Phoebe GullingsrudOver the past four summers, I have had the privilege to visit Lake Tahoe and spend at least one-night backpack camping in Desolation Wilderness. Located in South Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area in the El Dorado National Forest. With nearly 64,000 acres of land, there is so much to see and hikes that can be enjoyed by all types of adventurers. Today, I am excited to share my favorite hiking/overnight destination, the beautiful Lake Aloha!
Lake Aloha is seated at about 8,200 feet of elevation in Desolation Valley. There are several hiking routes to get to Aloha, each ranging in distance and difficulty. Below, I have included a bit of information on the two routes I have taken:
1. Echo Lake Route (13 Mile)
This beautiful route is fairly flat and features five lakes along the way. Although this route is longer, the trail itself is feasible. Also, if you are looking to cut down the distance, there is a boat that brings hikers across the lake which lowers the distance by about four miles. The trail itself is rocky, so be sure to wear proper hiking boots. Parking at Echo lake is limited, so arrive early! If you are looking for a day trip, I recommend this trail over the Glen Alpine trail.
2. Glen Alpine Route (12 Mile)
The Glen Alpine route is very strenuous, but the views along the way will make the challenge worth it! The trail is rocky and has various sections of switchbacks, however there are also several shaded flat sections along the way. If you are looking to do an overnight, I would recommend this trail as there are beautiful spots to set up camp along the way. Parking is also limited here, so arrive early to claim a spot!
Regardless of which route you take, I can guarantee that you will have an unforgettable experience! However, it is important to be extra prepared when taking a long hike into the wilderness. Whether you are planning on taking a day trip, or if you are planning on spending a night in the wilderness, there are many things you will need. Below, I have included a packing list for both options:
Day Trip Packing List
- Proper hiking shoes: Given the rocky terrain, it is important to wear the right shoes. I would recommend reinforced hiking shoes with two pairs of socks!
- Water: It is crucial to stay hydrated, especially when engaging in rigorous physical activity at elevation. Make sure you plan out how much water you need and how you are going to carry it. If you are trying to pack light, I would recommend that you invest in a water purifier. Lake water is not okay to drink naturally, but if the water is purified, it is good to drink!
- Snacks: To keep energized, you will want to load up on snacks! Some of my favorite hiking snacks are granola bars, frozen grapes, nuts, fruit, and energy bars.
- Swimsuit: If you make the trek to Lake Aloha, you may want to take a quick dip in the water. Make sure you pack something to wear, and if you have space, bring a towel to dry off!
- Sun protection: As you make your way up, the sun will get stronger and stronger, so remember sunblock, sunglasses, hats, and any other sun protection you may need.
- Toilet paper: There will be no restrooms throughout the trail, so think ahead about how you will relieve yourself. If you plan to use toilet paper, remember you will need a zip lock bag or trash bag to put the used toilet paper in as there is a “leave no trace” policy in Desolation Wilderness!
Overnight Packing List
- Water: Make sure you plan out how much water you will need before beginning your adventure. As a rule of thumb, you should try to drink around 2 liters a day given the rigorous activity and elevation. If you are trying to pack light, I would recommend that you invest in a water purifier. Lake water is not okay to drink naturally, but if the water is purified it is good to drink!
- Food: Bring more food than you expect as elevation and high levels of activity will cause a larger appetite. In the future, I plan to make a camping meal blog, but for now, I will list a few of my favorite camping meals to make! Remember to plan ahead and do as much of the meal prep before your trip. Here are a few meals that are delicious, simple, and a perfect refuel for your camping adventure: egg scramble, breakfast burritos, oatmeal, sandwiches, fried rice, and quesadillas.
- Cooking materials: Depending on what you are making, you will need several items such as utensils, cutting knives, plates, pans, gas stove, towels, and cleaning supplies.
- Sleeping bag: To survive a night in the wilderness, you MUST pack a sleeping bag. I would recommend a semi-rectangular or mummy-shaped bag to maximize warmth. Also, during the night, try not to bundle up with clothes as sleeping bags generate the most heat when you are wearing the least!
- Sleeping mattress: For a more comfortable night’s sleep, I would recommend a sleeping mattress. To minimize space in your pack, I recommend an inflatable mattress.
- Tent: Not a required item, but given the strong winds and cool temperatures at Aloha, I would recommend you bring a tent. Bring the lightest tent possible because you will be carrying it on your pack.
- Swimsuit: Although the lake water may be cold, after a long day of hiking a nice rinse in the lake would not hurt!
- Warm layers: Even in the summer, temperatures can get into the low 30’s so be prepared. Pack layers and always go for comfort! If you have a windbreaker/raincoat, bring it as it tends to be very windy all around Lake Aloha.
- Proper hiking shoes: Given the rocky terrain, it is important to wear the right shoes. I would recommend reinforced hiking shoes with two pairs of socks!
- Toilet paper: When nature calls, you will need some toilet paper! Make sure to bring a trash bag whenever you go as there will be no toilet to flush your toilet paper down. If you expect to have any bowel movements throughout your camping trip, I would recommend bringing a trowel to discard your waste.
- Trash bags: Desolation Wilderness has a “leave no trace” policy, so please clean up after yourself and do not leave anything behind. Be extra careful with food as a crumb on the ground could attract animals to your campsite!
- Bear canister: For your own safety, you must bring a bear canister. Make sure to leave this canister far away from where you are sleeping to avoid unwanted visitors throughout the night. Put all food, deodorant, toothpaste, perfume, and anything else that has a strong scent into the canister.
- First aid kit: You never know what you may need, so bring any emergency items just in case.
- Lighter: Although you will not be able to start any actual fires as that is prohibited in Desolation Wilderness, a lighter may come in handy for lighting some gas fuels to cook.
- Portable charger: If you take as many photos as I do, a portable charger will be essential. Although there is no service in Desolation Wilderness, a phone will come in use for photos, alarms, and music.
- Head light: At night, you will need this to get anywhere, even the bathroom! Make sure your head light is charged before taking off.
- Personal items: Do not forget about other essential items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medicine, contacts and any other personal products you can not go without! Try to pack as little as possible, but bring the essentials.
Whether you are day-tripping or overnighting it to Lake Aloha, I can guarantee you will see amazing views, and you will create memories of a lifetime. There is no place like Lake Aloha! When planning your adventure, remember you must purchase a permit. You may purchase one online or through a park ranger. Tickets book up months in advance, so plan ahead. Below I have added several photos of my adventures to the beautiful Lake Aloha!
Photos of my Adventures:
Thank you so much for reading this post! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below. To get an inside look at my adventures, check out my Instagram @adventureherworld for all the highlights. Thank you again for your support, and happy adventuring!