Tuesday, October 3, 2023
  • Join REC Community
  • Digital E-Editions
    • Articles
  • Photo Galleries
    • Sierra Rec: Photo of the Week
  • Video Vault
  • Podcast
  • Weather Forecasts of the Sierra Nevada
  • Gear
    • Shop the Latest from Hydro Flask
    • Aventon E-Bikes & Gear
    • Backpacking Meals
    • Bear Vault
    • Columbia Gear Closeouts and Special Deals
    • Flybird Fitness
    • Hyke and Byke Outdoor Gear
    • Introducing the New Freedom Fatty E-bike by Wing
    • Kammock Outdoor Gear
    • My Medic First Aid Kits
    • Zeal Optics Sunglasses & Goggles
    • 32 Cool Outdoor Gear
  • Sierra Events
    • Add Your Event
    • Promote Your Event
  • Login
Sierra REC Magazine
  • Magazine
    • Articles
    • Sierra Rec Magazine
      • Current Issue
        • Fall Edition 2023 – Vol. 17
        • Special Edition – Conservation & Growth
        • Summer 2023 Issue
        • March 2023 – Spring Issue Vol 14
        • January 2023 – Special Edition – Issue-13
        • November 2022- Winter Guide – Issue 12
        • August 2022 – Fall Travel Guide – Issue 11
      • Digital E-Editions
      • Sierra Travel and Destination Guides
      • Weather Forecasts of the Sierra Nevada
      • Puzzles
    • About Sierra Rec Magazine
      • Contributors
        • Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • Craig Cooper – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • Tom Trelenberg – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • Vanessa Milsner – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • William (Bill Finch – Sierra Rec
        • Brandy Diane
      • Subscriptions
      • Guest Post & Press Release Criteria
      • Photographer Guidelines
      • Advertising and Sponsorships
      • Writers Guidelines
      • Privacy Policy
  • Active Sierra
    • Health & Wellness
    • Hiking and Backpacking
      • Yosemite Hiking and Backpacking
      • Backpacking the PCT across Desolation Wilderness
      • 10 Great Hoover Wilderness Day Hike Excursions
    • Camping The Sierra Nevada
      • Camping Near Markleville California
    • Fishing the Sierra Nevada
      • Spring Fishing Near Bridgeport
    • Golf Courses
    • Guide to Mountain Biking Adventures
    • Guide to Cycling in the Mountains
      • Can An E-Bike Change Your Travel Habits?
    • Skiing / Snowboarding
      • Ski Heavenly Resort Lake Tahoe
    • Snowshoeing the Sierra
      • Nordic Centers of the Sierra Nevada
      • Snowshoeing Near Kirkwood
      • Snowshoeing Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine State Park in Lake Tahoe
      • Snowshoe Silver City to Noble Canyon Outside of Markleville
      • Snowshoeing Yosemite National Park
    • California Sno-Parks
    • Rock Climbing Tahoe
  • Sierra Nevada Trails
    • Carson City Trails
    • Best Lake Tahoe Day Hikes
    • Hiking the Rubicon Trail in South Lake Tahoe
    • American River Canyon Trails – Auburn State Recreational Area
    • Exploring the Lakes of Pyramid Creek ~ A Desolation Wilderness Adventure
    • A Great Five Lake Day Trip into Desolation Wilderness
    • HIKING DESOLATION WILDERNESS GLEN ALPINE TRAILHEAD
    • WOLF CREEK TRAIL | CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS
    • FEATHER FALLS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL – PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST
  • National Parks
    • National Parks
      • Free Entrance Days for National Parks in 2021
    • Explore Yosemite National Park
      • Yosemite High Sierra Camps Open Again in 2023
    • Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park
    • Explore Kings Canyon National Park
    • Explore Sequoia National Park
      • Plan your 2023 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Backpacking Trips
    • Explore Death Valley National Park
  • Wilderness Adventure
    • Explore Carson Iceberg Wilderness
      • Deep in the Canyons of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness
      • WOLF CREEK TRAIL | CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS
      • NOBEL LAKE HIKE VIA NOBEL CANYON
    • Explore Mokelumne Wilderness
    • Explore Desolation Wilderness
    • Exploring Hoover Wilderness
    • Explore Ansel Adams Wilderness
    • Explore John Muir Wilderness
    • Emigrant Wilderness
      • Backpacking Emigrant Wilderness: Exploring Hidden Gems in the Sierra Nevada
    • Explore Granite Chief Wilderness
    • Explore Golden Trout Wilderness
    • Exploring the Dinkey Lake Wilderness
    • Explore the Caribou Wilderness of Northern California
  • Destinations
    • Explore Lake Tahoe Reno
      • Explore & Visit South Lake Tahoe
      • Explore North Lake Tahoe
      • Explore Reno
      • Visit and Explore Virginia City
      • Explore Desolation Wilderness
      • Chickadee Ridge
      • Echo Summit Recreation
    • Explore The Carson Valley
    • Explore Bridgeport
    • Explore Alpine County
    • Explore Mammoth Lakes California
    • Explore Calaveras County
    • Explore Plumas and Lassen Counties
      • FEATHER FALLS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL – PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST
    • Explore Madera County
      • Explore Bass Lake
    • Adventure of Shaver Lake
    • Explore Tuolumne County
    • Yuba River Outdoor Recreation
    • Donner Summit Recreation
    • Exploring the Trail of 100 Giants on the Great Western Divide Highway
    • Discover Sierra National Forest Recreation
  • Sierra REC Now
    • Sierra Nevada Marketplace
    • Sierra Scenic Routes
      • California Sno-Parks
