Did a solo overnight trip into the Desolation Wilderness. Forecast was for 70s with winds 20-25 mph, gusts up to 50 mph.
Got to the ranger station at 7:45 am and there was a line. Desolation Wilderness has a quota permit system, where 60% or so are available online, the rest in person. I was 25th in line and easily got a solo permit for Gilmore Lake.
Permit in hand, I started from the Glen Alpine Trailhead, as it is less popular than the normal Mt. Tallac trailhead, where people start from as day hikes.
Day 1 - ~7 miles, ~3 hrs, 3250 ft up, 1450 ft down
On the first day, I went up The Elevator from Glen Alpine TH and connected to the Mt. Tallac trail proper. On the way up to and on top of the peak, you can feel the wind, gusting up to 50mph and I had to fight to stay on trail. On top of Mt. Tallac, you're given a glorious view of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the surrounding area. The hike down was easy, as it's just straight downtill to Gilmore Lake. I spent the rest of the day at Gilmore Lake, setting up my hammock in two spots, since the first location was just too darn windy.
http://doarama.com/view/855449
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/...-2c0467881aba/
Video of me setting up my hammock in the wind. Ended up using huge rocks to tie down my tarp. https://youtu.be/vXOZYcRuQKY
Day 2 - ~12 miles, ~4.5 hrs, 1300 ft up, 3100 ft down
Woke up and decided to try a new breakfast, Nido with Oatmeal, and I must say, new go to breakfast for me. Was flavorful and easy to consume.
Decided to try a new route back to the trailhead, one that isn't clearly depicted on any maps. I spoke to a pair of rangers and they said they haven't been up there either and wasn't sure if was passable. Anyway, up I went
Went down from Gilmore Lake to Suzie Lake to Heather Lake to Lake Aloha. From here, routed to the Echo Lakes trail and up to Triangle Lake. This trail wasn't bad, but very steep going down. It is very narrow at parts and sometimes follows a stream, so the rocks can be slippery. There are a bunch of hidden campsites along this trail offering majestic views of Lake Tahoe.
http://doarama.com/view/855460
https://www.gaiagps.com/public/PoZLKZnlxFbSqkS3DuxFJb8s
Pictures from the trip: https://goo.gl/photos/r8Nwesj5oTtmAcWPA
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Originally Posted by AlanH
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