Echo Lakes, Desolation Wilderness CA

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 9 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 300 to 1,200 ft | Peak 7,800 ft
• Echo Summit, CA | Lake Tahoe
.
The image shows the view from the front of a boat on a lake surrounded by a forest of tall pine trees. The boat is moving through a narrow waterway with trees on both sides and a clear blue sky above. The scene is serene and picturesque, capturing the natural beauty of the forest and the calmness of the water.

The image shows the view from the front of a boat on a lake surrounded by a forest of tall pine trees. The boat is moving through a narrow waterway with trees on both sides and a clear blue sky above. The scene is serene and picturesque, capturing the natural beauty of the forest and the calmness of the water.

Take a scenic boat ride across the lake to begin your hike.

What a better way to start a hike than with a leisurely boat ride across the Echo Lake, nestling between some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada, above Lake Tahoe. Hail your water taxi from Echo Chalet on the shores of the lower lake, and you'll soon find yourself dropped off at the top of Upper Echo Lake right smack dab in the middle of Desolation Wilderness.

Hit the Pacific Crest Trail in the Westerly direction and head further into Desolation Wilderness to explore more lakes, each different and more secluded than the last. Initially the trail is well defined but after a signpost indicating the route to Tamarack and Ralston lakes over rocky terrain and areas smooth polished granite. On the return trip, skip the taxi and take the 2.6 mile trail that runs parallel to the Echo Lakes and leads back to the trailhead, rounding off an excellent 8.5 mile hike.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Echo Lake Trail 2.6 mi each way, moderate, gain 300 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Desolation Wilderness Spur Add 3.3 mi out & back, moderate, gain 600 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

There are several ways to tailor this trail to match your hiking appetite, such as extending the route further to visit several more alpine lakes including Lucille and Margery lakes, Lake of the Woods or Aloha Lake. Alternatively, shorten the trail by taking a return trip on the water taxi by calling for the boat service from the telephone at Upper Echo Lake boat dock.

Late summer is the best time to visit, especially if you were thinking about taking a quick dip in one of the quiet Destination Wilderness lakes. Wilderness permits for both day and overnight hikes are required, both of which are available at Echo Chalet - see link below.

The image shows a scenic view of a lake with a wooden dock in the foreground. There is a small boat tied to the dock. In the background, there is a mountain with rocky cliffs and dense green pine trees. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a bright and sunny day.

The image shows a scenic view of a lake with a wooden dock in the foreground. There is a small boat tied to the dock. In the background, there is a mountain with rocky cliffs and dense green pine trees. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a bright and sunny day.

Boat dock by Echo Chalet at the East end of the lake.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a mountainous region with several lakes nestled among the hills. The foreground is dominated by rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, while the midground and background display dense forests and rugged mountain peaks. The sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, indicating a bright and sunny day.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a mountainous region with several lakes nestled among the hills. The foreground is dominated by rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, while the midground and background display dense forests and rugged mountain peaks. The sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, indicating a bright and sunny day.

Echo Lake from Mount Ralston hike.

External links:
Echo Lakes Trailhead at US Forest Service
Echo Chalet and boat service

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Horsetail Falls (3 mi)
4★ Echo Lakes (6 mi)
5★ Round Top (5-10 mi)
Show Area Map

Trailspotting free offline maps:
MAP PACK Lake Tahoe Region

Lake Tahoe's Best Trails
All-year-round fun at this Northern California landmark. Trailspotting has Lake Tahoe hikes for everyone.

Lassen Volcanic National Park
The park's Best Hikes include every type of volcano!

California Lakes
Reflecting on lake-side and lake-view hikes.