Glen Alpine to Grass Lake
Photos Maps Summary: This is a nice little hike into the Desolation Wilderness from the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Before reaching the trailhead be sure to stop and take a look at Fallen Leaf Lake with Mt Tallac behind and then Glen Alpine Falls. Three more lesser waterfalls await along the trail before reaching a gorgeous viewpoint at Grass Lake for the best waterfall of the bunch, Susie Lake Falls. Snow usually lingers at Grass Lake until late-May, but it is accessible if you don't mind getting your shoes wet. During the spring, the multiple creek crossings are most difficult and you should use good judgment before proceeding. The Glen Alpine Trailhead is a popular one during the summer, so be sure to arrive early.Distance: 5.45 miles totalElevation Gain/Loss: 725' totalSeason: late-May through OctoberFees & Permits: Wilderness Permits are required for dayhikers (can register at trailhead) and overnighters (can obtain at the Tahoe Visitor Center in South Lake Tahoe).
Finding the Trailhead: 38.8772 N, 120.0808 W (Glen Alpine Trailhead). From the US-50/CA-89 in South Lake Tahoe follow CA-89 to the northwest for ~3.1 miles and turn left onto Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Follow the road (very narrow) along the eastern shore of the lake for ~4.8 miles before turning left onto Glen Alpine Road. Follow this road up to the trailhead after a further ~0.8 miles. You may need to park a little ways back down the road from the trailhead if it is full (which it will be in the summer).
The Hike: The trail begins by following the old road to the Glen Alpine Springs Resort. During the spring, sections of this road may be flooded. At ~0.45 miles the road passes the base of Modjeska Falls. The trail continues by climbing the hill to the north and then turning west. It continues to climb to the west and southwest before arriving at the Springs at ~1.1 miles. From here, the trail continues to climb to the southwest and west before turning to the northwest and north as it intersects with the Grass Lake Trail at ~1.55 miles. From here, you can view Lower Gilmore Falls from its base ~125' to the northwest. You can also view it from the brink by following the trail to the north where it sharply turns to the left and climbs to the top of the falls. Also, there is a nice viewpoint just off the trail east of the sharp turn that looks down the Glen Alpine Canyon. Back at the Grass Lake Trail junction, follow the trail to the west and quickly come to a creek crossing (just below Lower Gilmore Falls). Find a suitable place to cross and continue following the trail to the southwest. About 0.2 miles from the Grass Lake Trail junction, the trail comes to a pool just above a pinch point in the creek. Skirt the eastern edge of the pool and find the large log at the southeastern end that will allow you to cross without getting wet (or bring your water shoes and walk through the shallowest part). The trail then continues to the west before crossing another small creek (may be dry later in the year) and arriving just southeast of Grass Lake Falls ~0.3 miles from the Grass Lake Trail junction. Leave the trail to the northwest to get to the base of this waterfall. Back on the trail, continue to the south and southwest as the trail climbs up towards Grass Lake. The trail reaches Grass Lake at its southeastern tip and follows the southern shoreline to the northwest. After a little ways there will be nice views looking over the lake to the northwest towards the mountains. About half way along the southern shore, views of Susie Lake Falls begin to appear. Follow the trail all the way to the peninsula on the northwestern end of the lake (~1.15 miles from the Grass Lake Trail junction and ~2.7 miles from the trailhead) and find a nice place to sit and rest and enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and Susie Lake Falls.
