Hike Ralston Peak Eldorado National Forest, CA

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Jun 5, 2025 — Ralston Peak is one of the more prominent peaks in Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. Although there’s a shorter hike than what we did that approaches from the south, that route was roasted in the 2021 Caldor fire. Instead, we decided to hike from Echo Lakes, since we wanted a longer and more beautiful outing. Last year I did a big loop through the Desolation Wilderness but skipped Ralston Peak, and today it made the perfect midpoint meetup spot for myself, Aaron, and Josh.

We kicked off the morning marching over the concrete dam at Lower Echo Lake along the popular and well-maintained Tahoe Rim Trail, which loops around Lake Tahoe for 160+ miles. This section doubles as the PCT, so we weren’t surprised that it got pretty popular. Right from the Echo Chalet store at the trailhead, we followed the TRT along the shoreline of Lower Echo Lake, often hugging granite cliffs. There were plenty of prime views toward the lakes, Ralston Peak above, and fancy lakeside real estate.

After ascending past Upper Echo Lake, we reached a junction with the Ralston Peak Trail. This climbed up to the northern ridgeline of the peak, then lazily wandered south toward the summit. Besides a small dip in the ridgeline, it was a straightforward endeavor to reach Ralston Peak. As the trees thinned, we got those classic Desolation views of Lake Aloha sparkling below, Pyramid Peak looking dramatic, and Mount Tallac and Lake Tahoe in the distance.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Ralston Peak

9235 ft

1118 rise

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Crossing the dam over Echo Lake.

Along the Tahoe Rim Trail, along Lower Echo Lake.

View back as the trail gradually ascends. You can see fancy cabins below on the shoreline.

Ascending past Upper Echo Lake.

View back toward Echo Lakes.

Ralston Peak seen ahead. The trail wraps around and leads up its ridgeline.

Tamarack Lake below, Ralston Peak top right.

Junction with the Ralston Peak Trail.

Along Ralston Peak's north ridge.

View back, Lake of the Woods seen below and Pyramid Peak top left.

Trail leads up the pleasant slope, rocks embedded.

Ralston Peak ahead.

Ascending the ridgeline.

Closing in on Ralston Peak.

View back: Pyramid Peak (left), Mount Price, Jacks Peak, Dicks Peak (right).

Ralston Peak just ahead.

Summit of Ralston Peak, view north.

Pyramid Peak.

Close-up toward Lake Aloha and Jacks Peak (top right).

Aaron and Josh on the summit of Ralston Peak, Echo Lakes behind them.

Mount Tallac and Lake Tahoe.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!