Trailhead: Pyramid Peak
Elevation: Pyramid Peak (9983), Mount Agassiz (9967), Mount Price (9975), Mount Ralston (9235)
Distance: 25 - 30 miles
Time: Half a day
In July of 2018 I ran a loop around the Desolation Wilderness in Tahoe tagging Pyramid Peak, Agassiz, Price, and Ralston on the way. Although the day started out hazy with smoke from a nearby fire, rain cleared the air partway through the run. This was before I wore a GPS watch while running but my phone estimated the run at around 30 miles. I saw beautiful views of Lake Aloha and swam in it at the midpoint of the run. This was a moderately difficult day for a long distance trail runner but worth it for the views and the access to water.
I began by parking my car at the upper trailhead to Mt Ralston (see map) and running down highway 50 to the Pyramid Peak trailhead. I recommend doing this very early in the morning because even though it is a short stretch of road (< 1 mile) it is unpleasant when there are many cars whipping around the turns. I then hiked up the steep trail to Pyramid Peak and scrambled the ridge separating Pyramid, Agassiz, and Price. This ridge is steep at times but with careful route-finding it is not more difficult than class 3.
After Price I descended down rocky slabs to Lake Aloha where it is possible to pick up the trail that circumnavigates the lake. From here you can follow the trail to the summit of Mount Ralston, which has spectacular views of both Lake Tahoe and Lake Aloha. Then return to the trail and complete the long dusty descent to your car.
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