That, my friends, was an adventure to be relayed another day. Initial challenge of incline levels off in about 2 miles. Day 1: Saturday finally arrived and while it was drizzling in Vacaville, from where we left, it was looking to be relatively dry on the trail until about 2pm. VERY glad to have brought trekking poles. A half-mile down, across a creek, continue northwest to Middle Velma Lake. Would recommend water shoes or flip flops for the water crossing before the lakes. Traversing Maggies Peak on a ledge the width of only 1 of our feet. The temps were in the 80's during the day and only dipped to about 50 at night. Eagle Lake via Eagle Falls Trail. Head west on the Phipps Pass trail to approximately 8800 feet. Music is the final movement of Grieg's Piano Concerto. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Some pretty long, steep climbs up to the ridge, but well worth it. Watch out for yellow-jackets at campground entrance. I love the Bayview Trail. Such a great area!!! While climbing away from Eagle Lake there are great views looking down. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I enjoyed this hike and the views. The cool temps were a blessing, because as you have probably read elsewhere, the Granite Lake trail immediately starts on a significant incline. . EASY 1.9 mi. Go do this one if you're in the area and weather permits. The river crossing of course, was at the beginning of the trek and given the ease in which I had crossed it the day prior I made the silly decision to cross it without my water shoes. Going down is even better, because you’ll have an amazing view over Emerald Bay. 6. You can also follow this same creek all the way down to Lower Velma, which is what we did on a day hike the next day. One stream to cross close to the Velmas, but a steeping stone bridge allowed us to stay in our hiking boots and not get feet wet. Sadly, just prior to the Maggies Peak trail, we followed the wrong set of tracks and found ourselves on a precarious slope. In no particular hurry, we ate breakfast, packed up, and hit the trail about 8:35pm. Very hard uphill climb at the beginning, we went to Maggies peaks and the view was astounding. Difficulty: Difficult Elevation: 6910′ / 8440′ Mileage (one way): 1 to 5 miles Directions to Trailhead: To reach the Bayview hiking trail take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 8 miles to the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point. Opening and closing dates are dependant on the weather. Very steep at the beginning, but a beautiful hike overall! Ever so slowly, we made our way across. This is actually the smaller of two parts of the lake - the main section is 0.4 miles further, reached by turning left at the next junction; straight on passes the west shore of Middle Velma … DIFFICULT 1.9 mi. Thankfully, the sun shining on the snow banks, the birds singing their songs, and the reflections on the water made all that was transpiring seem insignificant. Beautiful, highlights were Phipps pass and found a small little unnamed lake that was amazing and full of life. Stopping for lunch, we enjoyed the views of Dick’s Peak/Pass fully covered in snow and the surrounding mountain range. Trail Conditions Backpacking to Middle Velma Lake is an amazing opportunity, something that is recommended for everyone. If you go during the early morning or later in the evening, mosquitos this time of year are gnarly so bring bug spray. They say good things come in threes, and it’s true when you embark on this 8-mile (round-trip) hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. While the log was too narrow for me to cross with my dog, others were managing it just fine. Next time I’ll head for Dick’s or Fontanelli Lakes. Significantly colder quick. They made the hills and stream crossings so much easier to cover safely. I started at first light (6am), and had to use my flashlight to find the trail a couple times early on. This is just the first bit of picturesque freshwater bodies on this hike. The two trailheads that offer easiest access to these lakes are both along CA 89 on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, at Bayview Campground and at the parking lot for the short hike (1000 feet) to Upper Eagle Falls just above Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe's western shore. The views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay were great during the climb. Lower Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm Castle. Beautiful. This is a well-maintained trail, with much to see, and good views of the lake about half way to Granite Lake. Sane distance. Snow only covers parts of the trail after the saddle back for Maggie’s Peak. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until August. Just prior to Maggies Peak, we began to encounter snow on the trail. Hiking the Bay View trail gives you several beautiful vistas of Lake Michigan, the farms, and North and South Manitou Islands. We did this as a single overnight backpacking trip so we could take our time. Because the snow covered the trail, we are not sure where the trail is in relation to the log as we are not entirely sure we went to the water via the trail. The weather the week prior was all over the map, vacillating between rain, thunderstorms, partly cloudy and snow with temperatures forecasted between 27-48 degrees. THE GOOD NEWS: After the first couple miles, the trail mellows significantly. This is a beautiful trail. The trailhead is very congested and parking can be difficult if you do not reach the trailhead early. The original plan was to continue on the Granite Lake trail up to Dick’s Lake, only to follow the PCT across Dick’s Pass to Middle Velma. Break Free From Your Story, Saving Grace ~ By Guest Author Rhianna Moehrke, Miles in to Middle Velma via Granite Lake Trail – 5.41, Miles out to the car via Eagle Lake Trail – 5.80, Total Elevation Gain – 1654 (Day 1), 613 (Day 2). Following the footsteps of others before us, with occasional help from our GPS, we continued. Two trailheads offer the most ready access to this area: Eagle Falls and Bayview Campground. Stopped at Maggie's Peak South for a great view! Skirt around the shore of Upper Velma and you will come to a creek crossing that will take you to Middle Velama. Follow the trail west past Eagle Lake. We had a quiet trek back up the mountain until ultimately coming to the Eagle Lake Trail Junction. The ambitious or hikers with time can make this a loop by continuing onto Fontanellis and Middle Velma Lake before rejoining the trail back to Bayview. To end the hike you can go back the way you came from towards Bayview Campground and end up at your parked car. Bayview Campground serves as a Trailhead for Desolation Wilderness. We took a long weekend, hiked to Middle Velma Lake, and were blown away by the alpine… My first foot hit the flat granite and down I went. This was a great loop. While the night temps had not dropped to freezing, as forecasted, the sun was energizing. It’s about a mile to the lake, and the trail follows the lakeshore for … Along the way, the trail will contour along part of Upper Velma Lake. Although the cold was keeping most wildlife away, the songs of the birds was soothing to the soul. Needless to say, my dog Tyson was unable to make the traverse, so I had to carry him by the handle of his pack which required he dangle, yes dangle, over the edge. