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Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine

Desolation Wilderness · El Dorado · Managed by Eldorado National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 25/100 · Moderateout and back#alpine-lakes#granite#lake-tahoe#swimming
Distance
11.6 mi
Total gain
3,200 ft
Net gain
1,566 ft
Net loss
1,566 ft
Elevation
6,550–8,116 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Lake Aloha is Desolation Wilderness's crown jewel: a shallow, island-dotted lake spread across granite slabs at 8,116 feet beneath Pyramid Peak. The 5.8-mile approach from the Glen Alpine trailhead past Gilmore Lake is the classic route — short enough for strong hikers to day-hike, but best savored as an overnight among the polished slabs.

Highlights

  • Aloha's maze of granite islands and turquoise shallows beneath Pyramid Peak
  • Sunset alpenglow on the Crystal Range reflected across the lake
  • The Glen Alpine corridor's waterfalls and wildflower meadows
  • Easy cross-country wandering across open slabs

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) (6,550 ft · parking: End of Fallen Leaf Lake Road, south of South Lake Tahoe)
  • Water: Gilmore Lake and Lake Aloha, plus seasonal creeks; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; South Lake Tahoe has full services 20 minutes away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Eldorado National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quotas apply for overnight entry during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Reserve via recreation.gov; some quota is released two weeks out.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are restricted forest-wide in the Eldorado during high fire danger — check current restrictions before your trip. In this granite basin, a stove is the practical choice either way. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Typically snow-free by early July; Aloha's granite slabs hold patches late.

Heat: Pleasant; the exposed granite around the lake reflects hard midday sun.

Bugs: Mosquitoes are legendary in early July around the inlet creeks.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Camping in the Aloha basin is on granite — bring freestanding tent or bivy stakes alternatives
  • Bear canisters are required; Desolation has food-storage restrictions year-round
  • Mosquitoes in early July are severe near the inlet streams
  • Overnight permits are quota'd; reserve early for summer weekends

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Desolation Wilderness Trails & Trailheads. Eldorado National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/eldorado/wilderness/desolation-wilderness-trails-trailheads. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Glen Alpine Trailhead destination distances: Lake Aloha 5.8 miles one way (rated Difficult), Gilmore Lake 3.9 miles.
  2. Desolation Wilderness. Eldorado National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/eldorado/recreation/desolation-wilderness. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement for all wilderness entry, and links to food-storage restrictions.
  3. Desolation Wilderness Permit. Recreation.gov / U.S. Forest Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233261. Accessed 2026-09-07. Overnight permit reservations for Desolation Wilderness entry zones.
  4. Fire Restrictions are in Effect Forest Wide. Eldorado National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/eldorado/alerts/fire-restrictions-are-effect-forest-wide. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Current forest-wide fire restrictions affecting campfires and stoves.