Desolate Peaks

Desolate Peaks

Desolate Peaks is a peak-bagging event held in the Desolation Wilderness near Twin Lakes Trailhead, Kyburz / South Lake Tahoe, California. The event gathers a small group of mountain runners who navigate between named summits using their own route planning. The route is not marked and the majority of travel is off trail, with talus fields, broken rock, granite ledges, hands-and-feet scrambling, and swift water creek crossings. The event is free and marginally supported; drop bags are provided at Echo Lakes parking and a last bailout is at the Fallen Leaf trailhead.

There are three course options:

• 21 Peaks - original 17 plus four additional peaks
• 17 Peaks - original 17-peak circuit
• 11 Peak Fun Run - shuttle back from Fallen Leaf, skips peaks 12 to 17

Named peaks on the circuit include 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, Dick's Peak, Jack's Peak, and Little Pyramid, plus optional Lucifer’s Frolic summits. Participants navigate until they either complete the circuit within the 30 hour time limit or stop. The event is not intended for those without substantial off-trail mountain experience or advanced route-finding skills. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.