Desolation Wilderness
Desolation Wilderness is an alpine landscape scoured by ancient glaciers and punished over and over by heavy winds and snow. Here, in the high country above Lake Tahoe, only the hardiest trees grow, twisting in the gales to make a scene out of their survival. The climb to this granite wonderland is steep. The reward? Azure lakes, dramatic peaks, starry skies and hungry trout.
Lake Aloha
ABOVE: Like a watchful spirit, the Milky Way glides over Lake Aloha, Pyramid Peak and the rest of the Crystal Range in the Desolation Wilderness backcountry.
ABOVE: Golden hour at Lake Aloha during a trip in early June, with the sun setting over Mosquito Pass. Located at 8,116 feet, this is the largest body of water in Desolation Wilderness.
Fishing Desolation Wilderness
Backpacking Desolation Wilderness
ABOVE: Last light lingers in the high country around Dick’s Lake. This is one of my favorite moments from a trip with my dad and my pup. Here’s our camp at last light, with the night’s first stars beginning to twinkle, and the rush of snowmelt singing us to sleep.
ABOVE: You’ll find plenty of wildflowers — like Tahoe Lupine — growing here during the summer despite the harsh conditions of this upper montane forest ecosystem.
ABOVE: Fontanilis Lake: It looked like an easy jaunt to here from our camp at Dick’s Lake, but steep granite along the shore meant dicey access. We did, however, find a handful of vibrant brookies in the stream flowing into this gorgeous body of water.
ABOVE: Snow can linger through the summer months, especially after wet winters. During this trip, in mid-August, we had to traverse a small snowfield on the way up to Dick’s lake, elevation 8,420 feet.
Lake Aloha
Like a watchful spirit, the Milky Way glides over Lake Aloha, Pyramid Peak and the rest of the Crystal Range in the Desolation Wilderness backcountry.
Golden hour at Lake Aloha during a trip in early June, with the sun setting over Mosquito Pass. Located at 8,116 feet, this is the largest body of water in Desolation Wilderness.
Fishing Desolation Wilderness
The lakes and streams of Desolation Wilderness are home to brook trout (pictured here), rainbow trout, brown trout and a handful of golden trout.
Backpacking Desolation Wilderness
Last light lingers in the high country around Dick’s Lake. This is one of my favorite moments from a trip with my dad and my pup. Here’s our camp at last light, with the night’s first stars beginning to twinkle, and the rush of snowmelt singing us to sleep.
You’ll find plenty of wildflowers — like Tahoe Lupine — growing here during the summer despite the harsh conditions of this upper montane forest ecosystem.
Fontanilis Lake: It looked like an easy jaunt to here from our camp at Dick’s Lake, but steep granite along the shore meant dicey access. We did, however, find a handful of vibrant brookies in the stream flowing into this gorgeous body of water.
Snow can linger through the summer months, especially after wet winters. During this trip, in mid-August, we had to traverse a small snowfield on the way up to Dick’s Lake, elevation 8,420 feet.
Know
Before
You Go
One of the most popular backcountry destinations in California, Desolation Wilderness endures heavy use from backpackers and hikers. Factor in the challenges of a changing climate, and this area, like most of the High Sierra, faces an uphill battle in the decades ahead.
- Review the regulations for Desolation Wilderness before entering the backcountry. Some highlights: campfires are prohibited, bear canisters are required and dogs are welcome.
- Permits are required to enter Desolation Wilderness from spring to fall — even for day hikers — and are limited by a strict quota system. Here’s some more information on permits from the U.S. Forest Service. You can reserve them online, or try to get lucky and pick one up in person the day of entry.
- The weather changes rapidly here and access to the high country is dependent on the coming and going of winter. The Desolation Wilderness Volunteers website is a great place to check trail conditions before you head out.
- Here’s a map of all the managment zones in Desolation Wilderness. It’ll be helpful when reserving a permit.
- Take a look at these trail summaries to gauge the length and difficulty of hikes. Also of use when planning a trip.
- This handy guide contains much of the above information in one place and is worth having on hand.
- Remember to always practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Know Before You Go
One of the most popular backcountry destinations in California, Desolation Wilderness endures heavy use from backpackers and hikers. Factor in the challenges of a changing climate, and this area, like most of the High Sierra, faces an uphill battle in the decades ahead.
- Review the regulations for Desolation Wilderness before entering the backcountry.Some highlights: campfires are prohibited, bear canisters are required and dogs are welcome.
- Permits are required to enter Desolation Wilderness from spring to fall — even for day hikers — and are limited by a strict quota system. Here’s some more information on permits from the U.S. Forest Service. You can reserve them online, or try to get lucky and pick one up in person the day of entry.
- The weather changes rapidly here and access to the high country is dependent on the coming and going of winter. The Desolation Wilderness Volunteers website is a great place to check trail conditions before you head out.
- Here’s a map of all the managment zones in Desolation Wilderness. It’ll be helpful when reserving a permit.
- Take a look at these trail summaries to gauge the length and difficulty of hikes. Also of use when planning a trip.
- This handy guide contains much of the above information in one place and is worth having on hand.
- Remember to always practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Desolation Wilderness
Directions to Desolation Wilderness
Related Organizations
Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Eldorado Backcountry Ski Patrol
