Lost Lake (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lost Lake |
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 Lost Lake
Location in California
Lost Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Desolation Wilderness El Dorado County, California |
| Coordinates | 38°51′38″N 120°05′51″W / 38.8605°N 120.0974°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 0.7 ha (1.7 acres) |
| Average depth | 1.9 m (6.2 ft) |
| Water volume | 12,500 m3 (10.1 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,475 m (8,120 ft) |
| Frozen | November–June |
Lost Lake is a beautiful lake found in the Desolation Wilderness. This special area is part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, United States. It is located south of the very famous Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County.
There are a few other places also called 'Lost Lake'. This particular Lost Lake is not the one near the Colorado River. It is also different from the 'Lost Lake' found off the Cajon Pass in California.
Contents
Discovering Lost Lake
Lost Lake is a small but interesting lake. It is nestled high up in the mountains. The lake is part of a wild and protected natural area. This means it is a great place to experience nature.
Where is Lost Lake?
Lost Lake is located in the Desolation Wilderness. This wilderness area is in El Dorado County, California. It is part of the larger Sierra Nevada mountain range. The lake sits at a high elevation of about 2,475 meters (around 8,120 feet) above sea level.
What Makes Lost Lake Special?
Lost Lake is known for its peaceful setting. It is a small lake, covering about 0.7 hectares (or 1.7 acres). Its deepest point is about 1.9 meters (around 6.2 feet). The lake holds about 12,500 cubic meters of water. That is like 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Seasonal Changes
Because of its high elevation, Lost Lake experiences cold winters. The lake usually freezes over. This happens from November all the way through June. This means it is often covered in ice and snow for a large part of the year. During the summer, the ice melts, and the lake becomes a clear, cool body of water.
Exploring the Desolation Wilderness
The Desolation Wilderness is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, and camping. The area is known for its granite peaks and clear alpine lakes. Lost Lake is one of many such lakes in this beautiful region.
Protecting the Environment
The Desolation Wilderness is a protected area. This means rules are in place to keep it wild and clean. Visitors are asked to follow "Leave No Trace" principles. This helps protect the natural beauty for everyone. It also keeps the plants and animals safe.
