Lower Echo Lake – Upper Echo Lake loop from Mountainside

If you're looking at the Lower Echo Lake – Upper Echo Lake loop from Mountainside for a touring cycling adventure, you need to know this upfront: despite being listed for touring cycling, this 16.2 miles (26.1 km) route with 612 feet (187 metres) of elevation gain is actually a rugged hiking trail, rated moderate, and largely impassable for bikes. Expect a journey that takes around 1 hours and 36 minutes on foot, not on wheels, making it best suited for experienced hikers seeking alpine beauty, not cyclists.

What to expect on Lower Echo Lake – Upper Echo Lake loop from Mountainside

This trail, located near Lake Tahoe in California, is a true Sierra Nevada experience, characterized by its granite landscape and uneven terrain. You'll traverse over natural rock formations and scree, requiring sturdy footwear and a willingness to dismount frequently if you somehow attempt it on a bike. The scenery is the real draw, with panoramic vistas of crystalline alpine lakes, mixed pine forests, and wildflower meadows. You'll see peaks like Flagpole Peak, Becker Peak, and Talking Mountain, with distant views of Lake Tahoe possible. It's a challenging route for hikers, and for touring cyclists, it's simply not feasible.

Planning your visit

The Echo Lakes trail serves as a significant entry point into the Desolation Wilderness, which requires permits for entry. While the Komoot data lists a start point in Mountainside, New Jersey, the actual Echo Lakes trail is in California. This trail is a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), making it popular with thru-hikers. Amenities like cabin rentals and a store are available at Echo Chalet at Lower Echo Lake, and a seasonal water taxi can help hikers shorten their journey. Be prepared for rugged conditions and plan for a hiking trip, not a cycling one.

• Distance: 16.2 miles (26.1 km)
• Elevation gain: 612 feet (187 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 36 minutes