About This Route
Echo Lake, straddling the Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, offers PCT access via the water taxi from Echo Lake Resort at PCT mile 1,096. Swim in lower or upper Echo Lake amid granite islands and Desolation peaks. The 2-mile PCT float shortcut saves 2,500 feet of climb; swimming complements day hikes to Aloha Lake. Busy weekends demand caution amid boats, per Eldorado National Forest alerts.
Safety Considerations
Water at 6,800 feet chills to 55 degrees Fahrenheit; boat wakes create turbulence. Rocky bottoms snag toes; probe entry. Propane hazards from motors; stay 100 feet clear. Afternoon winds whip up 2-foot waves. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency mandates life jackets for under-13s; adopt for all. Bear-aware camping per Leave No Trace.
Essential Gear
Inflatable PFD from MTI Adventurewear. Water shoes from Keen. Drysuit or wetsuit for prolonged swims. Floating GPS tracker. Bear spray canister.
Emergency Tips
Boat strike: yell and dive shallow. Exhaustion: signal taxi captain. Hypothermia: warm core first at lake shore. Call Tahoe Search and Rescue at 530-543-2600 or use SPOT device.
Elevate your Tahoe PCT swims with proven safety.