The PCT at Desolation Wilderness,
Pacific Crest Trail Map 079
Map center is 8.3 miles from South Lake Tahoe, California (CA)
Elevation
SOURCE: METI, NASA, PICKATRAIL, USGS
PCT Map 079 (NOBO): From Echo Lake the PCT winds through the Desolation Wilderness to Lake Aloha and Middle Velma Lake in the El Dorado National Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of this section of the PCT?
The length of this section of the PCT is 16.8 miles (27.1 km) or 36,999 steps.
Metrics
| Boundaries | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 1 | Min Ele 2 | Max Ele 3 | Range 4 |
| 16.8 mi | 7,516 ft | 9,377 ft | 1,861 ft |
| Northbound | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 5 | Gain 6 | Loss 7 | Rating 8 |
| 7.6 hrs | 2,795 ft | 2,711 ft | VS |
| Southbound | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Gain | Loss | Rating |
| 7.6 hrs | 2,711 ft | 2,795 ft | VS |
Data Accuracy
Data Reliability
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Desolation Wilderness topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
- Northwest Topo Map: Rockbound Valley, CA
- North Topo Map: Emerald Bay, CA
- Northeast Topo Map: South Lake Tahoe, CA
- West Topo Map: Pyramid Peak, CA
- Topo Map: Echo Lake, CA
- East Topo Map: Freel Peak, CA
- Southwest Topo Map: Tragedy Spring, CA
- South Topo Map: Caples Lake, CA
- Southeast Topo Map: Carson Pass, CA
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) may be present in this area. The American dog tick transmits Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) may be present in this area. The Rocky Mountain wood tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, and Tularemia.
- The Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) may be present in this area. The Western blacklegged tick transmits Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease.
- Length is the total distance of the trail section. The distance between two red diamonds is one mile.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail section.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail section.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.
- E = Easiest, M = Moderate, MS = Moderately Strenuous, S = Strenuous, VS = Very Strenuous.