Desolation Wilderness, Echo Lake to Emerald Bay

[Casey Bowden]

A two-day, one-night family trip on July 31st and August 2nd. A bit over 18 miles. A few photos are below. For complete information including gear, food, maps, etc. go here:

https://goo.gl/photos/vbUHxwxc8h6GhBbbA

Waiting for the water taxi at the south end of Echo Lake.

 

Hiking along the amazing Aloha Lake.

 

Our second swim stop in the amazing blue water of Aloha Lake.

 

Mei leads the way around Heather Lake.

 

Going off-trail to walk up a snow field on the way up to Dicks Pass on day 2.

 

Great views to the west as we approach Dicks Pass.

 

Dicks Pass. Great job guys!

 

Someone just made their first poop in the woods.

 

Dicks Lake was our definition of perfection, with smooth granite slabs leading into crystal clear water. Dicks Pass is visible in the background.

 

My family with Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe beyond. Time to catch a taxi back to our car at Echo Lake then drive home.

[Manfred]

Very nice! 18 miles in two days with all the breaks for swimming, sun bathing etc. is impressive. Are you secretly practicing with them for the JMT?

[Paul Wagner]

Nice report.  Adorable kid!

 

Good for you for getting them out on the trail!

[Jane Baack]

Another great trip for your family!  It’s inspiring to learn how you two are planning trips that allow all of you to succeed and be happy together while backpacking.  Challenges, yes, but not overwhelming adult goals that kids can’t meet.  It’s also great you have grandparent support for your efforts past and present.  I remember when you all came to the small gathering at Coast Camp at Pt. Reyes in October several years ago and grandparents were along as well.  Wonderful.  I look forward to future reports-many of them!

Jane

 

[Casey Bowden]

Thanks Manfred, Paul and Jane.

[W I S N E R !]

Teenagers here now….man, I miss that age Casey.

I don’t have to tell you to enjoy!

[Casey Bowden]

Thanks Craig.
If you told me during our Ionian Basin trip in 2012 that in 4 years I’d be taking trips with my daughter (then 1, now 5), that I would find fun and challenging I would have been pretty skeptical, to put it mildly.

[Jacob D]

Hey Casey! You guys are keeping busy this summer… totally rad. Just showed the kids (they said to say “hi” to you all), they were impressed and rightfully so! They remembered we took them to Desolation (different area) before and suddenly remember it as a fun trip after seeing your report. Prior to this it was always “that hard hike we did that one time” :)

[Author]

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