Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness | Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha | Lake Tahoe
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- I scored a backpacking permit and finally checked one off my bucket list - two nights at Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness! We got to the trailhead (at Echo Lake) late, but because it was a short hike (a little over 6 miles), we had plenty of time to set up camp before sunset. There were a number of trail sections that still had snow, and a few spots were steep and slick, so you had to take your time placing your feet. That made our arrival at camp a little later than we expected, but we had friends that got to the lake earlier and managed to snag a sweet site with plenty of room for our tents.
We had a few thunderstorms in the area the next day and got sprinkled on, and oh what a sunset! I even did a little night photography and lit the tents up for some added interest. We had a leisurely morning before packing up and heading out on day 3.
It was pretty quiet at the lake the two nights we were there, and the mosquitos were not an issue. However, there were a few we swatted at on the way out, and I read reports that they were awful a couple of nights later.
Overall, an amazing trip and I am really looking forward to another trip through this area when I thru-hike the Tahoe Rim Trail in a couple weeks (starting 6/23).
Of note - we all brought bear canisters to store our food and smellies, and I highly recommend the use of one. We didn't see any bears or bear sign (i.e., bear pooh), but they are out there and pretty smart. I've seen recent photos of shredded Ursacks (food was not edible) and bear bags that were hung. So do the right thing, store your food safely, and keep our bears safe. And no, that doesn't mean store your food in your tent. Unless you want to be a Yogi snack! LOL!
One more thing - although there wasn't as much trash on the trail as I've seen on my last few trips, I did manage to come out with a couple handfuls of trash. Please...do your part and pack out what you pack in, and if you see trash on the trail, pick it up. We all need to pitch in and keep our wildlands clean.
Timeline:
Entering Desolation Wilderness @2:47
Lake Aloha @4:50
Hiking buddies @13:29
Trail Trash @23:30
Hiked: 5/27 through 5/29/2021
Rated: Moderate
Miles: 6+
Type: Out and Back
Elevation: 1,879 feet of gain
Route: www.alltrails....
Thanks for watching!
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My videos are for entertainment purposes only, I am not a hiking expert. It is important to do your own research to find what works best for you. Always check the weather and let someone know where you are headed.
Nobody can work a camera like Maryann Hazel! This video got me rethinking everything I do on UA-cam. Completely beautiful!
Geez Kenny - thank you! That is really nice of you to say. I might be able to work a camera, but I suck in front of it. LOL! I wish I had your charisma. I don't think you need to change a thing. I love your videos and am always entertained by your antics!
Lake aloha and the Crystal Range…. What a wonderful production. Great job !,,,,!!,,,
Thank you Michael! Thanks for watching! 😀
Wow, very nice.
Your video is awesome.
Thanks for sharing it. Have a happy day.👍🏼59
Thank you! Cheers!
Absolutely Beautiful. the Only Thing I miss about the West Coast is How Beautiful the Mountains and Lakes are Spent many Weekends at Lake Tahoe
I feel pretty lucky to be so close - especially to Desolation Wilderness. Thanks for watching!
Very cool! Thanks for sharing this on Old Crow Hiking Show. Well done. Crow✌️
Thanks! I've been doing a little too much hiking. I'm struggling with keeping up with videos. But I'm not complaining!
Absolutely fantastic photography.
Thank you James!
Look who’s enjoying retirement ! 😀
I'm in hiking heaven right now. LOL! I have a couple more days of work before my official last day on 7/27. But I'm having a lot of fun in the meantime. Thanks for watching Ryan!
Was laughing my butt of when you said I see more trash just as that couple was coming up on you. Such a beautiful hike, nothing like the Sierras. Love all your b-roll, and those night shots were fantastic. Great video Maryann.
LOL! I was surprised that I got that little incident on camera. I would have sworn I turned it off just before I saw the trash. But I'm glad I did. What you can't hear on the audio is the guy saying "the real trail trash is right behind me" referring to his wife. OMG...I was dying!
I love night photography, and one of my goals is to get out more this year for it!
Fantastic video. Really enjoy both the scenery and the presentation (maps, ect). Please keep it up.
Thank you!
Great video!
Thank you! It is a beautiful area! 😀
I just moved to Carson City and I'm pretty excited that there are places like this just a short drive away.
You are definitely in the right place for some epic locations. Maybe I will see you out on the trail this summer!
Hello Maryann, this was a well put together video. Very beautiful place. Glad you were able to do this adventure with a friend. Thanks for sharing. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.
