30.9 hr
Overview
The trail starts at Echo Summit; be sure to visit the Echo Chalet to load up on snacks and food for the 65-mile trek in front of you. It is an easy start to the trail, as you wind around Lower and Upper Echo Lakes. As you climb over and away from the lake, you\u2019re offered views of Ralston Peak, Echo Peak, and Pyramid Peak in the distance. After nearly seven miles on the trail, you are rewarded with one of the most stunning vistas in the Sierra, Lake Aloha. Lake Aloha is a shallow lake that sits in a bowl and surrounded by Pyramid Peak, Mt Price, and Jacks Peak. Lots of backcountry campsites are available along the entire stretch of the lake. <br><br>After this, a short drop in elevation brings you past Heather and Susie lakes and to the bottom of Dicks Pass. From here, start the trudge up the pass for beautiful views and the highest point on this stretch of trail. As you come over the pass, you drop into another small bowl which contains Dicks Lake and Fontanillis Lake, both beautiful and worthy destinations on their own. The next small pass drops you down into the Velma Lakes basin. This area has pretty quick access from Emerald Bay and can be crowded on weekends, but there is plenty of space to spread out and find private camping in this beautiful wilderness country. <br><br>After Velma Lakes, the trail heads north through thickly wooded forests with sliver views of the high alpine peaks behind you and to the west. Great camping and backcountry fishing are found at Richardson Lake a little ways up trail from the Velma basin. Stop by the small forest service cabin on the southeast side of the lake and see if any other travelers are camped nearby. <br><br>Shortly after Richardson, you start the next climb up to the ridges above Alpine Meadows ski resort. These ridges offer some of the best views of Lake Tahoe along the trail. A quick drop into the Five Lakes Basin, and you\u2019re climbing behind Squaw Valley and very close to the headwaters of the American River, now under the operation of a land trust, it
Trail Stats
104.9 km
2813 m
2849 m
2117 m
—
Photos
The official PCT sign.
The official PCT sign.
Barker Peak.
Barker Peak.
A view up to the lift on top of Mt. Lincoln.
A view up to the lift on top of Mt. Lincoln.
Another iconic northern Sierra Crest view along trail
Another iconic northern Sierra Crest view along trail
Daily snowmelt makes certain sections of the trail into creeks... I'm grateful for good boots and waterproofing!
Daily snowmelt makes certain sections of the trail into creeks... I'm grateful for good boots and waterproofing!
Lower Echo Lake through the trees on the Tahoe Rim Trail
Lower Echo Lake through the trees on the Tahoe Rim Trail
Switchbacks on the Mt Judah Loop
Switchbacks on the Mt Judah Loop
Sun setting on Becker Peak over Lower Echo Lake.
Sun setting on Becker Peak over Lower Echo Lake.
Upper Echo Lake
Upper Echo Lake
Dick's Pass
Dick's Pass
On the trek to Upper Echo Lake.
On the trek to Upper Echo Lake.
Massive talus fields engulf the banks of Heather Lake.
Massive talus fields engulf the banks of Heather Lake.
Partly frozen Lower Echo Lake from Pacific Crest Trail / Tahoe Rim Trail
Partly frozen Lower Echo Lake from Pacific Crest Trail / Tahoe Rim Trail
Lower Echo Lake from the Echo Chalet
Lower Echo Lake from the Echo Chalet
Looking towards Dicks Pass from a ridge above Susie Lake (frozen).
Looking towards Dicks Pass from a ridge above Susie Lake (frozen).
Hikers picking their way through a small boulder field along the PCT.
Hikers picking their way through a small boulder field along the PCT.
Pyramid Peak, Desolation Wilderness, California.
Pyramid Peak, Desolation Wilderness, California.
Tamarack Lake a short walk off the trail
Tamarack Lake a short walk off the trail
Massive rocks by the Echo Lake Trail, with the lake and mountains in the background. (June 2019)
Massive rocks by the Echo Lake Trail, with the lake and mountains in the background. (June 2019)
Lake Aloha late July 2019.
Lake Aloha late July 2019.
You have to go thru this to get to the loop.
You have to go thru this to get to the loop.
The Pacific Crest Trail along Lower Echo Lake.
The Pacific Crest Trail along Lower Echo Lake.
Fontanillis Lake, with Dicks Peak in the background
Fontanillis Lake, with Dicks Peak in the background
Dicks Lake, early morning. The reflective waters were aided by clear skies and still conditions. Dicks Peak squeezes in on the top right, to the North of Dicks Pass.
Dicks Lake, early morning. The reflective waters were aided by clear skies and still conditions. Dicks Peak squeezes in on the top right, to the North of Dicks Pass.
Snowy mountains through the trees on the Pacific Crest Trail
Snowy mountains through the trees on the Pacific Crest Trail
Lower Echo Lake from Pacific Crest Trail
Lower Echo Lake from Pacific Crest Trail
Granite cliffs cast shadows over the green waters of Heather Lake.
Granite cliffs cast shadows over the green waters of Heather Lake.
You'll enjoy a great view looking over Upper and Lower Echo Lakes from the trail to Tamarack Lake.
You'll enjoy a great view looking over Upper and Lower Echo Lakes from the trail to Tamarack Lake.
Northern part of Lower Echo Lake
Northern part of Lower Echo Lake