Ralston Trailhead

Niyat patel

Very steep slope but the view is worth all the sweat

Gavin Finley

Most direct access to Desolation from 50, but I wouldn't want to tackle the climb with an overnight pack given another option. The typical climb up Ralston will give your legs a strong workout going both directions and rewards the effort with great, if not spectacular, views of Tahoe, Upper and Lower Echo, Talac, southern Desolation, and when clear the Coast Range. Beware the parking area entrance, the transition from pavement to dirt has a bit of a drop that too low of a car can bottom out. If you're lucky you may be able to grab one of the limited spots up by the true trailhead and save a couple hundred feet of walking up the dirt road. As others have mentioned there are no facilities (water, trash, toilets), so come prepared.

Bob Herguth

Great views of Sierra Ski Ranch. 2000 feet of climb over 4 miles, so a moderate climb.

dave pittman

nice place to hike, pretty easy to follow the trail. It is quite uphill, and the views are nice, but nothing breathtaking until you get to the very top. Make sure you are in shape if you want to enjoy this to the max. It's a little over three and a half miles up from parking lot to peak, and the elevation gain is nearly 3,000 ft.