Desolate Peaks

Desolate Peaks

Desolate Peaks is a self-navigated peak bagging event in the Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe. The event gathers a couple dozen mountain runners at Twin Lakes Trailhead and has a 30 hour time limit to complete the chosen circuit. Registration closes Sat, Aug 15.

Three course options are offered:

• 21 Peaks - original 17 plus 4 additional peaks (Lucifer’s Frolic)
• 17 Peaks - the original 17 peak circuit
• 11 Peak Fun Run - shuttle back from Fallen Leaf, skips peaks 12 to 17

The majority of the routes are off trail and unmarked. Terrain includes talus fields of broken rock, granite ledges, hands and feet scrambling, and swift water creek crossings. Navigation and route finding are required; years of mountain trekking and running experience are recommended. The event is free and marginally supported with drop bags available at Echo Lakes parking. Fallen Leaf Trailhead serves as the last bailout point.

Typical completion times vary by course; the fun run commonly takes 11 to 20 hours. Only one person has finished the 21 Peaks circuit to date. The route list includes Mount Price, Agassiz, Pyramid Peak, Cracked Crag, Keith's Dome, Ralston Peak, Talking Mountain, Becker Peak, Flagpole Peak, Echo Peak, Angora Peak, Cathedral Peak, Mount Tallac, Peak 9579, South Maggies, North Maggies, Phipps Peak, No Name 9263, Dick's Peak, Jack's Peak and Little Pyramid. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.