Desolation Wilderness

California · Wilderness Area

A 63,475-acre stretch of granite peaks and glacial valleys west of Lake Tahoe, holding about 130 lakes between 6,500 and 10,000 feet. Visitors hike 17 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and 13 trailheads, with permits and bear canisters required.

Top trails

• Lake Aloha via Pacific Crest Trail — 10.2 mi · 1,183 ft gain · 4h 0m · Out & back
• Echo Lakes to Meeks Bay via Phipps Pass — 29.3 mi one way · 5,006 ft gain · 12h 16m · Point to point

Coordinates: 38.9535, -120.1918.

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