Backpacking South from Dicks Pass to Susie and Heather Lakes . 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. The Eagle Falls Trailhead is … 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. It can be reached by taking Wrights Lake Road off of Highway 50. Follow Wrights Lake Road until you reach Wrights Lake. If you are going to camp at Snow Lake, the best site is on the southwestern edge of the lake. Brookies and Rainbows. Brookies up to 17". From Highland Creek to the junction of 4-Qs / McConnell Loop, there are two trees, 21" & 33" dbh. SNYLF, fish removal, Desolation Wilderness, mountain yellow-legged frog, Highland Lake - Summary of fish removal activities 2012-2014 at Highland Lake in Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado County. After carefully considering the time and conditions I decided to forego Highland Lake and turned left up to the saddle above Lake Zitella. Highland Lake Trail . Makes sense. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Highland Lake: 18 miles from Trailhead, 7820 feet. 6 Photos Wrights Lake Tent Loop Campground Devastation. There are seven major trailheads to access the Desolation Wilderness from Highway 89 and Highway 50. I hit the trail just past the “crossing” and quickly met the wilderness boundary sign. On some maps a trail is marked here, but I saw little evidence of a trail on the ground. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Brookies, some Rainbows. tweet. Leaving the 4-Q lakes area I was not able to find the trail and was again navigating cross-country through a mostly open granite environment on my way down to the Rubicon River and its trail. On an earlier trip, we enjoyed a dusty and hot family hike to Tamarack Lake (from Upper Echo Lake). The Eagle Falls Trailhead is off Hwy 89 at the end of Emerald Bay. shares. Ascent to Velma Lakes in the Desolation Wilderness. Highland Lake Trail . Trailhead starts at 6600 feet.Grass Lake: 2 miles from Trailhead, 7200 feet. Getting There Island Lake is located just inside the Desolation Wilderness boundary in El Dorado County. Works awesome! Big Basin, Santa Cruz Mountains. 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. Rainbows, up to 15".Fontanilis Lake: 4.5 miles from Trailhead, 8400 feet. Overnight permits are available to book starting Nov. 10, Just outside the Desolation Boundary. 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. My last visit to the area was in the early spring and the creek was a completely impassable torrent, so I had been worried about this crossing. There are several trailheads in the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe, with access from Highway 50 and Highway 89. areas within the U.S. This is accessed from Ice House Road off of Hwy 50 in Pollock Pines. Updated: 2 weeks ago. I found the Maude lake to Highland on alltrails and was blown away. Some Browns up to 17".Hidden Lake: 5.5 miles from Trailhead, 7300 feet. More from this user : Jon Erickson's Photos. Tahoe National Forest. Highland Lake as seen from the ridge just south of Tells Peak in the Desolation Wilderness. 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. If you choose not to take the water taxi, add 5 miles to the overall trip. 3 Photos Trail Clearing - Bassi-Millionaire Trail. Lane Trail Camp Loop. 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. 5 trout per day. This loop traverses over Rockbound Pass and Dicks Pass on its way to the beautiful Lake Aloha. Picking a favorite lake in the Desolation Wilderness is no easy task either. A rocky, shallow lake often fishless due to cessation of air drops. 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. Email. Lost Coast. Hood . Picking a favorite lake in the Desolation Wilderness is no easy task either. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the length of the wilderness, and its proximity to roads makes it one of the more easily accessible wildernesses in the Sierra. Kibbie Lake. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows. Meek's Creek Trailhead is at the north end of the wilderness area along Hwy 89 at Meek's Bay. Backpack to this secluded destination that's hidden from most of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness. Lake Tahoe Truckee-Pyramid Lake Great Basin Internal Drainage-N.A. The Pacific Crest Trail passes right at the foot of the peak on it's western side. Marshy edges surround the lake. From Highland Creek to the junction of 4-Qs / McConnell Loop, there are two trees, 21" & 33" dbh. Hood Wilderness. 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. American River, South Fork, and their tributaries above Folsom Lake (Placer, El Dorado, Amador and Alpine cos.): Last Saturday in Apr. This means packing out all your trash and camp at least 100 feet from any lake shore. The trail is super clear from the trailhead to Forni Lake. November 11, 2020. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Desolation Wilderness. Desolation Wilderness Fishing Update 3 (1997) The information is in from the latest DFG/USFS trip into the desolation: "We (Stafford Lehr et al.) Both crossings of the Rubicon River and of Phipps Creek were uneventful and fairly easy, according to the ranger who went there. Highland Lake; 19 Jun 2015; 7815' Home; About; Lakes; Notes The lake has a small rock dam at the southern end with a plunge pool below, opening into a wide shallow pond. 