Glen Alpine Springs Trailhead
Glen Alpine Springs Trailhead is an access point for hiking routes near Lake Tahoe in California. It sits at the end of Fallen Leaf Road with a large parking area, from which multiple trails branch out into a landscape of lakes, forests, and granite formations.
The site developed around the Glen Alpine Spring Resort from the late 1800s, whose stone and wood buildings remain visible today. The area served as a retreat for early visitors and retained its role as a quiet destination for those seeking nature over time.
The trailhead serves both locals and visitors as an entry point into the wilderness beyond. The area carries the name from the historic Glen Alpine Spring Resort and maintains a tangible connection to the region's early settlement period.
Access is via Fallen Leaf Road south of South Lake Tahoe, with the parking lot filling quickly on busy days. Bring plenty of water as none is available on-site, arrive early for better parking, and note that overnight trips into Desolation Wilderness require a permit obtained in advance or at the trailhead.
Remains of the historic Glen Alpine Spring Resort line the trail, including preserved stone and wood structures from the late 1800s. These buildings offer a rare glimpse into early settlement history and can be explored as you start your hike toward Susie Lake and beyond.
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