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Find the perfect swimming hole |
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Written by Alex Close
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Wednesday, 31 May 2006 |
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 The options for combining hiking and a cool plunge around the basin are as endless as the summer seems. From the alien landscape of Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness to the serenity that surrounds Five Lakes above Alpine Meadows, places for picnicking, laying out and even breaking out the rod and reel abound, and every swimmin’ hole possesses a lushness uncommon during the arid Sierra summer.
As most people know, Desolation Wilderness is the place to go for a backcountry hike and swim. While Desolation is home to countless alpine lakes perfect for secluded swimming, there is one valley in particular that hosts some of the best swimming terrain imaginable.
Lake Aloha, one of Desolation’s bigger lakes, sits in the South corner of the wilderness area. Aloha is one large lake on the map, but in reality it is a maze of small pools and canals connected by granite mounds and boulder stepping stones.
Sitting like an ancient, weather worn granite jungle, the lake and its neighbors are surrounded by the ridges that connect Pyramid Peak, Mt. Price, Jacks Peak and Keith’s Dome. The valley is home to countless swimming holes filled with clear, crisp water.
The area can be accessed from three different trailheads.
From Emerald Bay (either Eagle Falls or Bayview) hikers can access the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)/Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) and head south towards Lake Aloha. This route is not recommended for day hikers, as the journey clocks in at well over 10 miles one way and climbs over multiple grueling passes, including 9,380-foot Dicks Pass.
Also available is the trailhead at Fallen Leaf Lake. This trail comes to just about 10 miles one way and climbs to the top of 9,735-foot Mt. Tallac, also not the best idea for day hikers.
There is also a much shorter, but very steep route out of Camp Sacramento that leads hikers to the Aloha area. This trail is a further drive from Tahoe, and looks to be a fairly strenous climb. However, at only around 5.5 miles one way, and more removed, the trail is a good option for fit hikers looking for a trail with very few people.
The most moderate option to reach Lake Aloha on a day hike is from the Echo Lake trailhead. The path is very well maintained as the entire thing is part of the PCT/TRT. In addition, it doesn’t climb over any major peaks, although after entering Desolation Wilderness it is a steady but gradual climb to Aloha.
For a day hiker, this is still a long option. Round trip the route comes out to about 14.4 miles on the trail. This doesn’t include any exploring or lake hopping. All in all, including swimming, exploring and vista chasing a day hiker can expect to put in close to 16 miles for this trip. While the trails are relatively moderate and climb free, it is not a hike for the out of shape or inexperienced.
Water Taxi
The 2.5 mile section of the trail that skirts Upper and Lower Echo Lake can be avoided. A water taxi operates regular runs between the Echo Chalet on the east end of Lower Echo Lake and the northwest corner of Upper Echo Lake. If a hiker headed for Lake Aloha took this taxi on both ends of their trip, it would shave 5 miles off the journey. The taxi also makes the area accesable for folks not used to strenous hiking, so this area of trail is most often fairly crowded.
As in most things, luxury does not come without a price. The taxi is $8.50 per person for a one way trip. Dogs are $3 and the taxi only runs for a minimum fare of $20 each trip. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.
The taxi is only guaranteeing rides through Labor Day Monday, after which time they will start pulling boats for winter storage.
In the end, the Lake Aloha trip is feasible for a one day hike but would be much more enjoyable as an overnight trip. A 15 mile trek is a little bit much for recreational hikers. In addition, upon reaching the area the possibilities for exploration are endless.
Probably the best option would be a two night trip. Hike to Lake of the Woods, or one of the other small lakes just south of Aloha and find a secluded and sheltered spot within the trees to set up camp next to the water and away from the wind. Spend the next day exploring the area and all the swimming holes it has to offer.
For an unmatched challenge and view, climb Pyramid Peak, at only 20 feet shy of 10,000 it’s the tallest thing in Desolation and nothing taller stands between Pyramid and Lake Tahoe. Take the third day for a leisurely hike back out to Echo Lake.
While Lake Aloha itself provides dozens of small swimming holes, the area south of the lake houses another dozen or so spots ideal for taking a dip. More wooded and hilly, the lakes here - including Waca, American, Channel, Pyramid, Lake of the Woods, Cefo, Toem and Ropi - along with some number of unnamed holes, provide ideal spots for both camping and secluded, private swimming far from the hustle and bustle of the Tahoe basin and all who flock there.
While it is a long trek for a swim, cool clean blue water feels that much better when it’s deserved, such as after a long dusty hike.
Getting there
To get to the Echo Lake trailhead from the North Shore circle the lake either by east or west shore. Take Hwy. 89 south out of South Shore to Hwy. 50, take that south towards Sacramento. Just after winding up and over Echo Summit turn right off the highway at the sign marking Echo Lake. Follow the narrow residential street to Echo Lake Rd. and take a left. Follow this down to the Echo Lake Chalet, marina and trailhead.
Before climbing over Echo Summit on Hwy. 50 there is an unmarked road off the highway to the right. It comes just after a passing lane. If taken this road winds its way up Johnson Pass and around to join Echo Lake Rd. and down to the lake.
All photos by Court Leve/Tahoe World/www.gravityhook.com
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 June 2006 )
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