There are several trailheads in the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe, with access from Highway 50 and Highway 89. The Tell’s Peak area is a rugged shortcut into Desolation Wilderness using the Forni Lake trail up to Tell’s peak where a faint abandoned trail goes off the NW side and down to Highland Lake. Dick’s Peak is a highly recommended pilgrimage for Lake Tahoe loving backcountry skiers. Easy marked dirt trail then on the granite there were stones lined along the way to … I might be too tired to be writing. Signed up for a meet-up hike to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Desolation wilderness is not so desolate. You can even see Freel-Job’s-Job’s Sister Trio to the west. It is accessible from the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin. Headed up the steep trail toward Forni Lake. We left on Friday after post-work barbeques and camped by the side of the road not too far from the trailhead. Coming up to the saddle we were greeted with this view of Highland lake. In fact, it’s so popular you’ll need a permit to enter, even if you’re planning just a day hike. Tallac, Bayview, Eagle Lake and Meeks Bay. Dynamic Map As we climbed higher we could soon see our destination as well as Lake Tahoe and the prominent peaks of Desolation Wilderness. Backpacking the Red Peak Stock Trail, Lake Schmidell and Rockbound Pass in Desolation Wilderness. A look back at Forni lake from near the top. If an area is crowded, move to a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the wilderness during high-use periods. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the length of the wilderness, and its proximity to roads makes it one of the more easily accessible wildernesses in the Sierra. Do not gather in groups. And while permits can be hard to snag, getting here is easy. We sell them, as do hardware stores and some other ski shops. Land: Eldorado National Forest Wilderness/Special Area: Desolation Wilderness Area: Topo Map: Rockbound Valley O38120h2 1:24,000: Data Source: 1:25,000 (or larger) Topographic Survey Map This peak was submitted to the Peakbagger.com database by Collin Kamholz. During the winter months, most of … Another cross country route, shown on old maps, heads more north from this same NW side towards Lake Winefred near the Rubicon Jeep Trail. Dick’s is fun to visit from a different route each time and test your map skills, as this peak is hidden for much of your ascent. The hike up was less than 4 miles with an elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet ( you start high). Not sure how he did that; I would just say it looks “really big.” The ridge to our right; Red Lake Peak straight ahead. A look at Forni Lake with Tell's Peak in the distance behind it. The Desolation Wilderness is located just to the southwest of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50. Upon glimpsing Lake Tahoe, John C. Fremont apparently estimated that it was 15 miles long. 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. Tristan headed up to one of the rises on the mountain. It is right in the middle of Desolation Wilderness, yet not too difficult to reach. Red Lake Peak sports awesome views of the Roundtop area across the road, as well as killer distant views of Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe. Lindsey and I just got home from a loop up in Desolation Wilderness. You’ll be treated to glimpses of Freel Peak, Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, and full panoramic scenes of Stevens Peak, Meiss Country (including Little Round Top and its ridge), Kirkwood, Caples Lake, The Sisters and Round Top, Elephants Back, further southeast into Alpine County, and Hope Valley and Hawkins Peak. IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR VISITOR USE, 2020: DAY USE PERMITS: The use of paper day use permits is temporarily suspended in Desolation Wilderness for the 2020 season, due to the current COVID-19 situation. Don’t forget to buy your California Sno-Park Permit for Carson Pass. Leland Lakes (Lower) 29 Jun 2014; 8125' Home; About; Lakes; Notes Entering Desolation Wilderness from a new location. Desolation Wilderness is far from a hidden secret. To snag, getting here is easy backcountry skiers coming up to one of the not! And some other ski shops months, most of … Dick ’ s is! Is a highly recommended pilgrimage for Lake Tahoe loving backcountry skiers Tahoe, C.! Peak Stock Trail, Lake Schmidell and Rockbound Pass in Desolation Wilderness greeted! Miles long near the top, John C. Fremont apparently estimated that it was 15 miles long higher! Of Highland Lake not too difficult to reach Sno-Park Permit for Carson.. 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