Thanks for your support! ❤️
Nice trip Maryann, I liked the Google Map portion of your video showing your trek. 👍
Thanks Andy! I used the Relive app to create those animated maps. It is pretty cool!
I need to go on a hike like this!!!!
Yes you do! It was awesome! I start the Tahoe Rim Trail on Wednesday (6/23) so I'll get to go through there again. This time, we will stay at Gilmore. I can't wait!
Awesome video, Maryann!
Thank you LaTrenda! We need to plan a trip!
Wow! What a beautiful trail.... The scenery is out of this world! Those reflections are stunning! Thanks for sharing your amazing adventure!! 👍💗
Hopefully, I'll have similar conditions when I pass through that area again in a couple weeks on a thru-hike. Although the snow will be melted by then. Thanks for watching!
@@MaryannHazel Safe hiking to you!! ;-)
Awesome! So much beauty to see so little time. Thank you
Tell me about it. LOL! I'm grateful that I retired so I have more time for it. LOL!
Another great video Maryann ! Loved the cloud action !
Thanks Joan! I need to work on anchoring my tripod better for those timelapses. The wind was really knocking it around.
Another wonderful video! Gorgeous views- hiking and esp. at the first lake! Wow, the great views were endless! Great job with the photos and images!! 👍⭐️⭐️😁
Thanks so much! It was one of those perfect weekends before it got really hot. Gotta love all that granite and water. Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!
@@MaryannHazel 😄
So many Shorts nowadays. trendy! Lovely, i can come here every day. Your idea is easy to catch. now that's a good vlog 100 percent i rate this! I keep you in the list as we're relatable! Meet at the opposite side!
Thanks for watching!
Spectacular video Maryann. Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks for watching! Hitting another bucket list hike on Friday. Half Dome baby! Yee haw!
Thanks so much for the lovely videos! Also, tasteful background scores. I'm new to the area (Folsom) and retired/single, so unfortunately do all my hiking alone for now. I don't particularly enjoy hiking in groups of more than a few, so am hoping I can find a few to hike/backpack/overnight with in the future, like you guys! Sail on!
Welcome to the neighborhood Michael! You are always welcome to join me (although I typically hike with small groups of 2 to 5 people). I'm glad you liked the music. I really struggle with finding something that adds to the video rather than being the primary focus. LOL!
Really beautiful video. Very well laid out. You've given me a couple ideas. Thank you for sharing this. Great job.
Thanks so much for watching!
Such a beautiful place. Seems like you did it at the perfect time with quite a bit of snow there still. And before the mosquitoes get there. Fantastic night images and lovely cinematic video at the lake as well with dramatic clouds. Thanks for picking up the trash too. 😊
We really did hit the sweet spot on our timing. I was really surprised the mosquitos weren't an issue. I've been reading posts that they are out in full force now. I'm heading to Yosemite tomorrow to hike Half Dome (yippee!), so I'm going to be prepared for those little bloodsuckers. As for the timelapses, I need to somehow anchor the tripod better. It is so light that the wind was blowing it around. Hopefully, I can dial that in on this next trip.
I know you are a trash picker-upper too. LOL! So thanks for what you do! I'm making it my mission on every hike to pick up every piece of trash I see on the trail! (Except for the human trash. LOL!)
Maryann Hazel on the HST it seemed the mosquitoes were fine one day and the next they were horrendous just like that. Crazy. Thankfully it was my last day. I have a suggestion for a good light backpacking tripod if you are interested
Great video thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Beautiful video! Watching this gets me pumped for my trip here in a few weeks.
I'm right there with you. One week until I head out!
Pretty amazing countryside. Subbed to follow more of your adventures! Best of luck in your journey as a creator.
Thanks so much for your support!
Hey Maryann! Just found you through Jennifer Lupines channel. Just subbed your channel to support a fellow UA-cam vlogger and fellow woman hiker out there. I can't wait to get out west and hike some of these incredible trails. I'm on the east coast. Until then I will be watching your videos, LOL! Looking forward to following along with your channel. ~RVA Hiker Girl~
Jennifer has an amazing channel. I seriously need to get up her way for some hiking this next season. Just subbed your channel. I saw that you don't like camping when it is super cold. LOL! I don't blame you! I've done some winter snow camping in the Sierra, and the cold is no joke. But we still had a blast. Look me up if you come out this way. I'd love to show you around! Happy trails!
@@MaryannHazel We did a Valentine's hike collaboration together last year. I would love to get out west and hike with her in her area. Man is it beautiful!
