Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness: Ladies Hike the Rubicon Trail

A Guide to Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness by TMS Marketing Director, Kelly Tanguay

If you’re looking for a backpacking destination that offers stunning scenery and a true sense of wilderness, Desolation Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada is hard to beat. Some of my favorite features are the granite peaks, clear alpine lakes, and extensive trail system. With such close proximity, escaping to Deso for a few nights is one of my favorite accessible summertime activities. Going backpacking is a great way to get outside and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Here’s my experience with this trail and tips for making the most of your trip.

Don't forget a cool pair of shades...

Why Desolation Wilderness?

Desolation Wilderness is a designated wilderness area, which means it’s preserved in its natural state. It spans over 63,000 acres and is known for its striking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. I've been adventuring in Deso for about 10 years and am still in "awe" each time I visit. I'm a big fan of swimming in alpine lakes and watching the soft hues during sunset and sunrise hit the tops of granite peaks, all of which Deso provides. 

How To Pick A Route: The Rubicon Trail

We decided on the Rubicon Trail because it was one of the areas that had permits still available last minute. If you're late in planning, looking at less popular zones in Deso can be a great way to get on trail and see something new. Yes, Lake Aloha is amazing, but so is seeing less than five people over the duration of three days and having such wild nature be mostly to yourself.

The Rubicon Trail starts in the Loon Lake area and stretches about 22 miles. The trail is extremely well-maintained and offers plenty of shade and spots to purify and refill water. I never needed to carry more than 2.5 liters of water and used my Steripen and one liter Nalgene bottle along trail to stay hydrated. 

We decided to do the 11-mile out-and-back route starting at the Loon Lake trailhead and ending at Rockabound lake. It's a moderately challenging hike, which makes it suitable for many levels of backpackers and hikers. 

The trail runs alongside the Rubicon River and there are plenty of spots to stop, take a break, and enjoy the views. One of my favorite sections was the ridge overlooking the Rubicon River Canyon and all of its vistas.  

Day 1: Arrival

After we all finished our 9-5's, we drove out and met at the Loon Lake Trailhead. We consolidated our food in bear cannisters and made sure we weren't bringing multiples of things we didn't need six of. We all had our own shoes, but did not need six Jetboils. Even though having hot water for fresh coffee every morning is a priority, we managed with two and survived. We started hiking at about 7pm.

Pro Tip: Start your hike in the evening to avoid the heat of the day. Make sure you are familiar with the trail and have a working headlamp + batteries.

Not-so-pro-tip: Hiking with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are typically most prevalent at dusk and dawn. I was absolutely annihilated until met by the good graces of Ben's Insect Repellent. As soon as I bit the bullet and doused myself in deet, hiking became much more bearable. 

We hiked about 3.5 miles and decided to set up camp. We found some beautiful, relatively wind-protected granite slabs, made some dehydrated meals (my favorite was Alpine Air's Grilled Chicken Pad Thai), and popped our tents up. 

Pro-Tip: When choosing a backpacking tent, choose one that is light and assembles easily. I usually go for a 2-person tent so that my dog can sleep with me comfortably (when he doesn't commandeer the entire square footage). Nemo's Hornet Elite Osmo would be a great option. 

Day 2: We woke up early, made some breakfast, and hiked another 3 miles to Rockabound lake. We made backcountry sushi, enjoyed the lake, and played board games into the night. We also ended up doing a day-hike to the reservoir.

One of my favorite things about backpacking in remote areas with limited access to things is seeing what sorts of inventions and surprises my group will come up with when left to our own vices. 

Backcountry Sushi Pro-Tip: Pack canned fish, seaweed snacks, packets of soy sauce, baby carrots (because they take days to go bad), and instant rice. It's almost as good as all-you-can-eat. 

Sleeping Pad Pro-Tip: I don't know that any sleeping pad company would endorse this, but I will. My friend Lillian made all of us aware that sleeping pads can double as rafts. We followed suit. To my surprise, there were no sleeping pad casualties or friends who ended up sleeping on hard ground. I have an ExPed pad, but after seeing Lillian thrash her Nemo Tensor pad around in the lake and on granite, unscathed, I will definitely be using my employee discount to buy one at Tahoe Mountain Sports. It was by far the most comfortable sleeping pad and most buoyant "raft." 

Board Game Pro-Tip: Our boardgame selects were Banagrams, Cribbage, and cards. We wanted to play past sundown, but didn't have a hanging lantern to see our granite table. So, we made one out of trekking poles and Luci Inflatable Lanterns. 

Day 3: We woke up and packed lunches and snacks to hit the trail and head home. We enjoyed our tortilla-peanut-butter-and-jellies at a beautiful zone overlooking one of the other lakes on the trail, Spyder Lake, and I had my friend try a new nutrition product at TMS, Muir energy packets. She said it tasted like a molasses cookie dipped in chocolate and almond butter. She was so happy I shared. 

If there's anything I've learned with outdoor sports and adventures, it's to not take myself too seriously. Playing outside is supposed to be fun. Whether you enjoy Type 1 or Type 2, we all deserve to be able to experience our beautiful surroundings. Planning can feel daunting, so here's some reminders if you want to go to Desolation Wilderness.

Tips for Your Trip

1. Get a Permit: You’ll need a wilderness permit for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness. These can be obtained from the Eldorado National Forest visitor center or online through Recreation.gov. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, particularly during peak season.

2. Know the Terrain: Familiarize yourself with the trail map and plan your route. The Rubicon Trail can be hiked as a day trip, but spending the night allows you to fully appreciate the area.

3. Pack Appropriately: Having a comfortable and lightweight backpack makes a world of difference. Make sure you have the basics: a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking equipment, water purification system, and a bear canister if required in the area you are going to. Pro Tip: These are all items that can be rented at Tahoe Mountain Sports!

4. Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Help preserve the beauty of Desolation Wilderness by practicing Leave No Trace. Pack out all trash, burry or pack out your number-twos, and DO NOT make fires. 

5. Stay Aware of Conditions: Weather in the Sierra Nevada can change quickly, so check the forecast before you head out. Carry a first-aid kit, inReach or navigation device, and make sure someone outside of your group knows your plans for added safety.

Enjoy the Experience

Grab your friends, your dog, or chase a solo trip. There's no better way to reset than by spending a few nights underneath the stars. If you aren't sure where to start, stop by Tahoe Mountain Sports and our staff will help. We've got all of the knowledge and materials you need. Happy hiking!

Author: Kelly Tanguay, TMS Marketing Director 

Kelly Tanguay has been playing in the Tahoe/Truckee area since she could walk. In the warmer seasons, she enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. During the winter, you can find her touring in the backcountry with her dog, Cashew. Kelly started as the Tahoe Mountain Sports Marketing Director in May 2024.