OverviewPyramid Peak is the highest Peak in the Desolation Wilderness Area. It's un-mistakable pyramid shape lends to its name. The easiest route is a class 2 on the southern slope. More challenging routes can be found on the northern slope.
Getting TherePyramid Peak can be accessed from Lake Aloha, Lake of the Woods and Ropi Lake. Take US 50 to Echo Lakes. Park in the upper lot and hike down to the Echo Lakes Chalet. A water taxi ride ($9 each way) will take you to the western end of Upper Echo Lake. This excursion will save you about 3.2 miles. If you'd rather hoof it take the trail on the north side of the lake.
Near the top of the ridge take the trail to Lake of the Woods (you can also access from Lake Aloha which is furhter up the trail). As you drop down into the the Lake of the Woods bowl shaped canyon Pyramid Peak engulfs the western skyline. Hike around the northern side of the lake and take a cross country scramble to the southern slope of Pyramid Peak.
Access to Pyramid can also be acheived by hiking up Horsetail Falls from Twin Bridges off US HWY 50 ($3 parking fee). Horsetail falls is spectacular in its own right and can be a challenging climb for the inexperienced.
Some folks access Pyramid Peak from a route about 1 mile west of the old Twin Bridges Store (The store is long gone but now there is a forest service building there). Stay on the east side of Rocky Canyon Creek and try and find the vague trail. (This trail isn't reccomended for the faint of heart as it is very steep and covered with brush) Many have difficulty finding the trail.
Other routes can be taken from the Wrights Lake Rd (off US HWY 50 west of Twin Bridges). Five miles up the road will be a signed trailhead "Lyons Creek Trailhead." Head up to Lake Sylvia and follow the countours to the south to reach the southern slope.
Red TapeDesolation Wilderness Permits
Permits are required year-round for both day and overnight use. There are fees for overnight camping year-round.
Group size is limited to 12 people per party who will be hiking or camping together.
Day users may obtain a free permit from one of the following offices, or may issue themselves a permit at most major trailheads in the summer. During the winter, day permits are available at the Pacific Ranger Station. Day use is not subject to fees nor limited by quota at any time of the year.
QUOTA - During the summer a Quota is in effect on the number of people allowed into the wilderness.
OVERNIGHT USERS - Must register in person and pay fees at one of the following offices. Please make every effort to to obtain your permit in person during business hours. Reserved permits are now mailed. Changes must be made in person and require the original permit to be turned in.
Pick up permits for WEST side entry at the:
PACIFIC RANGER DISTRICT-Located four miles east of Pollock Pines on Highway 50 (Take a left at the "Fresh Pond" sign).
7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Phone: (530)644-6048
Winter: Weekdays only. Monday through Saturday as of late April.
Summer: 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October.
Pick up permit for EAST side entry at the:
LAKE TAHOE VISITOR'S CENTER-Located three miles north of the Highway 50/89 junction at South Lake Tahoe, on Highway 89.
Call for hours, phone: (530)543-2674
Open summer only.
LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT-Located two miles east of hte Highway 50/89 junction in South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50. From the highway turn right on Al Tahoe Blvd. and then turn right at first signal.
35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Phone: (530)543-2600
Eldorado National Forest - Desolation Wilderness Page
When To ClimbA few locals climb Pyramid Peak to ski down its southern slope in the winter. But you must be ready to encounter the elements. Never climb a mountain in the winter without prior experience. Make sure that you know what you are doing. Otherwise, Pyramid is very accessible all summer long and well into the fall.
CampingCamp at any of the Lakes surrounding Pyramid Peak: Lake Aloha, Lake of the Woods, Ropi Lake, Pyramid Lake, Lake Sylvia, Gefo or Toem lakes. (See Red Tape)Mountain ConditionsCall for conditions:
Eldorado National Forest Information Center
Phone: (530) 644-6048
Open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
with extended hours in the summer.
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Phone: (530)543-2600
Desolation Wilderness Trail Head ConditionsExternal LinksEldorado National Forest Service
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Lake Tahoe Basin
