How Do I Get to Desolation Wilderness?
To access Desolation Wilderness, one common entry point is via a trailhead located at the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road, easily reachable from Highway 89 near South Lake Tahoe.
Desolation Wilderness, a federally protected wilderness area in California's Sierra Nevada, offers numerous access points. The most direct route described for one of these trailheads involves navigating a scenic drive past South Lake Tahoe to the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road.
Detailed Directions to a Desolation Wilderness Trailhead
This specific trailhead provides a beautiful entry into the wilderness area. Pay close attention to the road conditions as you approach.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions
Follow these steps to reach the trailhead parking lot:
- Start your journey by heading past South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89.
- Continue driving north on Highway 89.
- As you proceed, you will pass Camp Richardson. Keep an eye out after this landmark.
- Look for Fallen Leaf Lake Road on your left-hand side and turn onto it.
- Proceed along Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Be aware that this road is very narrow (one lane) and winds along the lake.
- Stay on Fallen Leaf Lake Road until it dead ends directly into the trailhead parking lot.
Quick Navigation Reference
For a summarized view of the route:
| Point of Reference | Action/Direction | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South Lake Tahoe (start) | Head onto Highway 89 | Travel northbound |
| Camp Richardson | Pass | Located on Highway 89 |
| Fallen Leaf Lake Road | Turn Left | After passing Camp Richardson |
| Fallen Leaf Lake Road | Continue straight | Very narrow (one-lane) road alongside the lake |
| Trailhead Parking Lot | Road dead ends into | Your final destination for this access point |
This particular trailhead serves as a direct gateway into the vast and stunning landscapes of Desolation Wilderness.
