This section of the Pacific Crest Trail takes you from Echo Lake at the edge of the Desolation Wilderness to the Donner Summit area at Interstate 80. The Tahoe Rim Trail shares over 20 miles of this section of trail. You will begin your trek on this section of the PCT at Echo Lake. The trail crosses Echo Lake Road, passing Echo Lake Chalet and continuing on to the east side of the lake. Soon, you will cross the Wilderness Boundary into Desolation Wilderness. The Desolation Wilderness is a beautiful and sought-after piece of the National Forest just west of Lake Tahoe. This wilderness, along with the Granite Chief Wilderness, is full of glacial lakes, rock outcroppings, and glacial tarns.This section of the PCT ends at the tunnel under the freeway on Donner Summit at over 7,000 feet in elevation.
- Entry permits are required year-round for both day and overnight use. There are fees for overnight camping year-round and a quota system is in place from May through October. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11786
- This section of the PCT is multi-use. It is shared by hikers, dogs, and horseback riders. Bear canisters and wilderness permits are required within the Desolation Wilderness boundary. A permit is not required within the Granite Chief Wilderness for backpacking on the PCT. Both National Forest areas require a campfire permit for a fire or stove use while backpacking.
