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Sierra Trekking: Desolation Wilderness
Sample Itinerary

Actual hikes vary from trip to trip, but our itinerary will go something like this:

Day 1
Our meeting point is Sunnyside Lodge on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Arrive early and take a dip in the Lake or do some shopping in nearby Tahoe City before settling in for our welcome dinner. (Sunnyside Lodge)

Day 2
Our first day of hiking takes us along the Northern shore of Echo Lakes(7525') climbing just 600 feet in about 7.5 miles through the pines into the Granitic Desolation Wilderness and the Southeastern shore of Lake Aloha(8120'). A source of water for the City of Sacramento, Lake Aloha is a series of small dams that make up the Lake with small Granite Islands throughout. Our camp sits a half mile further above the Western shore on a gigantic granite ledge at the base of Pyramid Peak (Pyramid Peak Camp)

Day 3
Today we skirt the East shore of Lake Aloha heading Northeast towards Gilmore Lake and Mount Tallac. Our 8 mile trek takes us passed Heather and Susie Lakes before reaching the outlet of Gilmore Lake where we veer Northwest making a steady climb to Dicks Pass, the highpoint of our hike, at just under 9400 feet. From the pass the summit of Dicks Peak and Jakes Peak can be seen just to the West. Dicks Lake sits another 900 feet below with our camp a few minutes further down the trail. (Fontanillis Lake Camp) 


Day 4
The West Shore of Lake Tahoe is our destination today hiking seven miles connecting to the Bay View trail which will lead is down to Emerald Bay. Fannnette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, sits perched in the middle of Emerald Bay and the entire expanse of the Lake comes into view . We might choose to tour Vikingsholm Castle, on the shore of Emerald Bay, or simply head over to the Lodge for some lakeside deck time and a well deserved iced tea. (Sunnyside Lodge)

Day 5
After breakfast we will say our good-byes and leave for our post-trip destinations.



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