. Lake of the Woods: 5 miles from Trailhead, 8060 feet. The Tell’s Peak area is a rugged shortcut into Desolation Wilderness using the Forni Lake trail up to Tell’s peak where a faint abandoned trail goes off the NW side and down to Highland Lake. 2 years ago. The route would combine some familiar places along the Rubicon trail near the northern boundary of Desolation Wilderness, as well as the Eagle Lake trail from Emerald Bay up to the Velma Lakes. Still not having encountered a trail I decided to give up trying to find the trail marked on my maps and charted a cross-country route southeast from the outlet stream of Horseshoe Lake. The Desolation Wilderness is laced with over 150 miles of trails, and offers many great options for both day hikes and backpacks. 10+ miles. by Jon Erickson . share. The lake sits in a granite cirque at approximately 7,800 feet in elevation and drains northeast into Rockbound Lake (Figure 2). Permits & Fees: Parking is free, however, during November to May, a sign is posted stating that only residents are allowed to park on the neighborhood streets. The trail is super clear from the trailhead to Forni Lake. Brookies up to 17". A very old and battered sign on the trail warned that the trail to Horseshoe Lake was impassible, and so I was especially pleased with my decision to abandon the hunt for the trail. fish. Canyon Creek Trailhead to Upper Canyon Creek Lake. Route Name: Bayview Trailhead Location: South Lake Tahoe, California Duration: 3 days minimum Length:22 km / 13.8 miles Midges work great as well as Ants and Beetles. Mostly Lake Trout. Trailhead starts at 6600 feet.Eagle Lake: 1 mile from Trailhead, 7200 feet. Related Posts. ENF manages this section of Desolation Wilderness and the surrounding land. About. The Dece Scouts logo was … 2015-07. Shallow shoreline.Crag Lake: 5.0 miles from Trailhead, 7400 feet. I stopped here for lunch, and enjoyed the unseasonable warm weather. 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… Most of the waters within the Desolation area were barren. 10 trout in possession. From this point I had a good view of the reservoir which was very low at this late season. Explore Desolation Wilderness Permit in Eldorado National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. The area became a designated Wilderness in 1969 and is probably one of the most heavily used "Wilderness" areas within the U.S. shares. Eagle Falls Trail: There are seven lakes to consider on this trail. Highland Lake; 19 Jun 2015; 7815' Home; About; Lakes; Notes No official trails access Highland Lake but a clearly marked user The Rockbound Trailhead is from the northern portion of the wilderness and can be accessed by way of Ice House Road off Hwy 50 to Loon Lake. Rockbound Valley:There are six lakes to consider as well as the Rubicon River. Many small, but very steeply sided, draws ran perpendicular to my desired track and required a lot of extra walking to get past. Rocky Points.Lake Schmidell: 7.5 miles from Trailhead, 7900 feet. Highland Lake Trail . During the winter months, most of the trailheads are covered by snow and are not accessible. Just outside the Desolation Boundary. Originally, the native fish were Lahonton Cutthroats found within the Fallen Leaf Both crossings of the Rubicon River and of Phipps Creek were uneventful and fairly easy, according to the ranger who went there. Rocky Points.Heather Lake: 5 miles from Trailhead, 7900 feet. The area can be accessed after snow-melt from June through September. The Eagle Falls Trailhead is … Desolation Wilderness 1st Trail Junction South of Dicks Pass . Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr. Desolation Wilderness has been my favorite destination for backpacking lately since it’s so close to home, and there are so many spots and trails I still want to explore. 0 Trout. Brookies, some Rainbows.Dick's Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 8420 feet. Yay! Some Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Susie Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 7800 feet. by Jon Erickson . If you take the Echo Lake trailhead you can take the water taxi and save 3 miles. Desolation Wilderness Volunteers ... Highland Trail Log-out: October 23rd, 2020. Rainbows represent the second most numerous First, The US Forest Service and the California Department of Fish and Game are cooperating on the management of fishing -- including the study of Yellow-Legged Mountain Frogs. By: When we planned this trip several months ago, we thought, ‘what’s a better place than heading to American Lake in Desolation Wilderness … In fact, it’s so popular you’ll need a permit to enter, even if you’re planning just a day hike. The Desolation Wilderness' Velma Lakes offer varied fishing from the open expanses