      • Drives & Drivers
    • Pack Stations in the Sierras: The Perfect Gateway to Wilderness Exploration
    • Lifestyle Features
    • Active Aging Lifestlye
    • Health & Wellness
    • Food and Recipes
    • West Region Climate News
No Result
View All Result
Sierra REC Magazine
  • Magazine
    • Articles
    • Sierra Rec Magazine
      • Current Issue
        • Fall Edition 2023 – Vol. 17
        • Special Edition – Conservation & Growth
        • Summer 2023 Issue
        • March 2023 – Spring Issue Vol 14
        • January 2023 – Special Edition – Issue-13
        • November 2022- Winter Guide – Issue 12
        • August 2022 – Fall Travel Guide – Issue 11
      • Digital E-Editions
      • Sierra Travel and Destination Guides
      • Weather Forecasts of the Sierra Nevada
      • Puzzles
    • About Sierra Rec Magazine
      • Contributors
        • Charlie Pankey – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • Craig Cooper – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • Tom Trelenberg – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • Vanessa Milsner – Sierra Rec Magazine
        • William (Bill Finch – Sierra Rec
        • Brandy Diane
      • Subscriptions
      • Guest Post & Press Release Criteria
      • Photographer Guidelines
      • Advertising and Sponsorships
      • Writers Guidelines
      • Privacy Policy
  • Active Sierra
    • Health & Wellness
    • Hiking and Backpacking
      • Yosemite Hiking and Backpacking
      • Backpacking the PCT across Desolation Wilderness
      • 10 Great Hoover Wilderness Day Hike Excursions
    • Camping The Sierra Nevada
      • Camping Near Markleville California
    • Fishing the Sierra Nevada
      • Spring Fishing Near Bridgeport
    • Golf Courses
    • Guide to Mountain Biking Adventures
    • Guide to Cycling in the Mountains
      • Can An E-Bike Change Your Travel Habits?
    • Skiing / Snowboarding
      • Ski Heavenly Resort Lake Tahoe
    • Snowshoeing the Sierra
      • Nordic Centers of the Sierra Nevada
      • Snowshoeing Near Kirkwood
      • Snowshoeing Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine State Park in Lake Tahoe
      • Snowshoe Silver City to Noble Canyon Outside of Markleville
      • Snowshoeing Yosemite National Park
    • California Sno-Parks
    • Rock Climbing Tahoe
  • Sierra Nevada Trails
    • Carson City Trails
    • Best Lake Tahoe Day Hikes
    • Hiking the Rubicon Trail in South Lake Tahoe
    • American River Canyon Trails – Auburn State Recreational Area
    • Exploring the Lakes of Pyramid Creek ~ A Desolation Wilderness Adventure
    • A Great Five Lake Day Trip into Desolation Wilderness
    • HIKING DESOLATION WILDERNESS GLEN ALPINE TRAILHEAD
    • WOLF CREEK TRAIL | CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS
    • FEATHER FALLS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL – PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST
  • National Parks
    • National Parks
      • Free Entrance Days for National Parks in 2021
    • Explore Yosemite National Park
      • Yosemite High Sierra Camps Open Again in 2023
    • Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park
    • Explore Kings Canyon National Park
    • Explore Sequoia National Park
      • Plan your 2023 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Backpacking Trips
    • Explore Death Valley National Park
  • Wilderness Adventure
    • Explore Carson Iceberg Wilderness
      • Deep in the Canyons of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness
      • WOLF CREEK TRAIL | CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS
      • NOBEL LAKE HIKE VIA NOBEL CANYON
    • Explore Mokelumne Wilderness
    • Explore Desolation Wilderness
    • Exploring Hoover Wilderness
    • Explore Ansel Adams Wilderness
    • Explore John Muir Wilderness
    • Emigrant Wilderness
      • Backpacking Emigrant Wilderness: Exploring Hidden Gems in the Sierra Nevada
    • Explore Granite Chief Wilderness
    • Explore Golden Trout Wilderness
    • Exploring the Dinkey Lake Wilderness
    • Explore the Caribou Wilderness of Northern California
  • Destinations
    • Explore Lake Tahoe Reno
      • Explore & Visit South Lake Tahoe
      • Explore North Lake Tahoe
      • Explore Reno
      • Visit and Explore Virginia City
      • Explore Desolation Wilderness
      • Chickadee Ridge
      • Echo Summit Recreation
    • Explore The Carson Valley
    • Explore Bridgeport
    • Explore Alpine County
    • Explore Mammoth Lakes California
    • Explore Calaveras County
    • Explore Plumas and Lassen Counties
      • FEATHER FALLS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL – PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST
    • Explore Madera County
      • Explore Bass Lake
    • Adventure of Shaver Lake
    • Explore Tuolumne County
    • Yuba River Outdoor Recreation
    • Donner Summit Recreation
    • Exploring the Trail of 100 Giants on the Great Western Divide Highway
    • Discover Sierra National Forest Recreation
  • Sierra REC Now
    • Sierra Nevada Marketplace
    • Sierra Scenic Routes
      • California Sno-Parks
      • Drives & Drivers
    • Pack Stations in the Sierras: The Perfect Gateway to Wilderness Exploration
    • Lifestyle Features
    • Active Aging Lifestlye
    • Health & Wellness
    • Food and Recipes
    • West Region Climate News
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Sierra REC Magazine
  • National Parks
  • Travel
  • Trip Iteneraries
  • Events
  • Destinations
  • Sierra REC Now

