Susie Lake with Cracked Crag

A popular backpacking destination in the heart of the Desolation Wilderness: subalpine Susie Lake

Bordered by red rock, Susie Lake is one of the many lakes alongside the path on which the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) merge and traverse the Desolation Wilderness. Heather Lake, Lake Aloha, Gilmore Lake, Half Moon Lake and Alta Morris Lake are not far away and easily accessible. The latter two can be reached by a two-mile, off-PCT/TRT sidetrip (one-way) via HMLT (17E31). Nearby Jack's Peak and Dicks's Peak dominate the scenery. At the center of the picture's skyline, aptly named Cracked Crag (8,782 ft, 2677 m) can't be missed.

Susie lake is named for—well—Susie. According to Mike White, (Afoot & Afield, Wilderness Press, Berkeley, 2008, p. 169) there are two females as possible place-name inspirators. One is the matriach of the Washoe Indian squaws and the other is the oldest daughter of Nathan Gilmore. Gilmore discovered the minerals springs that his wife would name Glen Alpine Springs for a verse in a romantic poem by Sir Walter Scott. Glen Alpine Trail—passing the historic spring site— is the way to take to hike the three to four miles from Lily Lake to Susie Lake.