Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness – Wonderful Lake Tahoe Hike

Lake Aloha Desolation Wilderness - Lake Tahoe

One of the primary hiking destinations in the Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe is to beautiful Lake Aloha.

Lake Aloha lies in the shadow of magnificent Jack’s Peak, and can be easily categorized as one of the most scenic alpine lakes in the entire Lake Tahoe area.

It’s a rather large lake and is scattered with islands. Lake Aloha has a wonderful shoreline that is both stunning and quite explorable by foot.

A hike to Lake Aloha begins at the Echo Lakes Trailhead. Be aware, that is isn’t an easy hike. The first couple of miles, you will experience a hiking trail of loose rock.

If you want to bi-pass the rocky trail, you can choose taking taking a water taxi to the upper dock. The cost is only $10 per person, each-way. You will be left off near the Desolation Wilderness sign.

Hikers will experience a variety of terrain. One moment you will walk through the dense woods and the next, you will pass through small pastures.

The pastures are alive with color and aromas. You can view several types of wildflowers, including such as fuchsia paintbrush, lilac daises, and tiny yellow lilies.

Due to the elevation and unpredictable, it’s probably best you attempt the hike to lake aloha between July and early October.

Remember that all hikers who plan to hike into the Desolation Wilderness, must fill out a day pass.

You can reach Lake Aloha by taking Highway 50 from South Lake Tahoe to the intersection with California 89 on the west side of the lake. Continue on another ~10 miles, then make a right on Johnson Pass Road. Next you will turn left onto Atwood Road, then follow it to the Echo Lakes Chalet.

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