Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Desolation Wilderness

Going in this weekend. Anybody been back there recently? When getting the permit, ranger said there is still a lot of snow. In fact, they had to go in and rescue 4 people last weekend. She also said Gilmore and Suzy were still frozen over last week. I'm sure there has been melt off since then.

Hi Go Bears...Here is what my friend sent me that her daughter Sally said about conditions...it may help you some..what area are you going to?

Sally said that Gilmore was completely frozen except for about a foot around the edges/ She said there was about 3' of snow there and there was snow all over down to about the intersection of the Gilmore and Susie Lake trail. This was the day before yesterday (sunday). I am quite sure there is lots of snow in desolation. She also said the snow was hard to walk on because of a lot of post-holing. I'm sure that condition will remian until (or unless) it gets cold at night again.

Thanks for the reply. I had a feeling, and hoping, I would hear from madeintahoe. Going in at Glen Alpine to Susie, then up to Gilmore and Tallac the next day. Will bring snowshoes, and decide at trailhead whether to carry them up or not.

I know a shortcut on an old trail no longer on most maps. You may be able to avoid snow since this goes up the south facing talus ridge above the trailhead, instead of the regular trail through the valley. I've done the valley hike in June in normal snow years and hit plenty of snow and a frozen Gilmore lake. There is a stream crossing that can be a little difficult in snow especially with higher temps raising the creek but it's not that bad, especially in the am.

Anyway the shortcut is a great trail and 2 miles shorter to the lake. Don't attempt it in snow but it should be clear. You can look up to a v notch where it tops out from the parking lot. You'll hit snow at the top of the ridge for the last mile to Gilmore so bring a map. There is a fork at the top of the ridge - the right goes up the shoulder of Mt Tallac to the summit and the left crosses a small creek and goes to Gilmore. To find the trailhead go to the back of the paved trailhead parking area. You'll notice a gravel road that continues around the north shore of Fallen Leaf lake. After about 50 - 100 yds on this trail you'll see a big pothole probably full of water. Look to your left and you'll see the unsigned trail heading up the hill. It's obvious the whole way up.

Don't forget your fishing pole in case the ice is melting. There are large Lake trout in Gilmore that will hit on large kastmasters. Probably still frozen though. I was at a lake Monday near Donner Summit and it was still frozen solid at about 7k. Gilmore is at 8200 but is pretty big so it might be thawing.

Have fun!

Thanks for the tip. Just so I am clear, are you talking about the sloped parking lot to the right of the trailhead where the permits are? You know, up to the right before the first gate. I'm interested in going this route.

Go Bears the weather has been beautiful here...we did get some cooler days and evenings a few days ago. That is the Middle Tallac Trail Apeman45 is talking about..it is faster and taking it should have you hiking on less snow.

Once you go over the bridge that goes over the outlet of Lily Lake..past the restrooms on the right side..there is that upper TH parking that goes to the right,at the end there is a fire road...just like Apeman said that big road puddle with water..there is a steep trail to the left that you start up on. it's a beautiful hike up there..very open most of the way up. If it's a hot day that slope bakes.
It sounds like a nice trip you will do..have a beautiful time out there!