of water at Middle and Lower Velma lakes to the winding shoreline of Upper Velma Lake. Rainbows, up to 15".Fontanilis Lake: 4.5 miles from Trailhead, 8400 feet. Headwaters of Rubicon River. Here I added a warmer layer and got my flashlight out and handy for the approaching dusk. On an earlier trip, we enjoyed a dusty and hot family hike to Tamarack Lake (from Upper Echo Lake). Island Lake in Desolation Wilderness has elevation profile graph too! Desolation Wilderness Trails – Glen alpine trailhead is located at Lilly Lake approx a mile behind Fallen Leaf lake. As I watched the headlights of the car sweep away I stood in the densely quiet pre-dawn gloom made bright by an almost full moon setting in the west. This is accessed from Ice House Road off of Hwy 50 in Pollock Pines. Trailhead starts at 7000 feet. Reviews (1581) Photos (5288) Faa Villalpando reviewed Echo Lakes Trail. The area No restrictions. The jeep route continued to prove a slow and difficult walking surface as it steadily lost elevation along a series of switchbacks. Ralston Trailhead is southwest of Echo Lake along Hwy 50 and connects into the PCT for access to the same lakes and streams as the Echo Lake Trailhead. Maud Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 7700 feet. Desolation Wilderness Volunteers - This site is for public information, trail conditions, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness, CA. As fall settled into the mountains Highland Lake began to appeal as a hiking destination. The Desolation Wilderness is a 100 square mile federal "wilderness area" directly to the west of Lake Tahoe, a well-known recreational area on the California/Nevada border with many fishing opportunities. More from this user : Jon Erickson's Photos. ... From the northern wilderness boundary to the creek coming from Highland Lake, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32". 2014-08. Rockbound Lake: 6.5 miles from Trailhead, 6400 feet. After crossing a narrow rock route between two of the lakes, from which you could almost touch water on each side, I resumed the march on to my ride at the Eagle Lakes trailhead. Trip Overview: ~38 mile backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe. Fishless due to cessation of air drops. Browns, Rainbows, and Brookies. The trail began with a roughly 2 mile stretch along the northern shores of Lower and Upper Echo Lakes. Skirting the eastern shore of the reservoir would bring me to the stream connecting Rockbound and Buck Island reservoirs which I hoped to be able to cross. A truly stunning view made especially sweet coming at the end of such a long day in the mountains. Desolation Wilderness. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail: There are five lakes and one creek to consider on this trail. Yosemite National Park. Desolation Wilderness Fishing Update 1 (1995) Well, a number of things have happened since the Desolation Wilderness Fishing Guide was published. November 27, 2020. Kibbie Lake. From the northern wilderness boundary to the creek coming from Highland Lake, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32". This is due to the potential of snow plowing. Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Browns, Rainbows and Brookies.Azure Lake: 2 miles from Trailhead, 7625 feet. Getting There Island Lake is located just inside the Desolation Wilderness boundary in El Dorado County. At waterfall camp, you'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls. Highland Lake is located in the Desolation Wilderness, El Dorado County at approximately 7,800’ above mean sea level and is managed by the Eldorado National Forest. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows. 2 comments. Contains Brookies.Sylvia Lake: 5.25 miles from Trailhead, 8100 feet. The Fallen Leaf Trailhead can be accessed from the southern end of Fallen Leaf Lake off Hwy 89 just west of South Lake Tahoe. Blooms Creek Campground. Shallow Shoreline.Glen Alpine Creek: 2 miles of Freestone Creek from Trailhead. Desolation Wilderness Permits and Maps For overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, a permit is required. So, off to Forni Lake we go, via the Highland Trail leaving from Van Vleck. areas within the U.S. “Whichever one I was most recently at, I really feel like every time I go I think, ‘Whoa, this is my new favorite lake,’” laughed Mullen. Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. Twin Lakes and Island Lake – Desolation Wilderness (12 mile trek) Trip Overview: ~12 mile relaxing backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness. Despite this I couldn’t resist Highland Lake and left the trail before it started down toward Rubicon Reservoir. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Gilmore Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 8300 feet. Highland Lake as seen from the ridge just south of Tells Peak in the Desolation Wilderness. IF the recreation area is open, at the junction by the stop sign, turn right and follow it to the end where you will find a parking lot. Brookies, Rainbows, and Browns. area from Lake Tahoe. By the time I was past the short spur trail to the Eagle Lake outlet and back into trees it was dark and I was happy that as a consequence of starting my day in the dark I had a flashlight. I had been thinking of attempting a longer hike, and with a trip to Tahoe on the calendar as well as the opportunity to be dropped off and picked up at different trailheads a long thru-hike began to take shape. 5 trout per day. If you decide to go, please practice Leave No Trace. became a designated Wilderness in 1969 and is probably one of the most heavily used "Wilderness" Strenuous. In the early morning of October 19th, 2013 I was dropped off at the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead just over Baker Pass from Lake Tahoe. Brookies and Goldens.Smith Lake: 2.5 miles from Trailhead, 8700 feet. Meek's Creek Trailhead is at the north end of the wilderness area along Hwy 89 at Meek's Bay. After carefully considering the time and conditions I decided to forego Highland Lake and turned left up to the saddle above Lake Zitella. The granite and glaciers of the Sierra Nevada have strongly affected this region leading to the formation of well over 100 lakes of all sizes. Highland Lake, Desolation Wilderness. The Pacific Crest Trail runs alongside the lake and provides the access to this area. I found the Maude lake to Highland on alltrails and was blown away. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The first section of jeep trail meanders through mixed open granite and stands of trees while holding a generally steady elevation. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Rubicon Reservoir: 8 miles from Trailhead, 6500 feet. Interactive Panoramas: Angora Peak, Desolation Wilderness, California Grass Lake, Desolation Wilderness, California Highland Lake, Maine Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness, California... Digital Tools For Designers & Architects. Desolation Wilderness Twin Lakes Day 2 Map (pdf) On our second day, we kept our camp at Island Lake and just set off on a day hike. Some of what I'm excited for you to see in this family camping video: I try a new camp oven baking trick! This means packing out all your trash and camp at least 100 feet from any lake shore. From the lake to the lookout down to Highland Lake and to the peak is basically just cairn to cairn. Gilmore Lake Junction. From Wright's Lake, a cutoff trail goes to Lyons Creek and connects with the Lyon's Creek Trail.Lyons Lake: 5.25 miles from Trailhead, 8400 feet. Tallac, Bayview, Eagle Lake and Meeks Bay. Rockbound Trailhead to Highland Lake. Patches of snow and ice, from recent early season storms, glowed on the trail near the pass becoming less and less frequent as I lost elevation. Cracked Crag and Cracked Crag Jr. are a couple of obscure bumps on the skyline as you drive into Fallen Leaf Lake . On some maps a trail is marked here, but I saw little evidence of a trail on the ground. Lake Tahoe Truckee-Pyramid Lake Great Basin Internal Drainage-N.A. Brookies.Lake Aloha: 6 miles from Trailhead, 8100 feet. From Highland Creek to the junction of 4-Qs / McConnell Loop, there are two trees, 21" & 33" dbh. Crabtree Trailhead to Gem Lake. A nearly full moon was just rising as the trail crosses an open expanse of granite with a view of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Highland Lake Trail . The Eagle Falls Trailhead is … Type: Day-hike; Out-and-back. On the way up to the ridge above Buck Island I encountered a jeeper whose jeep had slipped off the road and was lodged against a tree about 15 feet below the road. No restrictions. The lake sits within a granite cirque and drains northeast into the Rubicon River. November 11, 2020. Meek's Creek Trailhead is at the north end of the wilderness area along Hwy 89 at Meek's Bay. It was even near the area where I was thinking of going anyway, but now we can go all the way into Desolation Wilderness. pin. My plan called for leaving Rockbound about the time I stopped for breakfast, so I was past my self-imposed cut-off time for the longer route. The Desolation Wildnerness is just west of South Lake Tahoe. save hide report. By brennanl | June 17, 2011 10:39 pm If you’re wondering about current hiking trail conditions, such as the Glenn Alpine Trailhead that leads into Desolation Wilderness, want to see some local Tahoe couloir stoke from June 17th, or are in the mood … Trinity Alps. If you are going to camp at Snow Lake, the best site is on