Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness

The easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a permit before entering the area. The trailhead is right next to Lily Lake which is a great spot to have a picnic. The hike starts as a gravel road and follows the Glen Alpine Creek. On your way up you will see Modjeska falls, Soda Springs, and the historic Glen Alpine Resort. The resort, which was built in 1884, was run by Nathan Gilmore. Continue on the Glen Alpine trail until you reach an intersection with a sign pointing towards Grass Lake. Do not take the path towards Grass Lake, but instead continue right at the fork. You will hit two more intersections where you should also take the right fork. At this point you will be on the Pacific Crest Trail. Continue north until an intersection with a sign pointing towards Gilmore Lake. The lake is then less than a tenth of a mile from this intersection.

Feel free to explore the perimeter of the lake as their are many awesome camping spots and beaches.

If you are feeling more adventurous, there is a trail on the southeast side of the lake that will take you to the Summit of Mt. Tallac, which is one of the tallest peaks in Desolation Wilderness.