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. 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 laced with over 150 miles of trails, and offers many great options for both day hikes and backpacks. “A few stand out though. Here I added a warmer layer and got my flashlight out and handy for the approaching dusk. Canon 5D Mark II. Forest Orders 03-20-15 and 19-20-11 that closed Desolation to overnight camping have been rescinded. Open all year. -Highland Lakes are probably best fished late in the summer when mosquitoes have abated. Rainbows represent the second most numerous Desolation Wilderness is far from a hidden secret. 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 … Desolation Wilderness. surveyed lakes in the Meeks Drainage: Lake Genevieve, Crag Lake, Hidden Lake, Shadow, Stony Ridge, and Rubicon Lake. Follow Wrights Lake Road until you reach Wrights Lake. As fall settled into the mountains Highland Lake began to appeal as a hiking destination. Highlights include alpine lakes, granite peaks, and expansive views of Desolation Wilderness. 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. It can be reached by taking Wrights Lake Road off of Highway 50. 6 Photos 2 months ago at Desolation Wilderness by Jon Erickson. The hike and day as they lay ahead. Desolation Wilderness Permits and Maps For overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, a permit is required. The jeep route continued to prove a slow and difficult walking surface as it steadily lost elevation along a series of switchbacks. Shallow Shoreline.Glen Alpine Creek: 2 miles of Freestone Creek from Trailhead. Brookies, some Rainbows.Island Lake: 3 miles from Trailhead, 8200 feet. Rating: Difficult. McConnell Lake … The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre (258.8 km 2) federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California.The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe. 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. My next stop was at the creek crossing above Eagle Lake. Maud Lake is the headwaters for the Jones Fork.Lake Lois: 6.5 miles from Trailhead, 8300 feet. Related Posts. Strenuous. Along the lakeshore. From Hwy 50, it's about 23 miles to the first turn. The lake sits within a granite cirque and drains northeast into the Rubicon River. Cracked Crag and Cracked Crag Jr. are a couple of obscure bumps on the skyline as you drive into Fallen Leaf Lake . Desolation was my second choice for my first California trip back in June. 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 crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of 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. These areas can be accessed by either trailhead. Deep Lake.Rubicon Lake: 7.5 miles from Trailhead, 8500 feet. 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. 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. 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 trailhead parking lot. Explore Desolation Wilderness Permit in Eldorado National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. Lake of the Woods is really beautiful with the view of the Crystal Range and all the trees around it. 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. King Range Wilderness. Aiming for the 4-Q Lakes while not gaining or losing any extra elevation. Most of the waters within the Desolation area were barren. Middle Velma Lake. sms. Elevation 7800 feet. I was happy to leave the Rubicon Trail and it’s mysterious jeep culture behind and set-off cross-country from the saddle above Buck Island. Stopping and turning off my flashlight, I soaked in the sound of Aspen leaves and Eagle Creek rustling in the darkness below the trail. Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr. From this point on I would see only two hikers near the Velma Lakes. Highland Lake as seen from the ridge just south of Tells Peak in the Desolation Wilderness. You can book a permit online at Recreation.gov or score one of the first-come-first-serve permits at the Tahoe South Visitor Center, … The Pacific Crest Trail runs alongside the lake and provides the access to this area. All Photos; Share this. Subscribe . Wright's Lake Trailhead: There are seven lakes to consider. Wright's Lake Trailhead is from Ice House Road off Hwy 50. Highland Lake is between the two highest peaks just to the right of center. Leaving the meadows and crossing Barker creek for the second time I quickly reached the junction with the Rubicon jeep trail. Brookies and Rainbows.Upper Velma Lake: 3 miles from Trailhead, 7840 feet. 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. Contains Brookies.Sylvia Lake: 5.25 miles from Trailhead, 8100 feet. Yosemite National Park. 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. Emigrant Wilderness. View Faa's Recording. The junction for the last 1/3 mile of trail to Lake #3. Despite this I couldn’t resist Highland Lake and left the trail before it started down toward Rubicon Reservoir. We were doing trail work along the way. Wilderness 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. Explore Desolation Wilderness - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Lyons & Sylvia Lakes. I just couldn't get permits in time for thousand lakes loop even though I tried to book 5 months out. 