A vast alpine lake studded with granite islands on the most accessible approach in Desolation. The right intro to Sierra wilderness near Tahoe.
Desolation Wilderness on the easiest approach. Lake Aloha is a vast, shallow alpine lake studded with granite islands, set against the Crystal Range. The PCT approach from Echo Lakes is well-marked and moderate. A perfect first overnight or weekend escape from the Bay Area. Tamarack Lake on the way in makes an excellent first-night camp.
Start: Echo Lakes TH (7,420ft)
End: Echo Lakes TH
Water: Tamarack Lake, Lake Aloha
Climb gently along the PCT past Echo Lakes (a water taxi across the lakes cuts 2.5mi each way if it is running) to Tamarack Lake at 3.5mi, an easy first-night camp with several established sites. For the full Lake Aloha experience, keep climbing another 450ft to the high point of the trail (8,340ft) before dropping 200ft down to the lake itself, about 6mi in. Aloha's shoreline has campsites scattered along its length; walk another mile around to the far side for more solitude and the best views of the Crystal Range.
Water: Same as Day 1 in reverse
Retrace the same route back to Echo Lakes TH, whichever camp you started from. Water taxi option available again if it is running.
Heather Lake and Susie Lake (south from Lake Aloha); American Lake (off-trail west, more solitude); extend to 3 days via Tamarack + Lake Aloha + Heather Lake; Lake of the Woods (off-trail, solitude)
NO CAMPFIRES in entire Desolation Wilderness (year-round). Bear canister required. Water taxi across Echo Lakes saves 2.5mi each way (seasonal, first-come-first-served, call ahead). Zone-based system: first night locked to your zone, subsequent nights flexible. Bugs brutal Jun-Jul. Arrive at trailhead by 6am on summer weekends for parking. Dogs allowed. ~3.5 hours from Bay Area, ~30min from South Lake Tahoe. Permits open 6 months out, but Desolation is far easier to book last-minute than Yosemite or SEKI. Being flexible on dates and entry zone often turns up an available permit within a week or two of a trip, even in peak season, making this a solid backup if a Yosemite permit falls through.
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