Less than 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe (on the California side), you’ll find Desolation Wilderness: A ruggedly beautiful, federally designated area that sprawls across 63,960 acres that is home to thick alpine forests, glacial lakes, and plenty of hiking and camping opportunities — including Susie Lake.
Named after Susie Jackson, a member of the Washoe tribe who taught basket weaving while selling her unique baskets to settlers and guests at Glen Alpine Springs and Fallen Leaf Lake, the nearly 9-mile out-and-back trail takes visitors over 1,500 feet in elevation to a beautiful alpine lake known as Susie Lake. The area is popular among locals and tourists alike, mostly due to its intermediate hiking status and the gorgeous waterfalls that can be viewed throughout the hike.
Note: If you’re hiking or camping in Desolation Wilderness, you’ll need a permit. Hikers can obtain free day-use permits at the Glen Alpine trailhead — simply fill out the information, tie the permit to your hiking pack, and you’ll be good to go. Overnight campers must pay for a permit, which they can do online or by visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe. If traveling in a group, the size of your group must be 12 people or fewer.
Getting to Susie Lake Trailhead
To access Susie Lake, you’ll want to park at the Glen Alpine trailhead. If you’re coming from the South Lake Tahoe area, you’ll drive down Route 50 until eventually turning onto Fallen Leaf Lake Road. (By the way — Fallen Leaf Lake is another gorgeous alpine lake in the Tahoe region that’s worth a day trip.) Fallen Leaf Lake Road is a windy, pothole-filled, one-lane road. In the summer and fall (assuming there’s no snow), most vehicles can make it, though high-clearance vehicles are preferred. Driving this road can be a tad daunting, especially in the summer when traffic from both directions is heavy. Take your time, be patient, and be ready to yield to oncoming traffic, bikers, and pedestrians.
As with most recreational sites around Lake Tahoe, parking at Glen Alpine trailhead is tight and limited, so arrive early to ensure a spot. At the trailhead, you’ll find restroom facilities, maps, and day-use wilderness permits.
Hiking Susie Lake Trail
The hike begins as a gravel road that takes you through the remains of the historic Glen Alpine Springs, a resort that dates back to 1849 and the California Gold Rush. Eventually, the road narrows, and you’ll find yourself hiking an intermediate incline up rugged terrain surrounded by granite peaks and the occasional waterfall. There are a few switchbacks and streams to cross, but other than that, the trail is fairly straightforward. There are some stretches with minimal tree coverage, so sunscreen is recommended during the summer. The trail is very popular, but the lake is so big that it’s easy to spread out and have some alone time. Since many hikers camp overnight at Susie Lake, it’s important to be respectful of noise levels. And, as always, be sure to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace while recreating in and around Susie Lake.
We enjoyed the Susie Lake hike in July of 2023. We arrived at the trailhead around 7:15 AM and reached the lake by 10:30 AM. We spent over an hour picnicking at the lake, and the trek down took under two hours. Overall, the excursion consumed most of our day and was well worth it. This was our favorite hike in the Lake Tahoe region.
Pros vs. Cons: Susie Lake
Pros: The trail is well-maintained and in good condition. It’s lengthy, so it makes for a good full-day activity. Susie Lake is gorgeous, clear, and swimmable (although the water is COLD). There’s a river that lines most of the hike, and we took a few pit stops to splash cold water on our faces when we were feeling hot (it was July after all). The trail is far from the bustling roads of Lake Tahoe, so the only sounds you’ll hear during the hike are waterfalls, wildlife (birds, chipmunks, and squirrels), and other hikers. The views to and from the lake are exceptional.
Cons: Be sure to check AllTrails for the most updated reviews before heading out on this hike. During the spring and early summer, parts of the trail and lake may not be accessible due to snow. The parking lot is very small and fills up quickly, so plan to go early to secure a spot if you’re heading here on a weekend during the summer. The drive to the trailhead can be a bit gnarly, but if you take your time, all will be fine.
Quick Susie Lake FAQs:
Do I need a permit to hike the Susie Lake trail?
Yes — Day hikers can obtain a permit at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The permit for hiking is free (overnight camping permits require a fee) and easy to complete at the trailhead.
Is there a restroom at the Susie Lake trailhead?
Yes — There is a restroom at the Susie Lake trailhead.
Is there cell service at Susie Lake?
No — Once you reach Fallen Leaf Lake, cell phone service is minimal to non-existent. If you plan on using AllTrails to navigate your hike, download the map ahead of time.
Is Susie Lake a kid-friendly hike?
Susie Lake is a challenging hike that’s nearly 9 miles in length and over 1,500 feet of elevation gain. That being said, it’s probably not a hike you’ll want to bring young children on.
How long does it take to hike to Susie Lake?
If hiking the Susie Lake trail, plan for it to take between 5 and 8 hours. For a moderately athletic couple, we reached the lake in about 3 hours. We spent a little over one hour at the lake, then hiked back to the parking area for about 2 hours. Overall, we spent about 6 hours doing the Susie Lake hike.
What is the parking like for Susie Lake?
The parking area is very small, though it does have 2 designated spots for handicapped vehicles. Once all parking spots are taken, people park along the narrow road leading to the lot. During the peak season — weekends in the summer and holidays — be sure to arrive early in the morning (before 9 AM).
Are dogs allowed at Susie Lake?
Yes — dogs are allowed in Desolation Wilderness, but they should be leashed while hiking the Susie Lake trail. El Dorado County has the right to enforce leash laws inside the wilderness boundaries if dogs are off-leash and caught posing a safety hazard to people, wildlife, or other dogs.
The Traveling Worker 
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