Desolation Wilderness
Glen Alpine Springs Resort: Tahoe’s earliest resort, filled with history and adventure
Lost to the elements, Glen Alpine Springs Resort sits as a remnant of times passed, when adventurers would flock to the mountains of the Sierras for a majestic mountain escape. Whether they were seeking the mineral springs or just looking to venture out into the wilderness to hike trails, camp, fish or hunt, there was …...
Fallen Leaf Lake: How this Sierra Mountain Lake got its name
Fallen Leaf Lake is often referred to as the sister lake to the region’s most prominent landmark – Lake Tahoe. Although overshadowed by Tahoe’s magnificence, Fallen Leaf Lake also offers plenty of history, adventures, beauty and mystery. Fallen Leaf was formed by a glacier that stopped short of converging onto Lake Tahoe. A...
The Underwater Forest of Fallen Leaf Lake
At 6,300 feet in elevation, and located at the base of Desolation Wilderness, sits a forest unlike any other. I’m sure for some of you, the thought of a forest at this particular location doesn’t sound all too interesting. But, what if I told you that this forest is underwater? I bet that’s grabbed your …...
Glen Alpine Trail: From Lilly Lake and Modjeska Falls to the Old Resort and Grass Lake
Glen Alpine Trailhead is a popular launching point to many spectacular destinations within the Tahoe Basin and Desolation Wilderness. Some of the region’s most prominent mountain peaks like Mt. Tallac can be accessed from this trailhead along with many wonderful lakes like Grass, Susie, Gilmore and all the way to Aloha lakes (Lake...
Modjeska Falls: a seasonal beauty with a historically famous name
Modjeska Falls, also known as Upper Glen Alpine Falls, is a three-step waterfall that drops roughly 51 feet and is located on the Glen Alpine Creek. The water flow is dependent on the melting snow to fill the creek and form the waterfall. Unfortunately, during the summer and the recent drought, the waterfall can be …...
14 Tips for hiking in Desolation Wilderness
However, since Desolation Wilderness is filled with lakes, mountain peaks, changing weather and wildlife, it can also be a dangerous place for those who are inexperienced. The following is a list to better prepare you for your next Desolation Wilderness adventure: Plan Ahead – The best thing to do is to plan for your hike. …...
Bayview Trail: onward and upward to Maggie’s Peaks
However, the physical exertion is well worth the beautiful views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Additionally, Granite Lake provides the perfect resting spot in your quest to the summit of Maggie’s Peaks. This lake is a little bowl of mountain water sweetly tucked beneath the looming Maggie’s Peak and makes for a great picnic,...
Eagle Falls Trail: over the waterfall and through the woods to a mountain lake
The trail itself is easy enough for parents to bring their children and make it a nice family outing. Yet, the scenery and the options of traveling further make this trail appealing to avid hikers and backpackers. Directions Take Highway 89 north about 9 miles to the Eagle Falls Trailhead. It’s located across the highway …...
Ralston Lake: Ralston Peak’s little wading pool
Ralston Lake sits at about 7800 feet in elevation and is located roughly 1.7 miles northwest of Upper Echo Lake. Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The …...
Tamarack Lake: A place of solitude and a mirror for Ralston Peak
Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The trailhead is located at Lower Echo Lake right near the Echo Chalet. This resort is seasonal and only open from …...
