It will officially be autumn in a couple days, but in the high Sierras, autumn is here now. Leaves are just starting to change at high elevations, and mornings are crisp. This is the time of year local hikers are happiest: The days are not too hot for long treks, but they are still deliciously warm enough to dip into tiny, high mountain lakes. This article will feature all the lakes you can reach from the Glen Alpine trail head. To get there, take Highway 89 toward Emerald Bay, and turn left at the sign pointing to Fallen Leaf Lake. Go all the way to the end of Fallen Leaf Lake, then continue past the fire station, absolutely as far as you can go until the road ends at a green forest service gate. There is parking at the site. Walk through the gate, and begin your amazing journey.
Glen Alpine was once a tony little resort, complete with fine dining. Entrepreneurs have tried to revive it, over the years, but Glen Alpine has resisted change. You can visit the lovely old resort, and view the ancient pictures of Glen Alpine when the wealthy came to play. It is quiet, now, and perhaps more beautiful than ever. Growth is lush and green, even in autumn, due to all the springs in the area.
Continuing past the old resort, you will be climbing upwards, past a waterfall and endless granite bleaching in the sun. No matter which lake you make your destination, you will travel through incense cedar and pine forests, and marvel at granite cliffs covered in lichen.
Grass Lake is the first lake, two miles in from the Glen Alpine trail head. It is, well, grassy. The next lake you will come to is Susie Lake, four miles in from the Glen Alpine trail head. Susie Lake is a round lake surrounded by red rock. The red is beautiful against the deep blue of Susie's waters. Heather Lake is quite beautiful, with an island in the middle. It is five miles from the Glen Alpine trail head to Heather Lake. Lake Aloha, the magical, moonscape lake, is six miles from the Glen Alpine trail head. (Please refer to this examiner's previous article on Echo Lake. Lake Aloha is five miles from the Echo Lake trail head.)
Different trails in this part of Desolation Wilderness are well marked; there are markers giving you choices every step of the way, as far as different destinations. Other lakes you can visit are Half Moon Lake, five and a half miles from the Glen Alpine trail head, or Alta Morris Lake, also five and a half miles from Glen Alpine, but in a different direction. When you are on your way to Susie Lake, you will see the sign pointing to Gilmore Lake, which is just under four miles from the Glen Alpine trail head. It's a steep climb up to Gilmore, but you will pass some spectacular wildflower shows, even this late in the year. Gilmore is a beautiful lake, and if you make it to Gilmore, you are just beneath the final trail leading to the top of Mount Tallac, another 1.8 miles straight up from Gilmore. (This is the back way up Mount Tallac.) Or you can choose another path, and reach Dick's Pass. With so many choices, you cannot fail to have a spectacular day in the wilderness. You will begin your hike at about 6,500 foot elevation, and you can go as high as 9,000 feet, so please read this fitness examiner's previous article on "Bananas" and hiking to higher elevations. Bring warm clothes for your morning start, but be ready to peel most of them as the day gets sunny and warm. Bring lots of water and sunscreen, and know you are very, very lucky to see Desolation Wilderness without the crowds of summer. Happiness to all!
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