ActivitiesHikingGlen Alpine Trailhead

Glen Alpine Trailhead

South Shore, hiking, moderate

Most popular Desolation Wilderness entry point. Day-use and overnight permits required. Leads to Gilmore, Susie, Half Moon, and Alta Morris Lakes.

In short: Glen Alpine Trailhead is a moderate hike on Lake Tahoe's South Shore: 10 mi round trip, 1,800 ft of elevation gain, a high point of 8,300 ft. The season is Jul – Oct, a wilderness permit is required, dogs are not allowed.

Distance, round trip
10 mi
Elevation gain
1,800 ft
High point
8,300 ft
Difficulty
Moderate

Where it is

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Trail details

  • Desolation Wilderness entry
  • Gilmore Lake
  • Susie Lake
  • Alpine scenery
Trail
Glen Alpine / Desolation Wilderness
Season
Jul – Oct
Permit
Wilderness permit required
Parking
USFS day-use fee, $5
Dogs
Not allowed

Go with a guide. Walk the basin with a local guide, on a trail matched to your group and the season.

Guided hike

Conditions today

Right now
72°F, Sunny
Today
High 72°, low 48°
Wind
8 mph
Campfires
Metal rings only
  • TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
  • ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
  • FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Know before you go

Permits
Desolation Wilderness needs a permit for both day hikes and overnight trips. Most other trails in the basin need none.
Parking
Lots at Eagle Falls, D.L. Bliss and other popular trailheads fill by 9am on summer weekends. Start early or go midweek.
Altitude
Trailheads start around 6,300 feet and the highest summits top 10,000. Carry more water than you would at sea level and take the first day easy.
Weather
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Plan to be off exposed ridges and summits by early afternoon.

Read the hiking guide

More hiking within 5 miles

Nearest campgrounds

See its pin on the mapAll hiking placesMore on fs.usda.gov (opens in a new tab)