Desolation Wilderness

“I knew that the title would get the attention of some people who would be in the know.

I am planning a bp trip into the DW for the weekend before Memorial Day. I am bringing along Mrs Tahoe and as some of you know, she dosen't do the real cold camping thing. I was wondering what the weather and such was like at that time of year. Do you think that snow would be a consideration?

The route I am planning leaves from the Meeks Creek Trailhead up to Lake Genevieve then along the Tallant lake system to Rubicon Lake. At that point we will camp. The next day we will either go back the way we came or go on up over Phips pass and down to the Eagle Falls Trailhead right near Emerald Bay.

Also, is anyone interested in going along? I picked the weekend before Memorial Day (May 17-19) to avoid the big crowds so there will be alot of room in the wilderness.”

“Depending on the winter's snowfall, snow may very much be a consideration. I've gone into Desolation via Wrights Lake and have hit considerable snow as late as mid June. Also, many lakes at higher elevations will still be iced over and you may want to consider how treacherous stream crossings will be.”

“This year we were in snow at 10,000' south of Whitney. Depends on snowfall. Last year Mammoth had more snow at this time.”

“Yes, there can be a considerable amount of snow that time of year even though the weather may be warm and beautiful. It's great to go that time of year but getting around is sometimes a problem. Wanderer went in one side (south I think) with a bunch of TTers last year before M-Day and wound up postholing a bit. I went in the same day from the west and hit alot of snow but it was firm and no problem. That's a great time to go in there in any case. I'd definitly be interested in the trip.”

“As mentioned above, snow is a significant consideration that time of the year. I've did the route you mention a month ago and it's an awesome route. It would, however, be a long day to get to Rubicon Lk and it would most certainly be snowbound. Having spent the last 8 MD's on the trail you might be interested in knowing that I've been snowed on during 5 of the trips so you can expect blustery and cold weather. I think the coldest I've experienced on a MD trip is in the low 20's. If you do take that route, I highly suggest making it a through trip with M. Velma Lk as a 2nd camp (Crag Lk is a nice first camp) The views from Phipps to Velma are awesome but instead of going out to Eagle, exit Bayview instead, better views of Emerald Bay and a great view down to Eagle Lk.”

“Last year we were there on Mem day weekend, I'm guessing there was still about 4 or 5 ft. of snow on Dick's Pass, less below but trails were still covered in places down on valley floor along Aloha.

Oh yeah, count me in anyway!!!!”

“Tahoe I just ran your route on TOPO. It's about 8+ miles up to Rubicon Lake from Meeks TH, you'll gradually gain about 2000 ft, generally evenly spread over the entire trail. If you exit at Bayview, that trip (Rubicon to Bayview) is about 10 miles, a gain of 1630 ft and a loss of 3490, so that's a pretty good hike. I'd probably go with Dunk's suggestion of a camp somewhere around Velma Lakes.”

“What kinda expectations might I have about snow on the Tahoe Rim Trail in the last 2 weeks of May? I'm aware that there's a chance of snow, but what are odds of heavy snow? 50/50? Are there any particularly nasty spots I might need to keep aware of in regards to snow/ice? I guess it's a good idea also for me to invest in a pair of snowshoes and light crampons for last minute changes that could occur toward the end of May huh?

Thanx for the info y'all.”

“Duuude, expect lots of snow on the ground but very little from the sky. I don't know that trail but it seems to me snowshoes would be a must, but not separate crampons. Keep this thread alive and somebody that's done the trail will pop up. Great time of year to go!”

“There's better than a 50/50 chance. A lot of the TRT is up kinda high (that's why it's the RIM trail, hahaha). Last year end of May we were postholing thru 3 or 4 feet of snow in areas.”

“Isn't a pre-requisite for wilderness that it be *desolate*?”

“The funny thing is that Desolation Wilderness is probably the most used wilderness area in CA and one of the smallest. The popularity is due to its proximity to Lake Tahoe (West side), Sacramento and the SF Bay Area. It is easily accessible from Hwys 50 and 89. During the summer months, Desolation has a quota system and charges for permits.

