Lake Aloha
From Echo Lake Through Desolation Wilderness
This easy-to-moderate trip is perfect for first- or second-time backpackers. You’ll hike south of Lake Tahoe into Desolation Wilderness — an alpine world of granite peaks and crystal pools — before reaching the spectacular shores of Lake Aloha. Numerous day-hike options to nearby lakes make this trip even more scenic.
Duration: 4 nights
Distance: 7.5 miles plus day hikes
Best Time: July–Sept.
Submitted by
GSSD Backpacking Trainers
Created
January 2020
Starting Trailhead: Echo Lake
Ending Trailhead: Echo Lake
Day 1
Drive to and stay at a Lake Tahoe-area campground, possibly D.L. Bliss or Eagle Point. Enjoy dinner in town.
Day 2
Drive to Echo Lake Trailhead. Take the ferry across lower and upper Echo Lake to shave off some miles. Hike west on the Pacific Crest Trail to Lake Aloha. (3.5 miles)
Day 3
Enjoy day hiking north on the Pacific Crest Trail and/or around Heather and Susie Lakes.
Day 4
Pack up camp and hike back the way you came to Tamarack Lake. (2.5 miles)
Day 5
Finish your hike back along the Pacific Crest Trail to the Echo Lake ferry. (1.5 miles)
Take the ferry back to the trailhead.
Itinerary Options
Consider starting your trip with a day hike on the Rubicon Trail around Emerald Bay. Leave one car at the Vikingsholm parking lot, then head to Rubicon Trailhead North. Hike a moderate 5 miles along the lake’s edge to Vikingsholm Castle. Enjoy a 30-minute tour, then finish with a steep 1-mile climb back up to the Vikingsholm parking lot.
On day 4, instead of heading straight to Tamarack Lake, hike some extra miles around Lake of the Woods for some off-trail experience.
Key Risks
Critters: You’re in bear country. There are strict rules on storing scented items including the need for bear-proof containers. Know before you go and follow all instructions.
Weather: Be on the watch for inclement weather.
Permits Needed
Desolation Wilderness Overnight Permit
Resources
Eldorado National Forest: Desolation Wilderness
Echo Chalet: Boat Taxi Service (Echo Lake Ferry)