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. In fact, it’s so popular you’ll need a permit to enter, even if you’re planning just a day hike. Welcome to the; Lakes of Desolation Wilderness; Home; About; Lakes; Notes 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 USFS is fine with it. The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). The name changed to Desolation Valley Primitive Area in 1931, and in 1969, Congress adopted Desolation Wilderness into … This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake.

Trail description: The trail to Lake of the Woods begins at lower Echo lake which is one of the starting points for hikes into Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Situated on the southern end of Desolation Wilderness, Mount Ralston offers great south-facing and north-facing terrain.

The Desolation Wilderness region was established in 1899 as part of the Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Tucked behind the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness is only accessible via horse or foot. This particular site, there is no way to camp near that post and not be the correct distance from the water. At one point, there is a junction in the trail to the right and down a steep hill where you can see Hidden Lake from above. A relatively easy ascent of the peak provides spectacular views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. There are several trailheads in the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe, with access from Highway 50 and Highway 89. Crag Lake, Desolation Wilderness. Desolation Wilderness was designated as a Primitive Area in 1969 and became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System; its 63,690 acres is an expansive, natural world of granite, towering pines, streams and pristine alpine lakes.

Lake of the Woods Featuring Margo, Ringo, Sophie and Mount McLoughlin ... 2015-7-10 - 3 Day backpacking PCT section hike desolation wilderness - Lake of the woods …

This is also true of most of the other posts around the lake. Once motorists started making their way over Echo and Donner summits, the land became part of the newly formed Eldorado National Forest.