It is also one of the most beautiful places in CA offering unparalled views from Mt Tallac and Pyramid Peak as well as a multitude of beautiful lakes for fishing.”

“Hey Naked, ya better put some suspenders on your BRITCHES or you'll loss'em in all that snow out there. LOL”

“When I hiked the east side (1st week of May, 2000) I only had about 1/4 mile of 1-2' snow to scramble across. I do believe that was a very low snow year though. I think it's way too early to guess what snow accumulations will be at this time.”

“OK wanderer, s'pose they's plenty of snow upair, roughly how many miles can I comfterbly(hehe, like'at spellin do ya?) snowshoe in a day?

I her'dat sirpete! Likely tho, I'll be in my shorts, hehe.”

“Also wanderer, can you plz tell me the brand and model of those snowshoes you showed me. Are those on the light side of general snowshoe wieght? Are there other shoes that have that lateral set of teeth to keep ya from sliding sideways, are light, and don't cost wickedhigh?? If the shoes you showed me are on the light side of the snowshoe market, I should stick to 'em, seeing as how they are multiuse ones.

What size did you say I needed? I'm bout 140-45, and my pack w/ H2O should be 40, low 40's at the max. Aahhh, 45 if I'm totin' cramps.”

“Great shots! Catherdal lake, one of my favorite spots!
APE-snowshoes!”

“Not knowing anything about snowshoes, I have some questions.

1. Is there some kind of formula to determine how big the snowshoe should be to accomodate my weight and pack weight.

2. Any recommended brands/models?

3. Are trekking poles sufficient or do I need something like XC ski poles?

BTW I picked up a pair of REI Summit trekking poles, and you guys were right!! I wont be hiking without those anytime soon. They reduced the knee impact thing alot.”

“No worries there tahoe, them poles won't do ya any good when one'a us crazies has slashed and stashed your corpse summers (LMAO!, a little wifey joke for ya tahoe).

You likes Cathedral Lake eh?? Feller ya missed out on a wondrous view of the meteor shower from there.

Oh wanderer sir, can ya give me the weight of 'em too, looks like from the ones in STP that I'll be needing the 25" snowshoes, sound right?

Bear I cain't wait any longer in the season, so I might hafta snowshoe part of it .... ought to be fun methanx, if it don't half kill me. I won't really know the det's until the first of May; even then thangs can change fast in just 2 weeks. I'm hoping that I won't hafta tote BOTH s-shoes AND cramps tho!”

“OK, here's my opinion, but I AM NOT AN EXPERT.

I have two pairs of snowshoes, I like them both, for diff reasons & under diff conditions.

I REALLY like the MSR shoes for a couple of reasons. I like that I can add additional "float" by the "tail" that I attach ( 8" or 12" tails are available). I almost always use them with the basic tail attached...but the fact that I can add a longer tail, and therefore increase "float" is very attractive to me.

To me, there's very little diff between Tubbs & Atlas shoes. Both are excellent.

If I were starting over from scratch???? I'd prolly buy the MSR Denali's. I also like the "side rail" (as NA calls it) that helps prevent lateral slide

They were BP product winner a couple years ago, I can understand why....”

“Hey NA, I also just re-read your post.

My shoes are Peak 25's. Tjey do me just fine, thank you. I weigh about 165 nekkid (I know you wanted to now that); about 195 - 205 w pack, depending upon season, length of trip, etc. I'd go w the 25 or (max) 30 shoes.

Oh yeah.... would you PLEASE invite me to accompany you?”

“Shewt yeah wanderer, consider that invite a go, love to have along on summa it. Uh, so long as I ain't gotta see you barin it all in your snowshoes, hehe.

I've several months to paruse gear sales and Ebay to land a pair of 25" MSR Denali's. Hopefully REI can rent me a pair and I can giv'um a test run or 2.”