On my last California backpacking trip before moving out of state for 15 years, I saw Lake Aloha in Desolation Wilderness for the first time. I was 1,500′ above the valley, and Aloha was like a magnificent series of gems set in granite. Little did I know that it would take me 20 years to see it up close, but I finally got to stand on its shore and even splash around a bit! The hike in was stunningly beautiful. The hike out was beautiful but . . . also a little crazy. Come along and see!
Backcountry Pilgrim 