Have you taken any time to explore Desolation Wilderness in California? Consisting of 63,960 acres of alpine beauty, this massive wilderness area is a dream come true for adventurers. From its craggy peaks to the crystal clear alpine lakes, Desolation’s scenery is a sight to be seen. Considered a great entry for Desolation Wilderness, the Echo Lakes Trail takes hikers alongside a bright blue lake. The hike isn’t too long and provides an awesome glimpse of this area’s breathtaking scenery. Take a look:
Hiding out in Desolation Wilderness, the Echo Lakes Trail is a gem of a hike in South Lake Tahoe. Leading hikers right along the lake's northern edge, it makes for an exhilarating adventure in a breathtaking alpine setting.
The Echo Lake Trail is a moderate hike that follows the Pacific Crest Trail along the shores of the lake. It's about a five mile hike with around 500-feet of elevation gain - an awesome trail for anyone with just a little bit of hiking experience.
To find the trailhead, take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Keep left and you'll be led to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. This is the starting point for many hikes in the area, including the trail to the end of Upper Echo Lake. Hikers must fill out a free permit before taking off.
After departing from the trailhead (and filling out your permit), you'll gradually gain elevation as the trail leads you uphill along the edge of the lake. The views of the lake from the trail are fantastic, so take your time and soak it all in.
The trail winds past trees, boulders, and up the mountainside. On a hot day, a quick dip in the lake is great for keeping cool. Just be careful traversing the steep slope down to the lake.
After 2.25 miles, the trail makes a descent to the boat dock where tired hikers can catch a seasonal water taxi back to the trailhead. If you've still got some energy, you can simply hike back to the beginning yourself or explore even deeper into Desolation Wilderness!
Whether you're looking for a quick day hike or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the Echo Lakes Trail is a great place to start. For more information about the trailhead and the boat taxi, visit the Forest Service website here
