Pyramid Peak Via Rocky Canyon Trail - Desolation Wilderness, CA

Pyramid Peak seen from Ralston Peak 6-30-2017

July 30, 2017


When I hiked into Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness last year, I saw a pyramid-like granite mountain towering over the lake. It was Pyramid Peak I saw for the first time. I was so fascinated by the shape of the peak just like a pyramid and wondered if there was any trail going up to the top. Later I learned Rocky Canyon trail was the most direct and shortest approach to summit. This June when I hiked up Ralston Peak and faced Pyramid Peak for the second time, I set my eyes on Pyramid.

Scaling Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon trail is the most vertical climb in the Tahoe Sierra, gaining 4,100' elevation in 3.5 miles reaching the summit at 9,983'. That said, the journey is challenging and strenuous. However, the reward at the end is worth the effort, that is, a spectacular view in all directions into Desolation Wilderness and beyond....Crystal Range, Lake Aloha, Desolation Valley, Lake Tahoe, Carson Range, peaks of Carson Pass and beyond as far as you can see. Also, Wildflowers are blooming in meadows and I saw a wilderness resident....marmot!

Trailhead
There is no official trailhead for this hike. Park your car along highway 50 heading east about a mile after passing Strawberry Lodge. There is a small dirt pullout for several cars near the overhead traffic info board. If it's full, park along the road, but beware of "no parking" sign.

The entry point to the trail is across the road from the old 43 mile stone marker. There's also a big rock obscurely painted in gray at the point where you make a short climb up to the trail. Once you climb up the embankment, soon you'll see the obvious trail.

Journey
The trail is in good condition overall and climbs steeply from the beginning and crosses a creek in about a mile. There are many blowdowns along the trail, so you have to cross over or veer around them. Follow cairns as you go, so you can stay on the route. If you end up bushwhacking along the way, you are likely not on the right track. The forest gradually thins out after crossing the creek and you come to meadows where the trail levels out...wildflowers are blooming nicely. After the meadows, the trail gets steep again and Pyramid Peak comes in sight. There are some snow fields along the trail, but it's easy to cross. The trail becomes a scree slope and climbs steeply in switchbacks along the southeast ridge of Pyramid Peak. Pace yourself with high altitude/9,000'+ and make a final push through talus rocks to the summit. Be careful as you ascend the talus slope....rock and boulder hopping. Make sure your footing and hand holds are secure and stable on the rock. Take in amazing vistas from the top. Two thumbs up!

Bring enough water or filter to stay hydrated. The route is exposed to the sun above as the timberline thins out. Be watchful for thunderstorms as they tend to develop more frequently in mid summer. Wilderness permit is required because Pyramid Peak is within Desolation Wilderness. Permit is available/free at Pacific Ranger Station or Twin Bridges/Pyramid Creek trailhead.

 Video by Lifeisamt

Sourdough Mountain - N. Cascades, WA 9-9-2016

No pain, no gain! This is a tough hike gaining 5,100 vertical feet in 5.2 miles, but the reward of reaching the summit and the lookout is tremendous with jaw dropping vistas of N. Cascades peaks/glaciers/valleys, Ross Lake and Diablo Lake. And, a sense of big accomplishment echoes within no doubt. If you want a physical (and also mental) challenge to earn amazing landscape and mountain views for your hike, this is a good one to try.

Trailhead
There is a big trail sign on Diablo St. Park your car along the street. There is a storage(?) building right there. You'll see a trail information board on the left of the building, but the actual trail is located behind the building on the right side.

Sourdough Mountain
The trail climbs steeply in the first 3.5 miles. You'll notice trail's steep grade from the beginning as the first 2 miles gain 3,000 vertical feet, which reminded me of the steep trails of Mailbox Old Trail and Mt. Rose. The journey goes through the dense forest and lush vegetation about 3 miles (making you feel it's endless!) until the treeline gradually thins out. To some point, I felt like meditating (mental challenge!), except I had to keep trekking instead of being still. In about 3.5 miles, views finally start to open. As you continue to gain elevations, the view gets better and better....wow! There is a creek to cross at Sourdough Camp, but it's almost completely dry and just a little streak of water running. So, bring enough water with you for this strenuous hike.

The last mile or so climbs the steep face of the mountain's hillside with switchbacks and gets a little rocky here and there. Wildflowers (paintbrush) are still blooming and fall colors are starting to show, too. And, there are so many wild berries there! Ripe and sweet!! I think I picked at least a half pint or so munching them along the way to the top. Yum!! Rejuvenated with berries sweet power, the final push to the summit felt a bit easier.

Lookout
To reach the lookout on the summit, continue to the right (east) following the trail, and soon you'll see the lookout standing on the hilltop not so far. The trail moderately gains elevation to the lookout in a short distance about 1/3 mile.

Take in the fantastic views! Wow! Before you is the reward after the grueling march ascending 5,100 feet! Spectacular vistas of high peaks and valleys of N. Cascades in all directions as far as you can see and Ross Lake and Diablo Lake down below. The colors of the lakes are amazing - deep blue and emerald green...another Wow moment. The summit is fairly spacious and covered with granite slabs/rocks so you can explore the area around the lookout (keep "minimum impact" in mind) and enjoy different perspectives of the views and terrains. You'll come to know why this mountain top was chosen for the "lookout" point.

The lookout is locked/closed to the public and it's the National Historic Lookout Register. It was one of the first lookout points established by the USFS in1915. Through the window you can observe what's inside. Items displayed inside look interesting....it's like a museum.

I guess this hike may be intimidating, probably because of the elevation gain for the distance with the steep trail, but it's doable if you are a fit or seasoned hiker. Just take your time and pace yourself. The reward you see from the top is beyond description. It took me 3 hrs going up and 2.5 hrs coming down. Hiking poles are useful to save your knees, specially in descending the last 2 miles/3,000 feet vertical down to the trailhead. And....pick a clear day to do this hike so that your sweat and effort are better rewarded with the breathtaking views at the top. Big effort, fantastic reward. Happy hiking! :)