Exploring the Lakes of Pyramid Creek ~ A Desolation Wilderness Adventure

Charlie REC magazine - Charlie Pankey ~ Publisher by Charlie REC magazine - Charlie Pankey ~ Publisher
April 29, 2019 - Updated on July 21, 2023
in Backpacking, Desolation Wilderness, Destination reviews, Eldorado National Forest, Hiking / Backpacking Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Archives, National Forest
220 4
4
Home Hiking/Backpacking Backpacking
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin It!

You Might Also EnjoyRelated Posts

Inyo National forest wildflowers Mt Dana

Inyo National Forest lifts fire restrictions Friday, September 29

September 26, 2023
Celebrate National Public Lands Day on Inyo National Forest this Saturday, September 23

Celebrate National Public Lands Day on Inyo National Forest this Saturday, September 23

September 19, 2023
Join the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day on September 23

Join the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day on September 23

September 19, 2023
Load More

Go Off Trail And Explore This Stunning Chain of Lakes Near Lake Tahoe

Desolation Wilderness, Ca – Pyramid Creek is best known for its 500 ft cascade down horsetail falls off HWY 50 at Twin Bridges as you leave Lake Tahoe Basin back towards Sacramento.  One of the largest waterfalls in the state of California, Horsetail Falls is a popular destination for day hikers looking to experience Desolation Wilderness up close, without a long distance hike into the wilderness. A moderate to easy 3 mile loop hike from the parking lot will put you at the base of one of the waterfalls last big plunges.

However, Pyramid Creek’s hidden secret is the chain of remarkable clear water lakes that are all linked together as they share the winter snowmelt from the high country and flow out to Folsom and the California water system. Stretching all the way back to Lake Aloha, Pyramid Creek is the main source of water for at least 10 Desolation Wilderness Lakes.

On two summer visits, we explored the bulk of lakes on two long day hikes going off trail in the Wilderness to follow this wild and beautiful stream. A recommended wilderness adventure for your next visit to Desolation Wilderness.

Access Points to Pyramid Creek and Desolation Wilderness:

There are two primary access points to these adventures. The lower half of the adventure starts off Highway 50 at Twin Bridges. This heavily trafficked area provides visitors and passer-bys the opportunity to park and immediately walk alongside Pyramid Creek towards Horsetail falls.

After the first 3 miles of easy to moderate climbing up the canyon this trail becomes difficult and at times unrecognizable if you decide to journey up the side of Horsetail falls into the first series of Pyramid Creek Lakes. Avalanche / Pitt / Ropi Lakes.

The second access point is Echo Lakes recreational area, this trail follows the PCT / Tahoe Rim Trail back into Desolation Wilderness and gives visitors two routes to explore the upper series of lakes on Pyramid Creek.

