Snow and stream flows remain over many Desolation Wilderness trails above Lake Tahoe

U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit wilderness ranger scouting expeditions last week have brought back some updated trail conditions for those planning to venture into Desolation Wilderness.

Many hikers are turning around because of difficulty they have in finding the trail because of the large amount of snow at upper elevations, limited dry ground, frozen lakes, and high stream crossings.

They recommend wearing sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and proper clothing and make sure you bring a map, compass and trekking poles. Also, never hike alone and bring a buddy, and keep in mind your mobile device may not work in some areas.

Develop an emergency plan in the event you are unable to call for help. Learn more here about staying safe in your National Forest.

Bayview Trail
Trail clear to Granite Lake. Snow on trail to top of ridge (Maggie’s Peak), and solid from top of ridge on. Difficult to follow trail, with hazardous conditions. Large amounts of snow and water from Bayview/Eagle junction onward, with limited dry ground for camping. The upper lakes are beginning to thaw, but still holding ice and snow. High stream flow conditions, exercise caution if crossing.

Eagle Lake
Trail clear to Eagle Lake. Above Eagle Lake, trail is a mix of snow, flowing and standing water, and dry. Minor stream crossings to junction with Bayview Trail. Beyond junction, trail is primarily snow and water. Lakes higher in Desolation are thawing, but still surrounded by much snow and water. Water crossings are high and swift, many travelers are turning around at Velma crossing and Fontanillis crossing.

Echo Lake
Snow above Upper Echo Lake on the PCT, Tahoe Rim Trail before Haypress Meadow. Lake Aloha is thawing quickly. Exercise caution if crossing streams. Parking is available at the upper lot, but not in the lower lot. Chalet and boat taxi are currently closed. Anticipated opening, July 4.

Tahoe Rim Trail
From Tahoe Rim Trail Association: Echo Lakes to Barker Pass on 6/13/2017:
Lower Echo Lake is completely thawed and Upper Echo Lake is mostly cleared of ice. The trail around the lakes is partially cleared of snow. Closer to the wilderness boundary the snow increases covering the entire trail. Expect Desolation Wilderness to be completely covered in dozens of feet of snow. The higher passes, such as Dicks Pass, are likely to be corniced and hazardous.

Lake Aloha
From AllTrails on 6/22/2017:
Beautiful but expect to find plenty of snow on your hike. The hike is 100% snow from the end of Upper Echo Lake on. Highly suggest a GPS unless you know the area well, the trail can be tough to find at times.

Meeks Bay Trailhead
Trail is very wet through lower meadows, but mostly clear to #GenevieveLake, a few snow patches remain. Clear of downed trees to Genevieve Lake. Travel with waterproof boots to stay on the trail. Stream crossings are high and fast moving, use caution if crossing – many hikers are turning around at stream crossing just south of Crag Lake.

Mt. Tallac Trail
Trail clear of snow until #FloatingIsland Lake. Snow on trail as it continues to Cathedral Lake. Seasonal stream crossings, exercise caution if crossing.

Glen Alpine Trailhead
Trail is very wet. Stream crossings on all trails in the Glen Alpine drainage are currently swift and high, use caution if crossing. Expect snow beyond the Susie Lake, Gilmore Lake trail junction.