Desolate Peaks

Desolate Peaks

Desolate Peaks is a mountain peak-bagging event held in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, California, using Twin Lakes Trailhead as the main access point. Participants navigate an unmarked route from peak to peak with minimal course support; drop bags are available at Echo Lakes parking. The event takes place in terrain that is primarily off trail, including talus fields, granite ledges, scrambling on hands and feet, and creek crossings.

There are three course options: 21 Peaks (the original 17-peak route plus four additional peaks called Lucifer’s Frolic), 17 Peaks (the original route), and an 11 Peak "Fun Run" that ends with a shuttle back from Fallen Leaf and skips peaks 12 through 17. The full sequence of named peaks 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.

The route is not marked and requires route-finding and off-trail mountain travel skills. A 30 hour time limit is applied to the full circuit. Registration closes on August 15 prior to the event date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.