  • Route 1 goes to Lake Aloha then allows you to follow the stream south/ downstream past American Lake, Channel Lakes and into Desolation Lake a before dropping into Ropi Lake via another large Cascade down the granite.
  • The Second routes invites you to walk to the south side of Lake of the Woods and follow the trail down to Ropi Lake (Avalanche and Pitt Lake are in the same general area, so with a little Map skills you catch these two lakes as well) then explore upstream to Desolation, Channel, American and Aloha Lakes before following the PCT back to Echo Lake.

This chain of lakes can be visited on a day trip but the route is considered difficult, Total Mileage will vary based on your navigation skills, for instance direct route from HWY 50 to Ropi lake is only 2 miles, but it will feel like five, and a it is fairly easy to add miles going up and down the granite picking your route. And between Desolation Lake and Channel Lakes you will need to choose a route that might include going around a high point in the granite as following the creek at times leads you to a places that are hard to traverse.

However this is also a great backpack destination, This is considered the Section 44 into Section 39 on the Zone designation map. Backpacking Permits are required and Reservations can be made at: To Reserve Permits: Online: Log on to Recreation.gov and enter “Desolation Wilderness” into the search field. Click on Desolation Wilderness to reserve a permit up to 6 months in advance. By phone: Call 1-877-444-6777 to reserve a permit for your stay in Desolation Wilderness. Only credit cards are accepted with this method; please have your credit card ready. In Person: Visit one of the permit offices listed above. Reservations will only be accepted at offices in-person. Offices will not take reservations over the phone, by mail or by fax, as they had in the past.

The Lakes of Pyramid Creek

Lake Aloha

Hiking to Lake Aloha 2018
Lake Aloha2018

Lake Aloha is a large shallow back country reservoir located at an elevation of 8,116 feet in the Sierra Nevada Range, west of Lake Tahoe. It is one of the most visited lakes in Desolation Wilderness and very popular backpacking destination.

The shortest and easiest approach is from Echo Lake by the Pacific Crest Trail. Alternately, it can be reached by the Glen Alpine Springs Trailhead, near the city of South Lake Tahoe. From the south, Lake Aloha can be reached by the Ralston Peak Trail or cross country through Horsetail Falls and Desolation Valley. The primary outflow from Lake Aloha is Pyramid Creek, which flows south for roughly four miles before it empties into the South Fork American River near Twin Bridges

American Lake – Not Photographed

Channel Lakes

Channel Lakes 2018

Desolation Lake

Desolation Lake 2018
Cascade Start out of Desolation Lake down to Ropi Lake

Ropi Lake


Ropi Lake

Not Photographed here is small set of lakes to the West of Ropi Lake that feed into the lake as well through direct channels. (Toem Lake, Gefa Lake, Pyramid Lake and Waca) These lakes sit at the base of Pyramid Peak and South of Lake Aloha.


Pitt Lake

Small Shallow lake between Avalanche and Ropi Lakes


Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake ~ Desolation wilderness
Avalanche Lake is the First Lake at top of Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls Desolation Wilderness
Horsetail Falls Desolation Wilderness
  • Hiking to Lake Aloha 2018
    Lake Aloha2018

Backpacking Fee Schedule:

  • Reservation Fee: $6 per party/permit (nonrefundable). Permit fees are paid at time of reservation. Plan carefully before making your reservation.
  • Overnight Wilderness Permit Fee: $5/person for one night, $10/person for 2 to 14 nights. The cost of a single permit will not exceed $100. Children 12 and under are free. Permit fees may be refunded if changes or cancellation is done more that 14 days in advance of date of entry. All fees are non-refundable within 14 days or less of date of entry.
  •  Pre-Paid Fee Card: $20 for an annual pre-paid fee card. The card covers only the overnight permit fee for cardholder and is valid for one year from date of purchase. You still must obtain a permit, subject to quota limits, and pay any reservation fee. Because a wilderness permit is a special use authorization, Interagency Passes do not apply.
  • Service Charge: $5.00 for a change to the date or for adding people. Additional permit fees may apply. No fee for cancellations. Changes to reserved permits can be made online, through the call center, or in person.
  • Trailhead Day Use Fee: Currently applies to Eagle Falls and Pyramid Creek parking areas only. A daily Trailhead Day Use pass is $5 per vehicle per day. (This fee is waived for overnight permit holders. Be sure to obtain or print your parking pass and properly display in your vehicle. The Pass does not guarantee parking will be available.)
  •  A $20.00 Annual Day Use Pass is available, valid at the facilities listed below where a parking fee is required. This Pass is valid for one year from date of purchase. Facilities include: Eagle Falls, Pyramid Creek, Carson Pass, Meiss, and Woods Lake Trailheads. Also covers day use fees at the Dru Barner Campground. (Parking at the Carson Pass and Meiss Parking areas is limited to June 1 to October 1st due to their operation as a State SnoPark during the winter months.)
  •  Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access passes allow the holder to park at the above listed facilities for free. Interagency Passes do not apply to the Wilderness permit or purchase of the Fee Card or Parking Pass.
Tags: Backpacking Desolation WildernessDesolation wildernessDesolation Wilderness HikesHorsetail FallsPyramid Creek
Share48Tweet30Pin18
Previous Post

