Glen Alpine Trailhead
Gateway to stunning waterfalls and Desolation Wilderness, offering hikes to alpine lakes and historic sites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are at their peak flow.
Glen Alpine Trailhead
Best Time
Waterfalls are at their peak flow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to stunning waterfalls and Desolation Wilderness, offering hikes to alpine lakes and historic sites.
"A beautiful hike with seemingly endless rushing waterfalls and sweeping views over snowy mountains."
🎒 Pack-in, Pack-out
Be prepared to carry all your trash out with you. Leave no trace! :recycle:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail has uneven gravel and creek rocks, so wear shoes with good ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glen Alpine Falls
Near the trailhead
Cascading waterfalls with rushing water, especially stunning during spring snowmelt.
+2
Glen Alpine Springs
About 45 minutes up the trail
Explore the historic, abandoned resort grounds with preserved buildings and a unique soda spring.
Modjeska Falls
0.5 miles past Lily Lake
A less-visited gem, accessible via the trailhead, offering more waterfall beauty beyond the main falls.
Lake Aloha
Further into Desolation Wilderness
A popular destination for hikers, offering beautiful alpine lake scenery after a gradual climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits & Day Passes
Parking & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack-in, Pack-out
Be prepared to carry all your trash out with you. Leave no trace! :recycle:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail has uneven gravel and creek rocks, so wear shoes with good ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or check the main lot first. Roadside parking can be limited on busy days. :car:
🗺️ Explore Beyond Falls
Hike further to discover more waterfalls, lakes, and the historic Glen Alpine Springs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack-in, Pack-out
Be prepared to carry all your trash out with you. Leave no trace! :recycle:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail has uneven gravel and creek rocks, so wear shoes with good ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or check the main lot first. Roadside parking can be limited on busy days. :car:
🗺️ Explore Beyond Falls
Hike further to discover more waterfalls, lakes, and the historic Glen Alpine Springs.
💧 Check Creek Conditions
If hiking after snowmelt, confirm creek crossings are passable before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning waterfalls, especially Glen Alpine Falls, and the scenic beauty of the trails leading into Desolation Wilderness. The historic Glen Alpine Springs is another highlight. However, some find the drive and parking challenging, and the trail's uneven terrain can be difficult for some.
"We had a pleasant hike here today. There is a parking area at the trailhead, so check there before you settle for a spot on the side of the road. There are composting toilets for public use at the parking area. You need to sign up for a day pass, but it's free and easy. It's pack-in, pack-out, so be prepared to carry everything back with you. It took us less than 20 minutes to hike up the trail to where there is a beautiful view of the falls. We kept walking for about 45 minutes (total) to get to Glen Alpine Springs, an abandoned historic resort that is under preservation. The best place to walk down to the river is right before the first camp building you come to. Someone has set up some games, like corn hole and plastic axe-throwing, near the soda spring. In selecting our hike, my 7-year-old son wanted to walk up the mountain, but in actually hiking, he was tired of walking up pretty quickly. We made it out and back, though. It was a beautiful hike."
Betty Jo Keenan
"We hiked this beautiful trail at the end of May and were completely blown away with how beautiful it was! Seemingly endless rushing waterfalls and sweeping views over the snowy mountains."
Becca Wallace
"The Glen Alpine Trail is an amazing and beautiful trail. It goes for multiple miles into the wilderness and connects to various other trails. I hiked from Lily Lake at the start about 5 miles to Lake Aloha. You pass an old alpine resort, a small waterfall, multiple lakes, and some incredible scenery. It gradually climbs in elevation so not to steep overall. Highly recommend if in the Fallen Leaf Lake area."
Brendan Kiely
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located at 1580 Glen Alpine Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. You can use this address on Google Maps. The drive can be narrow and winding with some potholes.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly on busy weekends, so it's advisable to arrive early or be prepared to park on the side of the road.
The road leading to the trailhead is described as narrow, winding, and can have potholes. Drivers should be cautious and aware of other vehicles.
While the road has some rough patches, most standard vehicles should be able to navigate it. However, driving cautiously is recommended.
Yes, there are composting toilets available for public use at the parking area of the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A free day pass is required for entry to the trailhead and surrounding areas. For overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness, a permit is mandatory.
Day passes are free and easy to sign up for at the trailhead. It's a simple process before you begin your hike.
No, there is no entrance fee for the Glen Alpine Trailhead itself. The day pass is free.
The trailhead is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific operating hours posted, but it's best to plan your visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
You need a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight in Desolation Wilderness. These can be obtained from the ranger station.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail starts relatively mellow but can involve significant elevation gain depending on your destination. It features uneven gravel, creek rocks, and some sections with partial tree cover.
It takes less than 20 minutes to hike from the trailhead to the beautiful view of Glen Alpine Falls.
Yes, beyond the main Glen Alpine Falls, you can find Modjeska Falls and potentially over 10 more waterfalls if you explore further off-trail.
Glen Alpine Springs is a historic, abandoned resort under preservation. You can explore the grounds and find a soda spring. Games like corn hole are sometimes set up nearby.
The initial part of the trail to the falls is manageable for children, but the gradual climb can be tiring for younger ones. The terrain can also be rough on little feet.
📸 📸 Photography
The main Glen Alpine Falls are a prime subject, especially with the spring snowmelt. Exploring further can reveal more secluded waterfalls and scenic lake views.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the falls are impressive throughout the day. Consider the angle of the sun to avoid harsh shadows.
Drone usage may be restricted in wilderness areas. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and expansive scenery. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures in lower light.
For sunrise, consider hiking to nearby peaks like Mount Tallac from the Glen Alpine Trailhead for stunning views. Sunset can offer beautiful light on the surrounding mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as it's a pack-in, pack-out area. The historic Glen Alpine Springs area offers a unique point of interest, and sometimes games like cornhole are set up, which can add to the fun. Ensure children wear sturdy, supportive shoes due to the trail's condition.
🎒 Budget Travelers
For those looking to extend their visit without significant expense, packing your own food and water is key, as amenities are limited. The opportunity to explore multiple waterfalls and hike into Desolation Wilderness for free (with a day pass) offers tremendous value.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
For more remote experiences, venturing further into Desolation Wilderness offers solitude and a chance to connect with nature. Always inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a map and navigation tools, and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking to Lake Aloha
This trek is a great way to experience the diverse terrain of Desolation Wilderness, from dirt paths to gravel sections and even natural bridges formed by fallen trees. It's recommended to check trail conditions, especially for creek crossings, as they can be affected by snowmelt. The journey provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment and immersion in nature.
Remember that for overnight stays, a wilderness permit is required for Desolation Wilderness. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine environment for future visitors.
Exploring Multiple Waterfalls
For the truly adventurous, there's potential to discover over 10 more waterfalls by venturing a bit off the main trails. This requires careful navigation and a spirit of exploration. The spring snowmelt is particularly a prime time to witness these cascades in their full glory, with seemingly endless rushing water and sweeping mountain views.
+1When exploring these less-trafficked falls, be mindful of the terrain, which can be uneven and slippery. Always prioritize safety and be prepared with appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear and potentially trekking poles for added stability.
Overnight Stays in Desolation Wilderness
+1Crucially, overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness require a wilderness permit. It's essential to secure this permit in advance, especially during peak season. Additionally, be aware of any ranger advisories regarding trail conditions, such as creek crossings, which can be impassable after significant snowmelt.
For those planning an overnight trip, consider packing essentials like a camp stove, headlamp, and plenty of water. Setting up camp at a designated spot like Gilmore Lake can position you perfectly for early morning hikes to mountain peaks for sunrise views.
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