Echo Lakes Trail
to Lake Aloha and Lake of the Woods
South Lake Tahoe, CA
If you’re chasing alpine lakes and don’t mind a little granite under your boots, the Echo Lakes Trail into Desolation Wilderness is about as good as it gets. In just a few miles you’ll pass Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, wander by Tamarack and Lucille, and then choose your adventure: the dramatic, island-dotted expanse of Lake Aloha, or the quieter, tucked-away beauty of Lake of the Woods or do both which is what we did. Add in the quirky option of a water taxi to cut off a few miles, and you’ve got one of Tahoe’s most versatile (and rewarding) hikes.
The Trail at a Glance
📍Echo Lakes, off Highway 50 near Echo Summit
🥾About 13 miles round trip (depending on whether you take the water taxi)
⛰️ ~1,700 feet total
💪🏼Moderate—long,rocky, and exposed, but not overly steep
✨Six alpine lakes, sweeping Sierra views, water taxi option, plenty of swim spots
Hiking the Route
The hike begins at the Echo Lakes Trailhead, just off Highway 50 at Echo Summit. Grab your free wilderness permit from the kiosk and hit the trail, which starts out with a gentle climb overlooking Lower Echo Lake. You may notice the trail markers for the Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail, one of the cool features about this hike. Soon you’ll also notice cabins along the shoreline below, giving the area a cozy alpine feel before you’ve even warmed up your legs.
You can also choose to take the Echo Lakes Water Taxi to the Echo Chalet Dock in Upper Echo Lake, shaving about 2 miles off the start of your hike, saving your energy and some time for the upper lakes. The water taxi charges a fee of $22 per person. The water taxi is a seasonal taxi running from about late June to Labor Day, based on water levels of the lake. You can find out more about the water taxi by visiting the Echo Lakes Chalet Water Taxi link.
If you choose to hike and forego the taxi, the trail hugs the ridgeline between Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, offering constant views of sparkling water and granite peaks. About two miles in, you’ll pass the spur trail to the Echo Chalet dock—home to the famous summer water taxi. You may want to remember this location on your return trip if you’d like to jump on the water taxi for a ride back to the trailhead, a fun way to finish a great hike and take in all this hike has to offer. Visit the link above for more details on the taxi.
Beyond the Echo Lakes, the trail gets more rugged. You’ll enter the Desolation Wilderness and climb gradually past Tamarack Lake and the tiny but charming Lake Lucille before the trees thin out and the terrain shifts to open granite. The final push delivers you into the wide, dramatic basin of Lake Aloha—a huge alpine lake dotted with islands, ringed by granite peaks, and often sparkling with snowmelt well into July. It’s a natural lunch spot, a swimming hole for the brave, and one of the most photographed lakes in Desolation Wilderness.
Continue south along the shoreline of Lake Aloha and look for the trail marker for Lake of the Woods, it’s well worth the visit. Tucked away off the main trail, it’s quieter and more intimate than Aloha, with deep blue water and plenty of flat granite slabs for lounging. It’s about a half mile hike through a beautiful meadow to the ridge line above lake. You’ll get a partial view of the lake before hiking down to the waterline. Follow the trail along the lake and maybe find a spot to lounge, scoop up some cool alpine water to filter before heading back and don’t forget to take a few pictures.
The trail turns uphill and you’re back will be to the lake as you climb up and away from Lake of the Woods to the ridgeline. It’s a short (0.3 miles) climb with about 500’ of elevation gain. This part of the trail is full of wildflowers and you’ll get a great payoff for your climb once you reach the top, a beautiful view of Lake of the Woods and granite peaks. Continue along the trail through Haypress Meadow and descend back to the PCT/TRT. The trail marker may look familiar as you hiked past it on your way to Lake Aloha.
The return is straightforward—either retrace your steps along the Echo Lakes trail or head to the dock and grab the water taxi back across Upper and Lower Echo for a unique finish.
Suggested Day Itinerary
7:30–8:00 AM – Arrive at Echo Lakes Trailhead. Parking is limited, so early is key.
8:00–9:30 AM – Hike along Lower & Upper Echo Lakes. Scenic, mellow start.
9:30–10:15 AM – Optional detour to Tamarack Lake. Great snack break.
10:15–12:00 PM – Push to Lake Aloha. Granite, alpine air, and a jaw-dropping lunch spot.
12:00–1:30 PM – Continue to Lake of the Woods. Quieter, more secluded vibes.
1:30–2:30 PM – Begin the journey back. Taxi or hike it, your call.
3:30–4:30 PM – Return to trailhead. Finish strong and head for a post-hike treat in South Lake Tahoe.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
Start early. Parking fills quickly, especially on weekends.
Bring cash for the water taxi. $22 per person, one-way, 4 person minimum.
Get your wilderness permit. Free for day hikers, required for all.
Pack sun protection. Lots of exposed granite = lots of UV.
Wear sturdy shoes. The rocky trail can be unforgiving.
Watch out for mosquitoes. Early summer = bring bug spray.
Pack a swimsuit. You’ll thank yourself at Lake Aloha.
Dogs allowed. Just keep them leashed in busy areas.
Navigation tip. The trail is easy to follow except near Aloha—look for cairns.
Best season. September = fewer crowds, cooler temps, and golden light.
Wrap-Up
Whether you hike the whole stretch or mix in a water taxi ride, the Echo Lakes Trail delivers a highlight reel of everything that makes the Sierra so special. Sparkling alpine lakes, sweeping granite views, and a trail that keeps serving up rewards at every turn—it’s the kind of hike you’ll want to come back to in every season. If you’re in the Tahoe area and craving a true wilderness escape without needing a weeklong backpacking trip, this one is an absolute must.
