The boundary for Desolation Wilderness is about one mile in from the Twin Lakes Trailhead. We have our wilderness permit! These are issues at a self-service kiosk at the trailhead.

Dayhike to Twin Lakes and Island Lake with Rich and the County Hikers. Sunny, clear, warm day. Plenty of water in the creeks, but not enough to cause problems. Pleasantly surprised that this popular hiking area was not overwhelmed with people. This allowed us to enjoy a fine day with excellent company, in a very scenic area.

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Frank Farmer > Our route map. The parking lot by the trailhead was full, so we had to park in an overflow lot about a mile back up the road. This upped the one-way distance for our hike to about four miles.

Frank Farmer > Trailhead group photo. From left: Frank (me), Bree, Mary Anne, Jean (kneeling), Howdy, Rich, Karen (kneeling), Judy, and Marie.

Frank Farmer > The first leg of the hike takes us through forest. Even now, we are appreciating the shade. It will be a warm (but not hot) day up here. Down in the Sacramento Valley, it will be over 100 degrees, and we are glad to be here. From left: Jean, Mary Anne, Rich, Howdy.

Frank Farmer > We're glad all the mud is dried up through here. This was all flooded out just a few weeks ago.

Frank Farmer > Criss-crossing flow patterns across a slab. Soon the trail breaks out in the open, across (and up) massive and beautiful granite slabs.

Frank Farmer > Rich pursues photo-ops with flowers. Wildflower conditions today are excellent.

Frank Farmer > The boundary for Desolation Wilderness is about one mile in from the Twin Lakes Trailhead. We have our wilderness permit! These are issues at a self-service kiosk at the trailhead.

The boundary for Desolation Wilderness is about one mile in from the Twin Lakes Trailhead. We have our wilderness permit! These are issues at a self-service kiosk at the trailhead.