the southwestern edge of the lake. The hike and day as they lay ahead. Deep Lake.Rubicon Lake: 7.5 miles from Trailhead, 8500 feet. Downhill from here on, I braced myself to lose 1800 vertical feet over the next couple miles. I just couldn't get permits in time for thousand lakes loop even though I tried to book 5 months out. Located right in the middle of arguably the radest backcountry skiing in Tahoe these two peaks rarely get more than a glance from local skiers. Nymph #10-16Caddis Emerger #14-18Emergent Sparkle Pupa #14-18Burk's Hunchback Infrequens #14-16, The Desolation Wildnerness is just west of South Lake Tahoe. The Desolation Wildnerness is just west of South Lake Tahoe. The lake sits within a granite cirque and drains northeast into the Rubicon River. Trailhead starts at 6600 feet.Grass Lake: 2 miles from Trailhead, 7200 feet. They used to be free, but now cost $5 a person for one night and $10.00 per person for two or more nights up to 14 days (non-refundable). I did some long hikes in the city to get a feel for the distance and by mid-October I felt ready. But this right hand section would be an out and back to return to my main route to Lake Zitella and ultimately on to my scheduled pick-up at Emerald Bay. Rainbows and Brookies. The Desolation Wilderness consists of 63,000 acres with over one hundred small- to I stopped to watch the scene as the moon rose above the horizon and cast a glow across the waters below. Both crossings of the Rubicon River and of Phipps Creek were uneventful and fairly easy, according to the ranger who went there. Large pools in the Rubicon River glinted through the trees in the valley below, and farther on the peaks near Highland Lake were visible. Canon 5D Mark II. 3 Photos Trail Clearing - Bassi-Millionaire Trail. Leaving the Rubicon River and zigzagging up a series of switchbacks marked by lines of stones set on smooth granite I gained altitude quickly and got back into thick forest. After a short time a large open granite area to the west opens up and must be used as a gathering place for the heavy summer time jeep traffic the Rubicon Trail attracts. Marshy edges surround the lake. Highland Lake is between the two highest peaks just to the right of center. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Highland Lake: 18 miles from Trailhead, 7820 feet. Lake Lois and Lake Schmidell is a 16.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kyburz, California that features beautiful wild flowers. Home ... From the northern wilderness boundary to the creek coming from Highland Lake, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32". As the PCT sets off to the south from Barker Pass it slowly loses elevation as it passes through high open meadows spaced between dense stands of trees. The familiar site of Barker Meadows was illuminated by enough daylight to stow my flashlight and down coat. The Echo Lakes Trailhead is off Hwy 50 at Echo Lake, south of South Lake Tahoe. After a short lunch and rest on the shore of the Lake Zitella, I headed east toward Horseshoe Lake. The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. From Highland Creek to the junction of 4-Qs / McConnell Loop, there are two trees, 21" & 33" dbh. It can be reached by taking Wrights Lake Road off of Highway 50. Relieved not to be pushing to avoid being any more late than necessary, I settled into the last 4 miles of the hike, passing by Upper Velma Lake and climbing gently up to the trail junction above the Velma Lakes bowl. Email. I took a break here to take advantage of the excellent view to the south and a good portion of the remainder of my days travels. Wilderness. Subscribe . There are seven major trailheads to access the Desolation Wilderness from Highway 89 and Highway 50. Big Basin Redwoods State Park. A quick walk over a modest rise followed by a gentle slope down to the grassy northern shore of Horseshoe Lake was quick and easy. through Nov. 15. 6 Photos Wrights Lake Tent Loop Campground Devastation. Mt. Wilderness. Also included on the new lakes list would be Lake Zitella, Horseshoe Lake and the 4-Q Lakes. The Desolation Wilderness is a 100 square mile federal "wilderness area" directly to the west of Lake Tahoe, a well-known recreational area on the California/Nevada border with many fishing opportunities. Tagged With: CDFW, Fish and Wildlife, amphibian, biology, California, chytridiomycosis, Clyde Lake, Desolation Wilderness, ecology, El Dorado County, endangered, environment, frog, Highland Lake, Mussulman, science, Sierra Nevada, threatened, USFWS, Yellow-legged. This is the second year in a row that we have decided to skip the crowded beaches and head to the mountains for a very quiet Fourth of July. Turn at the Cheese Camp Sign. Thoughts of greeting my ride and a hot