Pure beauty, awesome video Maryann
Thank you so much 😀
Great Great hike and video!!
Thanks! 👍
Snow hazard, "Nothing hurt but my pride..." That right there reminded me of Dukes of Hazzard. Another wonderful video, nicely done. 🧐✨🌱🌞🙋
Looks like even more snow hazards towards the end. 🛡️☄️
Way more dogs on the trail than one would think, plenty to see.
I was a little annoyed with myself for trying to get around that snow. I managed to get a couple good bruises out of it. I didn't film as much once we got into the snow on the way up. Next time! Thanks for watching!
@@WaysideWade - there were a lot more dogs than what you saw in the video. One group had at leave five with them. But they were just day hiking.
Awesome video. I love Desolation Wilderness, I was just out there. Nice Job!
Where did you stay? I start the Tahoe Rim Trail on Wednesday, and we are planning to stay at Gilmore or Suzie Lake depending on how we feel (especially with our first resupply). Thanks for watching!
@@MaryannHazel I have stayed at Gilmore and Robi lake so far. I liked Gilmore a lot. Hope you had a good time!!
Beautiful area. So many awesome scenes on this adventure. Hard to pick a favorite. Those reflections on the lake and the night scenes were awesome. Be careful on the snow crossings. Great trip. Have a great day.
Thanks! Those snow crossings are definitely a little stressful, but everything is just about melted out. There are only a couple of spots above 9,000' that I'll need to be concerned about when I start the TRT. Thanks for watching!
Unreal beauty in that place!
Thanks Doug! I'm excited I'll get back there in two weeks!
Your campsite around 12:40 mark was incredible!! Beautiful nighttime sky too.
Awesome trip and incredibly beautiful scenery out there 👍🏻👍🏻
We really lucked out with that campsite. It is usually pretty crowded at that lake - especially on a holiday weekend. I love photographing the night sky - especially with my tent lit up. Thanks for watching!
After this trip, I'm even more excited to start the Tahoe Rim Trail on 6/23/2021. Counting the minutes that I can get back to Lake Aloha!
Maryann:
Thank you for another wonderful video.
Your videography of the clouds is exquisite and more magical than the real deal!
Your videos are always a special treat!
Thank you Samuel. That area is so beautiful. It is hard to do it justice. Lots more to come - including Half Dome!
Hi Maryann! It looked an amazing hike in beautiful scenery, but what an absolute gem of a video you've made of it! Just jaw dropping!👍👍 Thanks and all the best to you!
Gosh...thanks Des! That is so sweet of you to say! I certainly can't go wrong in that area...the landscape is amazing. Thanks for watching!
It is so beautiful out there!! I am so glad you had such a good time. Awesome video Maryann. Your going to crush your trip on the TRT
Thanks Kathy! 14 days and counting!
Beautifully filmed. I have been there before lived in Tahoe. What is with the ski poles?
Thanks! Those are trekking poles - they are really helpful for taking weight off your knees/hips when going up and down the trail. And, I use them as poles for my tent. I used to think poles were for sissies until I started using them. Game changer for sure!
Gear catch at 6:52 either forgotten or someone out for a day hike I'd guess. If this was a year later I would say it was from the poor young man that drowned in the lake 2022.
Gosh…hadn’t thought about that young man. So sad. But I think were there before he went missing. The gear was still there when we left, so maybe someone left it with plans to come back. Hopefully they did! Thanks for the comment. 😁
Thx for the video! I'm backpacking Echo next month but also want to see horsetail, is it possible to hike to horsetail from Echo?
You can get to Horsetail Falls on the south side of Lake Aloha, but you would be at the top of the waterfall. Are you from the area? A better way to see it is from Highway 50...amazing views from there. :)
@@MaryannHazel I'm from the bay. I know it probably looks better from 50 but that trail doesn't seem suited for backpacking, short and steep. Wanted to explore more of the wilderness
@@tajpanganiban_dj You can’t go wrong heading up through Echo Lakes. And the trail up/down at Horsetail Falls is crazy sketchy with a backpack. There are a lot of beautiful lakes in Desolation. Enjoy your trip!
Great video quality! What did you film with? Thanks!
Thanks! I used a GoPro Hero 9, GoPro Max 360, and an iPhone 12 Pro Max for the video. Most of the night photography was shot with a Sony a6400, although I did take a few with the iPhone. Definitely not up to the same quality as the a6400! :)