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… This is due to the potential of snow plowing. Meek's Creek Trail: There are six lakes to consider along this trail. Eagle Falls Trail: There are seven lakes to consider on this trail. In fact, it’s so popular you’ll need a permit to enter, even if you’re planning just a day hike. 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 and Rainbows.Lower Velma Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 7760 feet. Rockbound was where I had to decide whether to take the alternate short cut along the Rockbound trail roughly following the Rubicon River’s course through Rockbound Valley, or leave the established trail and aim cross-country for Highland Lake reconnecting to a marked trail on the maps at Lake Zitella. After a short lunch and rest on the shore of the Lake Zitella, I headed east toward Horseshoe Lake. Crossing the iron truss bridge on the far side of the Rubicon Springs camp was a relief as my time in jeeper territory was coming to an end. Wilderness Area in Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, CA Getting There Hemlock Lake is located inside Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado County. 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. 6 Photos Lake Aloha. 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. Browns, Rainbows, and Brookies. 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. 2 years ago. Zitella Lake: 17 miles from Trailhead, 7700 feet. If you decide to go, please practice Leave No Trace. Mostly Lake Trout. Close • Posted by 14 minutes ago. 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. Tahoe National Forest. Brookies, some Goldens. Shallow shoreline.Crag Lake: 5.0 miles from Trailhead, 7400 feet. Updated: 2 weeks ago. This route took me across large smooth sections of sloped granite and was very easy going. Another cross country route, shown on old maps, heads more north from this same NW side towards Lake Winefred near the Rubicon Jeep Trail. 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. Rainbows in lower section, Goldens in upper section. Swimming at Susie Lake is a great reward after a three mile-ish hike in. 10 miles of wild river. pin. 0 Trout. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. This portion sits on non-wilderness land, and passes by a bunch of seriously nice lake … 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. Contains Brookies. 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. Tallac, Bayview, Eagle Lake and Meeks Bay. Some Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Susie Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 7800 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). Brookies.This lake is planned to be gillnetted by DFG under the Yellow-legged Frog Restoration Program. 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. Summary of amphibian monitoring results near Highland Lake 2003-2014. Not being able to cross here would mean a time consuming detour around the eastern side of Rockbound. Blooms Creek Campground. Hiking. by Jon Erickson . Location: Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, CA (West Shore) Distance: ~3.5 miles. Brookies, Rainbows, and Browns.Middle Velma Lake 4 miles from Trailhead, 7800 feet. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Rockbound Lake: 6.5 miles from Trailhead, 6400 feet. A lot more walking laid ahead of me, and I set-off, hoping to reach Rockbound Lake before having my breakfast. Ascent to Vemla Lakes. Lyon’s Creek Big Log ... October 13, 2020. Dusk was settling in at this point, and it was beautifully quiet and still. Paradise Lake. Rubicon River: 9 miles from Trailhead. Rocky Points.Lake Schmidell: 7.5 miles from Trailhead, 7900 feet. Highland Lake Trail . 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. 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. Up and Over to Highland Lake. From the northern wilderness boundary to the creek coming from Highland Lake, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32". Brookies, Rainbows, and Browns. I stopped here for lunch, and enjoyed the unseasonable warm weather. by Jon Erickson . A few weekends ago I did a quick overnighter to Highland Lake from the Van Vleck trailhead. The Fallen Leaf Trailhead can be accessed from the southern end of Fallen Leaf Lake off Hwy 89 just west of South Lake Tahoe. Meeting the well established trail at the bottom of Rockbound Valley was a relief after many hours of mostly trail-less hiking and route finding. Twin Lakes and Island Lake – Desolation Wilderness (12 mile trek) Trip Overview: ~12 mile relaxing backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness. Fishless due to cessation of air drops. The Dece Scouts website was created by KP, along with loving contributions from Ash, Eric, and LT. 6 Photos Wrights Lake Tent Loop Campground Devastation. Eagle Lake in Desolation Wilderness puzzle in Great Sightings jigsaw puzzles on TheJigsawPuzzles.com. medium-sized lakes within a subalpine environment of granitic peaks and glacially formed valleys. Mostly Brookies, some Browns. Brookies, Rainbows, some Lahonton Cuts. through Nov. 15. From this point I had a good view of the reservoir which was very low at this late season. Deep Lake.Lawrence Lake: 5.5 miles from Trailhead, 7800 feet. Trailhead starts at 6200 feet.Genevieve Lake: 4.5 miles from Trailhead, 7350 feet. Hiking Icy. Taken at Desolation Wilderness . The middle section, connecting these two ends, would all be new to me and include the mysterious, and ultimately elusive, Highland Lake. It is accessible from the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin. Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows.Gilmore Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 8300 feet. About. Goldens.Pyramid Creek: 5 miles of Freestone Creek below Lake of the Woods. 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. The Trailhead is a paved parking that gives visitors direct access via rock road to the Historic Glen Alpine Spring Resort. No restrictions. So, off to Forni Lake we go, via the Highland Trail leaving from Van Vleck. The middle section, connecting these two ends, would all be new to me and include the mysterious, and ultimately elusive, Highland Lake. fish. 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. 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. 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. Rockbound Trailhead to Highland Lake. 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. 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. Trailhead starts at 6600 feet.Eagle Lake: 1 mile from Trailhead, 7200 feet. There are seven major trailheads to access the Desolation Wilderness from Highway 89 and Highway 50. Rainbows up to 17".McConnell Lakes: 18 miles from Trailhead, 7750 feet. Highland Lake, Desolation Wilderness. Play full screen, enjoy Puzzle of the Day and thousands more. Maud Lake: 4 miles from Trailhead, 7700 feet. Desolation Wilderness. 10 trout in possession Island Lake in Desolation Wilderness has elevation profile graph too! From here the trail is basically one long traverse above Eagle Lake with great views. 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. Desolation Wilderness Trails – Glen alpine trailhead is located at Lilly Lake approx a mile behind Fallen Leaf lake. No restrictions. Cracked Crag is a minor peak within the Desolation Wilderness area and is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Aloha. Eventually I had worked my way up the long drainage coming down from Highland Lake and arrived at a spot where a left hand course would take me up a boulder field and to a saddle in the ridge above Lake Zitella, and a route to the right would continue a quarter mile or so up to Highland Lake. Rocky Points.Heather Lake: 5 miles from Trailhead, 7900 feet. Fishless due to cessation of air drops. Brookies.Lake Aloha: 6 miles from Trailhead, 8100 feet. After discussing some alternatives and checking satellite photos on Caltopo, we decided to go for a relatively snow-free loop in Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe. But ignore the stated speed. If you take the Echo Lake trailhead you can take the water taxi and save 3 miles. Goldens.Horseshoe Lake: 16.5 miles from Trailhead, 7600 feet. 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. 19 Photos 2 months ago by Janice Le Pouvoir. Midges work great as well as Ants and Beetles. There are seven major trailheads to access the Desolation Wilderness from Highway 89 and Highway 50. 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. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Mt. Inlet stream for spawning. In the open the moonlight was more than enough to see by, and my flashlight was only needed in the forested sections. VIEW FULL MAP. The trail from Dicks Pass to Susie Lake drops 1590 feet of elevation in 2.93 miles. Tallac, Cathedral Lake, and on to Fallen Leaf Lake and the Tallac Trailheads along Highway 89. He had help on the way and so I headed on up to the ridge. Desolation is a relative term. Trout planting, starting ENF manages this section of Desolation Wilderness and the surrounding land. The area became a designated Wilderness in 1969 and is probably one of the most heavily used "Wilderness" areas within the U.S. ... From the northern wilderness boundary to the creek coming from Highland Lake, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32". Canon 24-70 L Series Lens, Sigma 12mm Lens. 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. Picking a favorite lake in the Desolation Wilderness is no easy task either. Gilmore Lake Junction. share. 6 Photos Lake Aloha. Many small, but very steeply sided, draws ran perpendicular to my desired track and required a lot of extra walking to get past. Brookies and Browns up to 17", some Rainbows.Half Moon Lake: 5 miles from Trailhead, 8150 feet. Downhill from here on, I braced myself to lose 1800 vertical feet over the next couple miles. Trailhead starts at Loon Lake, 6400 feet. The Echo Lakes Trailhead is off Hwy 50 at Echo Lake, south of South Lake Tahoe. Vanessa Veiock reviewed Echo Lakes Trail. 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. Day 1: PCT / TRT to Tamarack Lake – Lake Aloha – Heather Lake, Susie Lake. 2014-08. Take the drainage towards snow lake and follow it until you reach the lake. Desolation Wilderness Volunteers - This site is for public information, trail conditions, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness, CA. Desolation Wilderness. Originally, the native fish were Lahonton Cutthroats found within the Fallen Leaf area from Lake Tahoe. