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English: Desolation Wilderness Conditions Report: Wilderness Ranger, Kristine Koran, July 1 to 4, 2017. provided these great visuals on the snowy conditions that are still persistent in Desolation. Entering Desolation from the Echo Lakes trailhead, solid snow cover begins at Haypress Meadow (8,200 ft.). Trails to Lake of the Woods, Lake Aloha, and beyond are mostly obscured by snow. Drifts can be up to 15 feet deep. Visitors to the area will need to have a map and compass and good navigation skills. Trekking poles, sturdy waterproof boots, and additional traction, such as crampons/cleats strongly advised. Also, good sunglasses and sunscreen. Melting snow/ice may form a shelf that looks solid but can easily collapse under a hikers weight. Streams that are passable in the morning may not be in the afternoon as snow melts.