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Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness

Tahoma, California

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

7.96 miles

Elevation Gain

1496 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Miranda Leconte

Overnight permit required! Visit desowv.org for everything you need to know and Rangers check permits OFTEN. Water gets very low after August and the Max group size is 12. Ther are No campfires allowed at all in this Wilderness Area (year-round) and The infamous Lake Aloha is a great 4-mile round trip day hike from Susie Lake.

Starting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake):
To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll follow the road directly to the right of this firehouse, and at the end of this road will be your trailhead!

This trail winds through a forested area on an old road for the first mile. You'll get to see the old Glen Alpine Springs Historical Site before the trail starts to ascend up the ridge. You'll zigzag upwards for a mile or so with incredible views of various mountains until you get to the trail junction leading toward either Gilmore Lake or Susie Lake. Keep left for Susie- your destination is roughly 1 mile further from this junction!

Mileage/Elevation: From the Glen Alpine Trailhead, Susie Lake is 3.8 miles into the Wilderness. When you return to your car after your trip, you'll have hiked a total of 7.6 miles and experienced about 2,400ft of elevation change.

Note: The some of the photos of Susie Lake were taken during the Butte Fire (over 70,000 acres burned in September, 2015). This lake does not always have this smoky, orange hue.

Permits required 

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Features

Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness Reviews

As the title states, this is a great way to get started hiking in Desolation Wilderness. The Glen Alpine trail is a relatively gradual climb and distance makes for a great day hike. Pro Tip: There is an island in the middle of the lake that you can swim to that makes for a great way to cool off in the hot summer months.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake

Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Cliff Jumping Paradise

Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout

Hike Mount Tallac