Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness

Starting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake):
To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll follow the road directly to the right of this firehouse, and at the end of this road will be your trailhead!

This trail winds through a forested area on an old road for the first mile. You'll get to see the old Glen Alpine Springs Historical Site before the trail starts to ascend up the ridge. You'll zigzag upwards for a mile or so with incredible views of various mountains until you get to the trail junction leading toward either Gilmore Lake or Susie Lake. Keep left for Susie- your destination is roughly 1 mile further from this junction!

Mileage/Elevation: From the Glen Alpine Trailhead, Susie Lake is 3.8 miles into the Wilderness. When you return to your car after your trip, you'll have hiked a total of 7.6 miles and experienced about 2,400ft of elevation change.

Note: The some of the photos of Susie Lake were taken during the Butte Fire (over 70,000 acres burned in September, 2015). This lake does not always have this smoky, orange hue.

Permits required