Hikes off of Highway 50 (around South Lake Tahoe)

Elysian Fields

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

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The hike to Susie, Heather and Aloha lakes was one of the best hikes I did last summer.  My only wish is that I had done it in July when the wildflowers were in full bloom.  I took this trek early last August and it was truly spectacular.  It had everything….lakes, ponds, wildflowers, waterfalls, and great views.  Total distance for this one was 12 miles round trip.

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This trek starts at the Glen Alpine trail head out of Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe.  See the “Grass Lake and the Fall” blog for directions this trail head.  As I stated earlier, this hike has a lot to offer.  If I had to recommend one hike to see a wide variety of mountain majesty, it would be this one.  It starts out with a gentle climb and a nice waterfall on the left about .5 miles in.  At the junction for Grass lake, you stay to the right and start climbing towards Susie lake.  Before I arrived at the lake, I passed by a series of several ponds filled with lily pads which were delightful.   I also passed a nice waterfall just before I reached the lake.  Susie lake is a very large lake and the trail follows around part of it, which offers some fabulous views.

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One of a series of ponds
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Susie Lake
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Susie Lake

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I stopped and had a snack at Susie Lake and then ventured on to Heather Lake.  Heather Lake is also fairly large, and the trail is very rocky and tricky at times.  But the view is worth the careful stepping!  When I reached the other end of the lake, I came upon a nice patch of wildflowers and took time to let all of the beauty envelope me.

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The trail at Heather Lake

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Heather lake and the magnificent Crystal Range
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Heather lake

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From Heather lake, I started the short grade up to Lake Aloha.  When I got to the top, I was pleasantly surprised by a beautiful pond.  It was very quiet and still and worthy of a few pictures even at the high light of the day.  One more short climb and I reached the shores of Lake Aloha.  Before I proceeded, I turned around and took in the fabulous view of the pond and Heather Lake.  It was quite stunning.  Lake Aloha is a huge lake and very rugged, rocky terrain.  I ventured along the shore until I reached a large flat rock and made that my lunch destination.

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A reflective pond

The combination of the warm sun and the cool breeze dancing on my skin, brought a comfort to me that words cannot describe.  At that moment, my connection to the universe was true and complete.  I could’ve stayed there much longer than I did.  I gazed out to the magnificent Crystal Mountain Range and envisioned Artemis the Greek Goddess of the earth and the moon, roaming through these Elysian Fields…and me, right there with her.

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Lake Aloha and part of the Crystal Range

 

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Lake Aloha

 

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