A maintained trail exists for half the distance up the trail. You're on your own after that. The sign post at the boundary of the Desolation Wilderness Area. This is about one mile and a quarter from Highway 50. Everyone must fill out a form for a day use permit, which is free.
Woods line the trail for much of the way.
These views are all along the upper falls. No maintained trail exists beyond the halfway point. People make their way up as best they can. In many places the best path is still slippery and dangerous. Wear heavy hiking boots.