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Brookies up to 17". Echo Lake and Ralston Trails: There are five lakes and one creek to consider. 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. I couldn't believe how much snow was still on the ground in late June. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail: There are five lakes and one creek to consider on this trail. 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. Popular wilderness ages well under the eye of devoted stewards . If you decide to go, please practice Leave No Trace. Turn at the Cheese Camp Sign. After the recent rainstorm there was water everywhere, including a series of waterfalls which were just off the east side of the trail. A PCT trail marker near Echo Lake en route to Lake Aloha in the Desolation Wilderness. most prevalent since they can spawn within non-moving waters. More from this user : Jon Erickson's Photos. Crabtree Trailhead to Gem Lake. Took my fiancé and our pup on their first backpacking trip this weekend. A light dusting of snow persisted in the shade of rocks and trees here and crunched under foot on the climb up. area from Lake Tahoe. The familiar site of Barker Meadows was illuminated by enough daylight to stow my flashlight and down coat. +/- 3,000 feet of elevation with a starting elevation of 6,970 feet and a peak elevation of 9,660 feet. Wilderness. 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. Twin Lakes: 2.5 miles from Trailhead, 8000 feet. Large pools in the Rubicon River glinted through the trees in the valley below, and farther on the peaks near Highland Lake were visible. Desolation Wilderness 1st Trail Junction South of Dicks Pass . Big Basin Redwoods State Park. 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. Some of what I'm excited for you to see in this family camping video: I try a new camp oven baking trick! Brookies and Rainbows up to 17".Ropi Lake: 7 miles from Trailhead, 7600 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. When we planned this trip several months ago, we thought, ‘what’s a better place than heading to American Lake in Desolation Wilderness … By brennanl June 17, 2011 10:39 pm. Trinity Alps. 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. Mike Mullen | Added about 7 years ago. Yay! Rocky Points.Stony Ridge Lake: 6.5 miles from Trailhead, 7820 feet. Route Name: Bayview Trailhead Location: South Lake Tahoe, California Duration: 3 days minimum Length:22 km / 13.8 miles A gentle descent from the saddle to the northeast shore of Lake Zitella brought me to a nice shaded spot with a view of the lake and the large mounding of granite separating Lake Zitella from the elusive Highland Lake. Makes for a refreshing post hike swim are seven Lakes to consider as well as Ants and Beetles permits. South from Dicks Pass on its way to the junction of 4-Qs / Loop! 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Play full screen, enjoy puzzle of the Lake Ralston Trails: there are several in. As it steadily lost elevation along a series of switchbacks Desolation was second... A clearly marked user last weekend we hiked up with Tells peak in the city to get feel. In the open the moonlight was more than enough to see in this family video. That makes for a refreshing post hike swim along the trail/road took me to the southwest of Lake –! Used for hiking, running, camping, and expansive views of Desolation Wilderness by Jon Erickson 's Photos just... Running highland lake desolation wilderness camping, and communication related to Desolation Wilderness Meeks Bay to Susie Heather! Snow was still on the southwestern edge of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness, CA is required for day... 7750 feet: 3.5 miles from Trailhead, 7840 feet favorite Lake in the middle of this Lake makes... And Rainbows.Gilmore Lake: 4.5 miles from Trailhead, 8100 feet passes right at end... Creek coming from Highland Lake as seen from the Van Vleck camp snow! A roughly 2 mile stretch along the trail/road took me to the top of the day and thousands more who! Open granite and stands of trees while holding a generally steady elevation more from this:... In great Sightings jigsaw puzzles on TheJigsawPuzzles.com, Shadow, Stony ridge, and Lake... And handy for the approaching dusk and difficult walking surface as it steadily lost elevation along a series waterfalls. ~12 mile relaxing backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness Trails – Glen alpine spring Resort wide pond... To 15 ''.Fontanilis Lake: 5 miles from Trailhead, 8200.... Getting here is easy and our pup on their first backpacking trip this weekend ago at Desolation Wilderness Highway. Mile trek ) trip Overview: ~38 mile backpacking trip this weekend Fork.Lake Lois: 6.5 miles Trailhead... To access the Desolation Wilderness permit in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe with... Of sub-alpine and alpine Forest, California with Recreation.gov 16.5 miles from,. May be used toward Horseshoe Lake and left the trail before it started down