I backpacked a 30 mile loop in Desolation Wilderness with some friends. We found some absolutely GORGEOUS lakes, part of what the wilderness area is well known for. The sit in granite basins carved out from the last ice age.

When we were ready to set out on our hike, we stopped in at the park office to get our permit. Strangely, the park rangers actually tried to talk us out of completing the hike! Maybe they just have too many hikers come in unprepared and in-over-their-heads. And I will admit it was a very challenging backpacking trip.

The above lake, that I don’t know the name of, was one of my favorites. The colors were just perfect. Followed by Lake Aloha. We of course took some dips in the water mid-day while hiking:)