Tahoe Waterman Series Sets Summer Schedule

Next Post

Camping Season in Lake Tahoe Begins May 10th

Charlie REC magazine - Charlie Pankey ~ Publisher

Charlie REC magazine - Charlie Pankey ~ Publisher

Avid hiker and Backpacker of the sierra. grew up exploring the Cascade mountains of Oregon, now find myself discovering new places weekly in the Sierra

Related Posts

Inyo National forest wildflowers Mt Dana
Camping

Inyo National Forest lifts fire restrictions Friday, September 29

by sierrarecmagazine
September 26, 2023
Celebrate National Public Lands Day on Inyo National Forest this Saturday, September 23
Inyo National forest

Celebrate National Public Lands Day on Inyo National Forest this Saturday, September 23

by sierrarecmagazine
September 19, 2023
Join the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day on September 23
Inyo National forest

Join the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day on September 23

by sierrarecmagazine
September 19, 2023
ohv desert california
BLM

VOLUNTEERS WELCOME FOR NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY EVENTS IN LASSEN COUNTY

by sierrarecmagazine
September 12, 2023
Snowmobile North Lake Tahoe
Inyo National forest

Inyo NF Proposed action for Over-Snow Vehicle use available for comment

by sierrarecmagazine
September 9, 2023
Load More
Next Post

Camping Season in Lake Tahoe Begins May 10th

Comments 4

  1. Pingback: Caldor Fire Closure Area will be Reduced Beginning Friday, October 15 - Sierra REC Magazine
  2. Pingback: Updated: Caldor Fire Trail and Campsite Closures 2022 Eldorado National Forest - Sierra REC Magazine
  3. Pingback: Backpacking Desolation Lake - Sierra REC Magazine
  4. Pingback: Desolation Wilderness Lake Name Origins: - Sierra REC Magazine

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Current Magazine Edition

Fall 2023 Issue 16

Sierra Rec Magazine Cover Fall 2023

Sierra Events

Sierra Travel

Support Local Journalism

Help support Local Journalism by visiting our Sierra Rec magazine sponsors and consider a small donation on our Patreon page if you enjoy the content.

Sierra Rec Magazine is the Sierra Nevada’s only regional publication dedicated to outdoor lifestyle news and features for the entire Sierra Nevada Range.

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Pinterest

Advertising /Sponsorships/ Featured Stories

Partner with Sierra Rec to market your business to travelers and recreational explores of the sierra Nevada.  Discover more about Adverting and Marketing opportunities

Current Issue

Fall 2023 Issue 16

Sierra Rec Magazine Cover Fall 2023

Browse by Issue

Fall 2020 - Issue 1.3 Fall 2021 Fall 2023 Issue 16 Fall Travel Edition 2022 Special Edition - New Year New Adventure 2023 Spring 2020 - Issue 1 Spring 2021 Issue 2.1 Spring 2022 - Issue 3.1 Spring 2023 - Issue 14 State Parks and Conservation - Special Edition Summer 2020 Issue 1.2 Summer 2021 Issue 2.2 Summer 2023 - Issue 15 Summer Adventure Edition 2022 Winter 2020 - Issue 1.4 Winter 2021 Winter Outdoor Edition 2022 Winter Outdoor Issue 2023

Discover More..

No Result
View All Result

© 2021 Valet marketing - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Valet Marketing.

No Result
View All Result
  • Current Issue
  • Articles
  • Sierra Events
  • Explore Lake Tahoe Reno
  • National Parks
  • Featured Sierra Nevada Trails
  • Explore Yosemite National Park
  • Wilderness Adventure
  • Hiking and Backpacking
  • Yosemite Hiking and Backpacking
  • Fishing the Sierra Nevada
  • Photo Galleries

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Google
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Subscribe Today & Support Regional Efforts Dismiss

Spring Cover Sunrise sierra rec magazine

Join the Sierra Community

Not ready to become a Subscriber? Join our Free Rec Community. Receive updates and Sierra Recreation News highlights monthly.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Sierra Rec Magazine protects your privacy. You membership data will never be released to business partners.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00