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Desolation Wilderness

Trail·Lake TahoeMentioned by Outside
Desolation Wilderness
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“The Desolation Wilderness is a 63,960-acre (258.8 km2) federally protected wilderness area in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in El Dorado County, California. The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through it, just west of Lake Tahoe.”
— Wikipedia
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In the coverage2 stories

OutsideMar 25

These Permit-Free Adventures Are Just as Epic as Half Dome, Angels Landing, or Teton Crest

Did you miss the permit window for Angel’s Landing, Half Dome, or the Teton Crest Trail? We have 10 alternatives to keep your next outing epic, even if you didn’t nab a reservation.

Moonscape with erratic rocks and open ridges.

22 things in this story
  • Desolation WildernessTrailMoonscape with erratic rocks and open ridges.
  • Tahoe Rim TrailTrail167-mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
  • Elsewhere
  • El CapitanSightYosemite National Park, United StatesThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
  • Cloud’s RestTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesStrenuous hike with panoramic 360-degree views.
  • Tenaya LakeSightYosemite National Park, United StatesElectric blue lake visible from Cloud's Rest.
  • The SpineTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesRocky, narrow route to Cloud's Rest summit.
  • Watchman TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesShort hike with broad vista of river valley.
  • Washakie Pass LoopTrailWind River Range, United States36.5 untamed miles in the Wind River Range.
  • Cirque of the TowersSightWind River Range, United StatesHorseshoe-shaped, many-spired peaks above 12,000 feet.
  • Alice-Toxaway LoopTrailSawtooth Wilderness, United States18.8-mile loop through Sawtooth Wilderness.
  • Coyote Gulch Loop TrailTrailGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesSlot canyon hike with arches and natural bridges.
  • Jacob Hamblin ArchSightGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesArch in the landscape, good resting spot.
  • Virgin RiverSightZion National Park, United StatesAquamarine river cutting through desert sandstone.
  • Beaten PathTrailRed Lodge, United StatesTrek through Beartooth-Abroska Wilderness.
  • Alice LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with sunrise reflections of El Capitan.
  • Toxaway LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with flat, sun-baked slabs.
  • Twin LakesSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lakes flanked by granite slopes.
  • Buckskin GulchTrailWire Pass Trail, United StatesLongest continuous slot canyon, requires scrambling and wading.
  • Lizard Head PlateauSightWind River Range, United StatesHighest point on Washakie Pass Loop with wraparound views.
  • Cathedral RocksSightYosemite National Park, United States
  • Beartooth HighwayPlaceRed Lodge, United States
  • Watchman PeakSightZion National Park, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →
More trails in Lake TahoeTahoe Rim TrailBig Meadow TrailMount Tallac TrailRound Lake via Big Meadow TrailVan Sickle State Park TrailRubicon Trail
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