Echo Lake, California
Echo Lake, California is a great spot for outdoor adventure seekers. With its stunning scenery and wide range of activities, it's a must-visit for all looking for an outdoor escape. From hiking and biking trails to fishing and kayaking, there are plenty of top activities to enjoy. For the more adventurous, Echo Lake offers a range of challenging trails, offering stunning vistas along the way. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous climb, Echo Lake has something for everyone. With its abundance of outdoor activities, Echo Lake is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway.
Top Spots in and near Echo Lake
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Echo Lake, California
Echo Lakes Trail
4.05.07 mi / 440 ft gainThe Echo Lakes Trail goes through California's Desolation Wilderness and features incredible views. This trail is rated as moderate, and is best for excited beginners or intermediate hikers. This hike takes roughly 3.5-4 hours. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is best used fr...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Lake Aloha
4.012.34 mi / 1552 ft gainYou'll start the hike at the Echo Lakes trailhead, just off of Highway 50 in Lake Tahoe. The trail meanders past Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, slowly gaining altitude as you pass a smattering of summer cabins. The climb is enough to make you feel it, but before you know it, it's over. Once cresti...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Explore the Alpine Lakes of Desolation Wilderness
5.0This incredible hike offers you the opportunity to visit the heart of desolation without climbing more than about 600 feet of elevation. Begin at the boat taxi at Lower Echo Lake. The taxi costs $12/person each way and is $5 each-way for your furry friend. The taxi leaves the dock at frequent int...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe to Ralston Peak
5.0This loop is best accomplished in 2 days, spending a night at either Ralston, Tamarack, or Cagwin Lake. Although this route is similar to hiking Ralston Peak in the summer, the trails are completely covered by snow so solid navigation skills are necessary. A map is required to find the best possi...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness
3.7Although this hike can be done as a day hike, there are incredible camping spots near the lake. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option of taking a water taxi across the echo lakes to cut off around 2.5...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Ski Ralston Peak
5.0Ralston Peak is a classic south Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and snowboarding area, and is excellent for hiking in the summer, too. Please note, however, that backcountry skiing and snowboarding is dangerous – make sure you know the conditions and have avalanche equipment.There are two main appr...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
"Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness
4.710.5 mi / 1522 ft gainAlthough this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option ...Read more -
Echo Lake, California
Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit
3.5 mi / 1900 ft gainFor this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaCliff Jumping Paradise
4.5If you choose to go cliff jumping, be safe and know your limits ahead of time. Don't feel like the big jump is your only option, there are lower jumps, especially across from the beach (only about 15ft. high). Angora Lake in Lake Tahoe is a easy 1mi hike up, but well worth it at the top. It's a b...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness
8.66 mi / 1919 ft gainThe easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake
4.85.29 mi / 725 ft gainPark your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpin...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness
5.07.96 mi / 1496 ft gainStarting 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 fol...Read more -
Tahoma, California
Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.011 mi / 1600 ft gainThis hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout
The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit
17.51 mi / 2949 ft gainTahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Big Meadow to Echo Summit is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Round Lake through Big Meadow
3 mi / 1197 ft gainYou will start out at the Big Meadow trailhead at the Luther Pass parking lot. It's three miles one way. Near the end of the hike just before the lake the rock formations are prime...big trees, a crystal stream. The trail is well defined and easy going even though it's an 1100 foot gain in eleva...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Echo Lake
South Lake Tahoe, California
Outsite Heavenly
A connected and cozy home in the mountains.
From $63 / night
South Lake Tahoe, California
Fallen Leaf Campground
Overview
Fallen Leaf Campground is situated on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake and adjacent to Taylor Creek. The south shore of Lake ...
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hope Valley
Overview
Hope Valley Campground is located in its beautiful namesake valley at an elevation of 7,300 feet, just 40 minutes south of Lake ...
Kit Carson Campground Road
Kit Carson Campground
Overview
Nestled in a forest of Jeffrey pines and aspens, Kit Carson campground is perfect for tent camping and smaller RVs. The west for...
Kyburz, California
Wrights Lake
Overview
Wrights Lake Campground is situated in the timber belt, close to the lake shore, looking up at the majestic rocky peaks of the S...
Kyburz, California
Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground
Overview
The Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is available to visitors travelling with equestrian or packstock animals. The campground...
