Half Moon Lake

Beyond the granite croppings: water is cascading down a cliff above the lake's west end, between the slopes of Dick's Peak and Jack's Peak (July 24, 2018)

Pristine Half Moon Lake is a day-hiking and backpacking destination in the Desolation Wilderness of California's El Dorado National Forest. This subalpine cirque lake west of Mt. Tallac is tucked in along the bottom of a surrounding mountain half-circle that includes majestic Dick's Peak (9,974 ft, 3040 m) and Jack's Peak (9,856 ft, 3004 m). If your are looking for a spot to step into the lake for swimming or fishing, the south-southeast shoreline alongside the granite rock croppings may be your best bet. Other areas around the lake feature lush fields and wildflower meadows. They certainly are wet and soft early in the season, not providing easy access to the lake.

Half Moon Lake with granite banks and waterfall

Beyond the granite croppings: water is cascading down a cliff above the lake's west end, between the slopes of Dick's Peak and Jack's Peak (July 24, 2018)