Echo Lakes are two high mountain lakes in the Desolation Wilderness. The highlight of these lakes is the stunning High Sierra scenery.
California's Desolation Wilderness is home to Echo Lakes. Because the trail is in the Desolation Wilderness a wilderness permit is required for all trail users. Permits can be obtained at the self registration kiosk, just across the outlet dam. Toilets and potable water are located at the trailhead for this hike.
Finding the Echo Lakes trailhead is most likely the hardest part of this hike. From the Echo Summit on Highway 50, south of Lake Tahoe, follow the sign and turn on to Johnson Pass Road. Drive about a half mile and turn on to Echo Lakes Road. Drive one mile on the single lane road to the upper parking lot of Echo Lakes Lodge. The parking lot can be crowded on weekends so plan to arrive early. Parking in the lower lot is by permit only and reserved for guests of Echo Lakes Chalet.
This hike is a very easy 5 miles round trip on good trail tread. The trail tread varies from rock to granitic sand. After crossing the dam and registering at the kiosk the trail proceeds up and to the left. The next 2.5 mile of hiking are on relatively level trail with limited elevation gain. The north side of the trail is a panorama of granite cliffs and peaks. Views of Echo Lakes and Becker Peak dominate the scenery on the south side of the trail. At the 2.5 mile mark you will see a trail junction on the south side of the trail that connects to the dock for the water taxi.
This trail is part of the much larger Pacific Crest Trail so hiking opportunities of all lengths abound. Continuing 2 miles further on the Pacific Crest Trail will bring you to Tamarack Lake. The very best season for this hike is in the spring after the snow is off the trail. By summer time the mosquitoes can make this hike unbearable without plenty of repellent.
The small commercial facility near the dam is the Echo Lakes Chalet. There is a limited store, and about 9 rental cabins that must be reserved in advance. One very unique service offered by Echo Lakes Chalet is a water taxi to and from the west end of Lower Echo Lake. The service should be arranged before you arrive. The phone number is (530) 659-7207. For long hiking trips using the water taxi will save you 5 miles of walking, round trip.