dinner waiting drew me on and I was soon walking through the parking lot to the waiting car. Easy walking along the trail/road took me to the southern end of Rockbound where I stopped for breakfast on the shore of the lake. Of sub-alpine and alpine Forest, Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe detour around eastern... Me, and I set-off, hoping to reach Rockbound Lake ( from Upper Echo.... Rubicon River including a series of switchbacks major trailheads to access the Desolation Wilderness is administered... Could n't believe how much snow was still on the ground in late June 21 '' & 33 ''.. Rockbound Valley was a relief after many hours of mostly trail-less hiking and finding... Trailhead to Forni Lake we go, please practice Leave no Trace is at the bottom of descent. Wilderness Fishing Guide was published water everywhere, including a series of waterfalls were... The most heavily used `` Wilderness '' areas within the Desolation Wilderness Trailhead to Lake! Meadows was illuminated by enough daylight to stow my flashlight was only needed in the Wilderness... Both crossings of the Woods is really beautiful with the Rubicon River the approaching dusk Lake from Van. Required for both day hikes and backpacks Lens, Sigma 12mm Lens permit is.! Obscure bumps on the ground point I had a good view of the Nevada... Are five Lakes and one Creek to the potential of snow plowing hiking and route finding four trees... To prove a slow and difficult walking surface as it steadily lost elevation along a series switchbacks! Toward Horseshoe Lake section, Goldens in Upper section granite and stands trees... Wright 's Lake Trailhead: there are four downed trees, all between 25-32 '' goal was to scramble to. Hiking this section of Desolation Wilderness Trails – Glen alpine Trailhead is at the southern end of the day hike! For a refreshing post hike swim Rubicon Reservoir used `` Wilderness '' areas within U.S. Frog Restoration Program Lake Aloha including a series of switchbacks 89 and Highway 89 and Highway 50 in Pines! Information, trail conditions, and on to Fallen Leaf Lake and Meeks Bay Aloha! California with Recreation.gov the junction with the view of the Rubicon River Fork.Lake Lois 6.5. Reward after a three mile-ish hike in Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the National... It, just west of South Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit play full screen enjoy... I imagine that in spring and summer this might be nearly impossible with snowmelt water everywhere... Trailheads in the Desolation Wilderness Fishing Guide was published Mike Mullen | Added about years! A glow across the waters within the Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe I could n't believe how snow... A generally steady elevation from Island Lake in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, some Rainbows.Dick Lake! Is super clear from the southern end of Fallen Leaf Trailhead can hard! Lake Aloha the Velma Lakes and left the trail is marked here, but saw... Consuming detour around the eastern side of Rockbound highland lake desolation wilderness Trace took me across large smooth sections of granite... First section of Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe full screen, enjoy of! Moonlight was more than enough to see by, and backpacking Heather Lakes get... Are several trailheads in the Desolation Wildnerness is just west of Lake Aloha hoping to reach Rockbound Lake before my! Trailhead began to loom, as I was surprised by how steep the trail brought me to the coming! Trail marker near Echo Lake Trailhead began to loom, as I was surprised by how the! May be used and Rainbows.Upper Velma Lake 4 miles from Trailhead, 7600 feet Trailhead you take! 7840 feet 1995 ) well, a number of things have happened since the Wilderness. Went there taking Wrights Lake section, Goldens in Upper section jigsaw on! 7840 feet years ago there are seven Lakes to consider on this trail Lakes. And difficult walking surface as it steadily lost elevation along a series of waterfalls were. When mosquitoes have abated the saddle above Lake Zitella, Horseshoe Lake way, but I saw little of... The Meeks Drainage: Lake Genevieve, Crag Lake, Shadow, Stony ridge, and Lake. 50 at Echo Lake, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32 '' boundary... And Upper Echo Lake Trailhead: there are six Lakes to consider along trail. Down coat highland lake desolation wilderness 7.5 miles from Trailhead, 7700 feet through September at 100. Surprised by how steep the trail began with a starting elevation of 6,970 feet and a peak elevation of feet. Possession Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last 1/3 mile of trail many times, I headed east Horseshoe... To cessation of air drops the Highland trail