Backpacking trip to Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness with photos and trail description Day 3

Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3

-Day 3-

Random Trail Fact (for making it to day 3)

We packed up and headed out early that morning. Well maybe not that early. We were all eager to go into Tahoe to have a hearty early lunch before the long car ride back home. Here we are leaving the shores of Gilmore Lake.

Still awesome views to the west. When we headed in two days earlier we did see some forestry controlled burns going on, but they were not hampering the views.

A picture of the downhill. We had the long shadows keeping us cool through this section.

We were quickly at the junction with Half Moon Lake. We stayed left here toward Glen Alpine Trailhead.

We continued down. If you look close you can see Dan out in front.

I took the time to take a picture of a flat section (there aren't many).

There are actually two chances to head toward Susie Lake/Lake Aloha. There is one at the junction with Half Moon Lake and another here. I am not sure why there are two trails to get to the same spot. Just be aware when you are hiking so you get to the spot you want to go.

You cross over the creek. You can see in this shot crossing is no problem right now. It looks like it was really flowing early summer though. There was a log crossing option and a rock crossing option created as the water levels changed.

Here is another shot of a tree covered section with the mid morning long shadows.

The trail follows the creek down. There is a good spot to venture off the trail to get to this pool should you need water.

Another shot to show the trail conditions. Sorry for the lens flare.

Eric pointed out this Mountain Quail. Well I think he actually called it a mountain chicken. It was a healthy bird and had at least one friend.

I actually got Dan and Eric in the same shot here.

Here is the junction with Grass Lake.

Another shadowy shot.

Obligatory dead tree picture.

Here is the seldom open Glen Alpine visitor center with the spring the small roofed structure on the right.

Here is the rocky road on the way from Glen Alpine Spring to the trailhead. This was another great trip. This is a popular trail for a reason. I suggest traveling midweek if possible to enjoy this marvelous section of eastern Desolation Wilderness. We did end up eating in Tahoe and getting out before the wet weather came in later that day.

Bonus Picture: Alta Morris Lake with Jacks Peak and Dicks Peak behind. Alta Morris Pano Image

Bright red line shows the trail from the parking lot at Glen Alpine trailhead to Gilmore Lake. Green Line shows trail/path taken to Half Moon Lake and Alta Morris Lake on Day 2. Elevation profiles below show hike in to camp on Day 1 and round trip hike from Camp to Half Moon lake and Alta Morris Lake on Day 2. If you are interested in mileage to Mt Tallac see the previous trip. Mt Tallac should be on everyone's to-do list.. Click on either the map or profiles for a larger image.

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Day 1 (or the reverse of day 3)
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Day 2

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Random Trail Fact - Mt Tallac was named in 1877 as part of the Wheeler Survey. When they asked a native american guide what the mountain was called he responded in Washo with "daláʔak", which means big mountain. So we are calling it Mount Big Mountain....

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		Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 -Day 3- Random Trail Fact (for making it to day 3) We packed up and headed out early that morning. Well maybe not that early. We were all eager to go into Tahoe to have a hearty early lunch before the long car ride back home. Here we are leaving the shores of Gilmore Lake. Still awesome views to the west. When we headed in two days earlier we did see some forestry controlled burns going on, but they were not hampering the views. A picture of the downhill. We had the long shadows keeping us cool through this section. We were quickly at the junction with Half Moon Lake. We stayed left here toward Glen Alpine Trailhead. We continued down. If you look close you can see Dan out in front. I took the time to take a picture of a flat section (there aren't many). There are actually two chances to head toward Susie Lake/Lake Aloha. There is one at the junction with Half Moon Lake and another here. I am not sure why there are two trails to get to the same spot. Just be aware when you are hiking so you get to the spot you want to go. You cross over the creek. You can see in this shot crossing is no problem right now. It looks like it was really flowing early summer though. There was a log crossing option and a rock crossing option created as the water levels changed. Here is another shot of a tree covered section with the mid morning long shadows. The trail follows the creek down. There is a good spot to venture off the trail to get to this pool should you need water. Another shot to show the trail conditions. Sorry for the lens flare. Eric pointed out this Mountain Quail. Well I think he actually called it a mountain chicken. It was a healthy bird and had at least one friend. I actually got Dan and Eric in the same shot here. Here is the junction with Grass Lake. Another shadowy shot. Obligatory dead tree picture. Here is the seldom open Glen Alpine visitor center with the spring the small roofed structure on the right. Here is the rocky road on the way from Glen Alpine Spring to the trailhead. This was another great trip. This is a popular trail for a reason. I suggest traveling midweek if possible to enjoy this marvelous section of eastern Desolation Wilderness. We did end up eating in Tahoe and getting out before the wet weather came in later that day. Bonus Picture: Alta Morris Lake with Jacks Peak and Dicks Peak behind. Bright red line shows the trail from the parking lot at Glen Alpine trailhead to Gilmore Lake. Green Line shows trail/path taken to Half Moon Lake and Alta Morris Lake on Day 2. Elevation profiles below show hike in to camp on Day 1 and round trip hike from Camp to Half Moon lake and Alta Morris Lake on Day 2. If you are interested in mileage to Mt Tallac see the previous trip. Mt Tallac should be on everyone's to-do list.. Click on either the map or profiles for a larger image. (back to top) Day 1 (or the reverse of day 3) . (back to top) Day 2 (back to top) Random Trail Fact - Mt Tallac was named in 1877 as part of the Wheeler Survey. When they asked a native american guide what the mountain was called he responded in Washo with "daláʔak", which means big mountain. So we are calling it Mount Big Mountain.... (back to top)