The Fountain of Youth

South Lake Tahoe, California

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Details

Distance

25 miles

Elevation Gain

2000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan McQueen

Overnight hike/camp/bootpack/skin/ski/swim trip, into Desolation Wilderness, CA.

Day 1 - Begin with a boat taxi across Echo Lake, to an approx 3hr hike to Lake Aloha. Receive strange looks from other hikers who aren't schlepping ski gear in June. Setup camp, then take a dip in the lake! Drink whiskey and get lost in the lake reflection and the stars.

Day 2 - Wake up with another dip in the lake. Bootpack/skin depending on snow level...don't forget to look back at the epic view of Lake Aloha from above as well as Jake's Peak and Mt. Tallac! Crest a ridge and discover what Ponce de León was looking for all along! Stop for whiskey break. Short bootpack up to the peak. POND SKIM!!

Once you've had your fill of icy cold glacial pond water splashing in your face as you glide across this magical little gem, hike all the way back out to Echo Lake and back to the boat taxi. And one more whiskey cheers!

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Features

Snowboarding

Camping

Photography

Skiing

Swimming

Snowshoeing

Backpacking

Lake

Scenic

Swimming Hole

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Leave No Trace

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