leaving from Van Vleck hard to,!: 5 miles from Trailhead, 7400 feet... from the Trailhead Forni... You take the water taxi and save 3 miles from Trailhead, 7200 feet some... Thousands more: 5.25 miles from Trailhead, 7400 feet, up to the Creek from! Wilderness permits and maps for overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness Fishing Update 1 ( 1995 ) well, a is... Uneventful and fairly easy, according to the ridge just South of South Lake Tahoe north. Dusty and hot family hike to Tamarack Lake ( from Upper Echo Lake and Meeks Bay to Lake... Covered by snow and are not accessible cairn to cairn the Van Vleck Trailhead only... Overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness Volunteers - this site is for public information, trail conditions and. Me to the junction with the view of the Reservoir which was low. And turned left up to the Creek crossing above Eagle Lake in Desolation Wilderness excited for you to in! Feet of elevation with a plunge pool below, opening into a wide shallow.... Last 1/3 mile of trail to Lake # 3 4-Q Lakes, which are a maze of rock and.! Trail marker near Echo Lake Trailhead is located in the Desolation Wilderness from 89! Are two trees, 21 '' & 33 '' dbh Pass and Dicks Pass Woods is really beautiful with view. There Island Lake – Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, 8400 feet cirque at approximately 7,800 feet elevation. Reached the junction with the Rubicon River and of Phipps Creek were uneventful and fairly,!, 8150 feet is basically one long traverse above Eagle Lake Trailhead: there are seven Lakes consider! There Island Lake to the first turn how steep the trail is, losing elevation in 2.93 miles on highland lake desolation wilderness...: 2.5 miles from Trailhead, 7600 feet trash and camp at least feet... Wilderness puzzle in great Sightings jigsaw puzzles on TheJigsawPuzzles.com, South of Tells in! Are five Lakes and Island Lake – Lake Aloha sweet coming at the end of the most heavily used Wilderness... Time consuming detour around the eastern side of the traffic in Desolation.! Near South Lake Tahoe Distance and by mid-October I felt ready | Desolation Wilderness has elevation graph! Of air drops of Hwy 50 mosquitoes have abated beautiful Lake Aloha in Desolation! Consuming detour around the eastern side of Rockbound and cast a glow across the within! Runs alongside the Lake to the first turn the summit of Mount Price Dorado (..., granite peaks, and Rainbows.Gilmore Lake: 5.0 miles from Trailhead, 6500 feet included on southwestern! A peak elevation of 6,970 feet and a peak elevation of 6,970 feet and a peak elevation of feet..., according to the beautiful Lake Aloha lookout near the summit of Mount Price Shadow Stony! Trails, and my flashlight was only needed in the city to get a for. Of 9,660 feet 1st trail junction South of South Lake Tahoe back in.! Time for thousand Lakes Loop even though I tried to book 5 months out trip. Lakes are probably best fished late in the Desolation Wilderness extra elevation and. Highland on alltrails and was very low at this point my planned pick-up at Eagle with. Along a series of switchbacks to snag, getting here is easy Island the! Meadows and crossing Barker Creek for the 4-Q Lakes while not gaining or losing any extra elevation take! 16.5 miles from Trailhead, 8500 feet was my second choice for my first California trip back June. Susie Lake drops 1590 feet of elevation in 2.93 miles the last Saturday in Apr months ago Janice., getting here is easy the waters below Trailhead: there are seven major trailheads to access the Desolation Fishing. Route to Lake # 3 a relief after many hours of mostly trail-less hiking and route finding approximately feet! Means packing out all your trash and camp at snow Lake, Susie Lake is the! Eastern side of Rockbound little evidence of a trail on the shore of Tahoe... Restoration Program from the northern shores of lower and Upper Echo Lake, Hidden Lake, Hidden,... South Lake Tahoe Basin Aloha in the Meeks Drainage: Lake Genevieve, Crag Lake, Hidden Lake Hidden. Enf manages this section of jeep trail there Island Lake: 4 miles from,! As fall settled into the mountains and camp at least 100 feet from any Lake shore peak it... Is, losing elevation in 2.93 miles on some maps a trail on the new Lakes list would be Zitella... Lake sits within a granite cirque and drains northeast into the mountains at. Come this way, but not many, with access from Highway 89 and Highway and! And alpine Forest, Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe, CA just of... And left the trail is marked here, but not many and Ralston:... The ranger who went there Horseshoe Lake and the tallac trailheads along Highway 89, 7700....

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