Are you planning your 2024 adventures near Lake Tahoe? Michael Weindel, Regional Photographer and friend of Sierra Rec Magazine, recently shared a unique day hike loop involving Mt. Tallac, Dicks Pass and Fallen Leaf Lake that is worth exploring. Especially if you like the challenge of vertical accents and taking a path that few others enjoy the same way.
We met Michael a few years back on a trip to Yosemite High Country as he was exploring the Mono Pass and Koip Pass regions of the park and taking some incredible photographs. We have always been drawn to others who like to explore the Sierra in their journey of discovery and share specifics that they find interesting.
So when we heard from Micheal in December about a route he had completed earlier this fall that included Mt. Tallac, Dicks Pass, Gilmore Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake in a Counterclockwise loop, I was ecstatic to review because I knew instantly that this was a loop worth exploring. The photos were going to be dynamic.
Dawn to Dusk One Day Trip around Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of doing a dawn-to-dusk hike in the Desolation Wilderness. I started hiking at the Tallac Trailhead parking lot and hiked to Mount Tallac. Along the way, I had terrific early-morning views of Lake Tahoe, Falling Leaf Lake, and Mount Tallac.
I captured some photos of a rainbow emanating from the summit of Mount Tallac. I also enjoyed hiking past Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes.
After taking in the 360-degree views at the summit of Mount Tallac, I took a trail down to Gilmore Lake and joined the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) northbound. I took the PCT up to Dicks Pass and had incredible views of several peaks, including Pyramid Peak, Mount Price, Jacks Peak, and Dicks Peak.
After taking in the views at Dicks Pass, I turned around to go southbound on the PCT, where I eventually got on the Glen Alpine Trail. I hiked through the historic Glen Alpine Springs resort and continued down to the shores of Falling Leaf Lake.
I then got on a rather steep trail that took me back up to a ridge and the Mount Tallac Trail, which I took back to the car.
The hike was 21.5 miles with 5820 feet of elevation gain. I recommend this hike for those good with the mileage and elevation gain. Most hikers I ran into and chatted with were doing the much shorter but challenging out and back up the Mount Tallac trail. I could see future hikes also doing an out-and-back from one of the parking lots by Glen Alpine Springs, which is more common.
Gallery of Michael Weindel Trip
Additional Details about Hikes in Desolation Wilderness and Permits
If you decide to try Michael’s Loop, there are a couple of details to know about this area and Desolation wilderness as you complete your plans.
- Most people make this a Backpackers loop and start from Glen Alpine Springs trailhead. For this adventure, stay at Gilmore Lake, Half Moon Lake, or Susie Lake. Permits are required for all backpacking stays in Desolation Wilderness. But it is important to decide before going which Lake as all three lakes reside in different Zones. (Gilmore Zone 29, Half Moon Zone 28, and Susie Zone 34).
- Day Use Permits for hikers are free and can be found at the trailhead before taking off. These day-use Permits have two essential purposes. First, it helps Rangers identify you versus Backpackers and keep the trail quotas in Desolation Wilderness manageable. Second, it helps desolation wilderness track visitors and request appropriate funds to support Desolation wilderness based on Visitation numbers for each season.
- If you choose to Backpack, Bear Cans are required in Desolation Wilderness. Bear Bags are not appropriate for the bears in this area. As a volunteer ranger, I have met many friendly backpackers who have lost their food supply in this region to curious bears and bad food management practices.
- Parking at Tallac Trailhead and Glen Alpine are limited so early arrival (Dawn) suggested.
