Horsetail Falls - South Lake Tahoe, CA

Trailhead - Pyramid Creek/Twin Bridges on US 50
5 miles (?) RT
800+ (?) Elevation gain

This is a very popular hike along HWY 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe. It is a short hike, but the trail climbs steeply toward the magnificent Horsetail Falls.  The trail may get a bit sketchy where you traverse those giant granite slabs, but generally easy to follow along the trail. There are many short trails branching out to the creek from the main trail, so don't get confused or lost.  Most hikers end their journey at the bottom of the falls unless you are confident enough to scramble the steep rock slabs to the top of the falls.  If you are to tackle the way up to the top, use caution as those granite slabs can be very slippery because of the splashing water from the falls.  Also, route finding skills are a must as there is no well established route to reach all the way to the top.

As informed by the rangers at the trailhead, the route I was advised to take to the top of the falls was climbing to the left from the big granite slab where you come to choose either go to the right or to the left.  Going to the right can be very slippery.  Scrambling up to the left eventually leads you to a partially established trail through screes/talus rocks and boulders and in time and effort gets you to the top.  Some scrambling necessary, however. There are cairns along the route which also help and guide you on the way up to the top and on the way to come down. 

Enjoy the views of the Horsetail falls from above!  Magnificent and powerful falls.  You can trek around Avalanche Lake to explore the alpine wilderness.  If you are backpacking, Avalanche Lake will be a perfect site for overnight, or you can continue to hike farther deep into Desolation Wilderness if you are an experienced backpacker. 

 

Lake Aloha - Desolation Wilderness, CA

Trailhead - Echo Lake

15 miles RT

1770' elevation gain

Difficulty: Moderate

This is a long day hike/15 miles RT from Echo Lake passing 5 alpine lakes to reach Lake Aloha  - a prime swimming spot of beautiful Desolation Wilderness.  The hike to Lake Aloha is a must do hike in Desolation Wilderness to experience what Desolation Wilderness offers....alpine lakes, wildflowers, wildlife, alpine peaks and a remote sense of wilderness. 

The trail is mostly flat through the hike with some sections of elevation gain, and also gets rocky part of the way. You will pass by 5 lakes in this hike. Enjoy the views of the alpine lakes....and swimming if you like! I saw hikers sunbathing, napping and of course, swimming in the lake(s)....there is no better way to relax than swimming after a long hike in a hot summer day! Lake Aloha is gorgeous with pristine water surrounded by alpine boulders and picturesque peaks. It's a great place for camping and backpacking so that you can explore the area more leisurely. 

For a side trip, I recommend to stop by Lake of the Woods located near Lake Aloha.  You can hike there on the way to/from Lake Aloha as the trail sign directs.