Lake Aloha Loop 7/11/12

Lake Aloha

The most breath taking  landscape I have witnessed in in my life.

I have had little exposure to the mountains in my back yard, except for a trip to Tahoe or Reno now and then. A few years ago I was looking for the coolest place close to home and I found Lake Aloha in the middle of the Crystal Range. A range of mountains measuring over 9000' and offer views from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento. My son Jonathan took time off work and offered to take me there for my birthday. All I wanted to do is see the lake. It is a 6 Mile hike from Echo Lakes and I was not sure about getting to far away from the car but Jonathan is big and strong so I'm in. The trail was a long and steady climb up into the Desolation Wilderness, along the Pacific Crest Trail. This is some real timeless landscape. With all the forests, alpine lakes, meadows, streams, and falls. You miss the tall mountain ranges spidering out in many directions.

Only after arriving at Lake Aloha the grandeur reveals itself suddenly. The trail is covered by tall trees as it winds down from the ridge. The lake and snow caped mountains appear before you at once. It really was worth the 4 hour walk to make this trip to see a natural landscape only formed by uplifting mountains and a lot of ice scraping the rock smooth over many centuries. Only God knows the time it took to make this place of Aloha. Still basically untouched except a small dam holding back a small amount of water which translates to a spectacular setting slightly modified by the hand of man.

The water in this lake flows out to the south west to form the Pyramid Creek which flows to the South Fork of the American River. The water also flows east out to Lake Tahoe. The pass behind this photo has nearby Clyde Lake which is the head water of the Rubicon River flowing north to the North Fork of the American River. That's a lot of water going in all directions.

 On the left Pyramid Peak to Mount Price and Tells Peak behind this photo.

 

 My son Jonathan of 22 years walked with me around this beautiful place. We talked about God, mankind, natural beauty and how it all works together to lead a person to conclude; Undeniably there is a Creator that creates all things with love, and anyone who disagrees is foolish and really needs to look around.

 
 Cracked Craig to the right and the trail to Fallen Leaf Lake center.

This is where I took a swim, diving off the rocks into crystal clear refreshing water

 is the best all around  therape ever.

 Boulder Beach, a long rock slide is not a recommended route. To loop Lake Aloha you must tread here.

 Some of the most surprising sights were the many types of wild flowers blooming in mid July.

The rest of the trip I had to stick to the route back to the truck. however it did turn out to be the best place I have ever witnessed. Alpine Glacial Streams flowing out of the rocks. Alpine lakes, meadows, winding streams, snow packs, and to many crystal clear falls to count. That is what you can encounter on the south shore of Lake Aloha.

The Heart of the Desolation Valley.

 Lake Aloha the Jewel of the Sierras will help reconnect a distant heart if you dare to walk its shores. 

John Mortellaro

@

916 996-1131