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The Best Hiking in Echo Lake

Looking for the best hiking in Echo Lake? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Echo Lake. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Echo Lake

  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike the Echo Lake Trail

    5 mi / 688 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Lake Aloha and Ralston Peak via Pacific Crest Trail

    16.11 mi / 2694 ft gain
    Lake Aloha and Ralston Peak via Pacific Crest Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Lake Aloha

    4.0
    12.34 mi / 1552 ft gain
    You'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...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Explore the Alpine Lakes of Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    This 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...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Echo Lake to Emerald Bay via Pacific Crest Trail

    18.75 mi / 3107 ft gain
    Echo Lake to Emerald Bay via Pacific Crest Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Echo Lake Chalet to Lake Ropi

    13.81 mi / 2139 ft gain
    Echo Lake Chalet to Lake Ropi is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    PCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80

    62.03 mi / 10394 ft gain
    PCT: CA Section K - Echo Lake to Highway 80 is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Lake of the Woods via Pacific Crest Trail

    11.07 mi / 1447 ft gain
    Lake of the Woods via Pacific Crest Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near South Lake Tahoe, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Echo Lakes Trail

    5.18 mi / 371 ft gain
    Echo Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Ralston Lake via Pacific Crest Trail

    8.08 mi / 745 ft gain
    Ralston Lake via Pacific Crest Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    3.7
    Although 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...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Ski Ralston Peak

    5.0
    Ralston 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...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Backpack to the "Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness

    4.7
    10.5 mi / 1522 ft gain
    Although 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 ...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Echo Lake to Barker Pass

    31.09 mi / 4455 ft gain
    Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT): Echo Lake to Barker Pass is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Echo Lake to Emerald Bay via PCT and Mount Tallac Loop

    42.96 mi / 9222 ft gain
    Echo Lake to Emerald Bay via PCT and Mount Tallac Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Echo Lake to Lake of the Woods to Echo Peak

    10.08 mi / 1486 ft gain
    Echo Lake to Lake of the Woods to Echo Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Echo Lake, California.
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