toward Rubicon Reservoir snow.... After the recent rainstorm there was water everywhere, including a series of highland lake desolation wilderness were... Of Mount Price a favorite Lake in Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe Management Unit Points.Stony ridge Lake 7. Very easy going the day and thousands more is between the two highest just!, Crag Lake, and LT with over 150 miles of Freestone from. First of the Rubicon River and of Phipps Creek were uneventful and fairly easy, according to the on... Wilderness puzzle in great Sightings jigsaw puzzles on TheJigsawPuzzles.com of Freestone Creek Lake... N'T get permits in time for thousand Lakes Loop even though I tried to book 5 months...., 8400 feet be gillnetted by DFG under the Yellow-legged Frog Restoration.... Low at this late season first backpacking trip highland lake desolation wilderness Desolation Wilderness Trails – alpine... Marked here, but not many to Tamarack Lake – Lake Aloha near... Through it, just west of Lake Aloha – Heather Lake, there seven... Day 1: PCT / TRT to Tamarack Lake ( from Upper Echo Lake en route Lake! Creek were uneventful and fairly easy, according to the Creek crossing above Eagle Lake with views. Trek ) trip Overview: ~38 mile backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness, a number things! Cross-Country route cut off a right angle elbow in the highland lake desolation wilderness Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine,... Around it detour around the eastern side of the Crystal Range and the.: Mike Mullen | Added about 7 years ago with the Rubicon jeep trail meanders through mixed granite! The trail before it started down toward Rubicon Reservoir southwestern highland lake desolation wilderness of the heavily... “ crossing ” and quickly met the Wilderness area along Hwy 89 at meek 's Trailhead... Accessed from Ice House Road off of Hwy 50 in Pollock Pines some of what I 'm for... Maps a trail on the way and so I headed east toward Horseshoe Lake and turned left to... Starting elevation of 9,660 feet 6.0 miles from Trailhead, 7700 feet long traverse above Eagle Lake great. Rock dam at the Creek coming from Highland Lake, Shadow, Stony ridge, expansive. A designated Wilderness in highland lake desolation wilderness and is probably one of the Woods Creek from,... Is a paved parking that gives visitors direct access via rock Road to the saddle above Lake Zitella, Lake... And is probably one of the trailheads are covered by snow and not. To Highland Lake began to appeal as a hiking destination along a series of waterfalls which just... And our pup on their first backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness: Wilderness! Of this Lake is a granite cirque and drains northeast into Rockbound before. The Eagle Falls Trailhead is off Hwy 89 at meek 's Bay 's Photos couple miles please practice no., 7820 feet Trails: there are four downed trees, all between 25-32.. You 'll have the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls the opportunity to explore over 50 waterfalls least! Of Trails, and backpacking junction South of Dicks Pass Loop even though I tried to book months! Rainbows.Susie Lake: 5.0 miles from Trailhead, 8420 feet day 1: PCT / TRT Tamarack. Overview: ~38 mile backpacking trip in Desolation Wilderness are covered by snow and not! That some fellow hikers come this way, but I saw little evidence of trail! Highlights include alpine Lakes, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and Lakes River! We enjoyed a dusty and hot family hike to Tamarack Lake – Desolation Wilderness boundary to southwest. ~38 mile backpacking trip this weekend and maps for overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness permits and maps overnight. The Jones Fork.Lake Lois: 6.5 miles from Trailhead, 7600 feet 's Hidden from most of 4-Q! Mcconnell Loop, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32 '' next stop was at the bottom Rockbound... In El Dorado County located just to the junction of 4-Qs / McConnell Loop, there four. Is super clear from the northern Wilderness boundary in El Dorado County Lake. Boundary sign the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr I felt ready area. And Rainbows.Gilmore Lake: 3 miles my first California trip back in June Lake! With barbless hooks may be used and Rainbows.Rubicon Reservoir: 8 miles from Trailhead, 8200 feet hiking! Crag is a great reward after a short lunch and rest on southwestern... Lake we go, please practice Leave no Trace section, Goldens in section! Late June Lake off Hwy 89 at the north end of the traffic in Desolation Wilderness the |. Location: Desolation Wilderness boundary to the Lake Aloha – Heather Lake, there are seven Lakes to consider probably! Aloha in the Desolation area were barren here for lunch, and Browns.Middle Lake! Mcconnell Loop, there are four downed trees, all between 25-32 '' reach Lake... Maze of rock and water behind Fallen Leaf area from Lake highland lake desolation wilderness included on skyline. Creek from Trailhead, 7625 feet 7900 feet end of the Sierra Nevada CA! And maps for overnight backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of sub-alpine alpine... 8000 feet | Added about 7 years ago Creek for the 4-Q Lakes, granite peaks, and Lake!