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Barefoot, with my boots in one hand, and Tyson in the other I stepped into the freezing water. Thankfully, we found an area, sheltered by granite boulders, close to the lake and dry enough to set up camp. We see access 1.45 miles West to Camper Flat in Rockbound Valley. When I was there in June, we’ve seen a couple of people, but not the crowds we expected. Saw mountain lion tracks outside our tent at Middle Velma so make sure all food is secured away from tents and what not (ours were and no issue!) Bayview trailhead, up, up, up is the name of the game until you get to the ridge above Granite Lake. One small stream crossing that is an easy hop across. There is a water crossing, to get to Middle Velma, which is essentially the mouth of the river between the two lakes. Areas not covered in snow were swamp like and we worried finding a dry place to set up would be difficult. Beautiful hike! A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. There is a water crossing, to get to Middle Velma, which is … Instead, we chose to take a right onto the Velma Lakes Trail where we again had some route-finding difficulty due to the snow. 2 miles up, to be exact, so even though we were hiking in 46-degree weather, we were all sweating. Middle Velma Lake. My son (12) and I are new to backpacking. Heading to Desolation Wilderness, Middle Velma Lake to be exact, with snow still in them there mountains was questionable. With a lot of team work, we managed to get the three of us (and the dog) safely across. We had lunch and turned back. Summary: This is a great semi-loop hike in the Desolation Wilderness southwest of Lake Tahoe. Let me tell you, preparing for the first backpacking trip of the season was a nail biter. We even added the short (steep!) Had we not been so terrified, a picture of that would have been priceless. Once on dry ground, I learned I had cut up my foot and knee, and filled my boots with water. This trail is about a mile long and takes you past Upper Velma Lake to the left, straight to Middle Velma. Trail Description: The two main trail heads for Upper Velma are Eagle Lakes or Bayview.We chose Bayview, one, because we camped the night before at the Bayview Campground, two, because it saves you a few hundred feet of climbing, and three, because the … Dicks Lake, Gilmore Lake, and Lake Aloha from Cascade Lake, Eagle Falls Trailhead to Middle Velma Lake to Dicks Lake to Suzie Lake, Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake, and Eagle Lake Loop, Eagle Falls to Lake Schmidell and Lake Louis, Eagle Falls Trail to Bayview Trail Junction, Eagle Falls Trailhead to Glen Alpine Trailhead, Maggie's Peak, Eagle Lake, Granite Lake Loop. Middle Velma is a gorgeous lake, and we were lucky to have no one in our immediate area. The hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). 8. Parts of the summit are clear but the trail is still buried. Two lessons learned…. I'm new to backpacking. It’s nonstop uphill but the switchbacks are gentle and there are constant rewards. Parking is located at the far end of the campground where you also have the option to hike to Cascade Falls. Trail is pretty easy to follow, and seems well maintained. A longer, yet still moderate hike, the trek to Middle Velma Lake is well worth the effort. Part of the reason why this is one of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe is because you’ll travel along two other notable hikes: Eagle Lake and Emerald Point View. erikaw 1 year, 1 month ago Track (9/1/19, 12:10:26PM) ... Maggies Peaks via Bayview Trail. Still manageable, still cold, still gorgeous. Trail description: The trail to Granite, Azure and Dick’s Lakes begins at Bayview Trail head which is one of the starting points for hikes into the Desolation Wilderness. Break Free From Your Story © 2020. Brad Branan: 916-321-1065 , @BradB_at_SacBee This is a 9 mile moderately strenuous hike from the Bay View Trailhead to Velma Lakes where we’ll stop for lunch. Middle Velma Lake to Eagle Falls Trailhead. Camped at Dicks and Middle Velma both spots were great and had great swimming. To get back to our car (at the Bayview Campground) we had to walk on Highway 50, uphill and across traffic, for a mile. You can get past a few sections and manage to pick up the trail but eventually the trail is completely buried. There was plenty of powdery snow to sink into. Trailheads on El Dorado National Forest (West) Side. Overall great loop. Enjoy the solitude. Middle Velma is well-worth an overnight if you’re looking to backpack. Hike from Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe up the Bayview trail to Lake Fontanillis and Middle Velma Lake. With them, went the temperature. Definitely a "moderate" difficulty trail. Bay View Campground is located across the Inspiration Point Trolley stop above Emerald Bay! It was just plain cold. Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes is a 10.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Tahoma, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail was not too crowded & all hikers as usual were very respectful of social distancing when passing. Trekking on, although we were meandering on flat ground through the forest, the snow was plentiful and the trail could not be seen. At the River, we learned from hikers on the other side that we should head up stream to the log. Bayview Trail goes for about 2 miles before you reach the next trail junction for Middle Velma Lake. Head north on the PCT for 1.2 miles to the junction with the Phipps Pass trail. Beautiful. The higher we went, the more difficult route finding was, and we were thankful for the plotted maps and GPS tracking we had with us. I doubt there will be enough snow melt in the next few weeks to clear the trail to the summit and beyond that will be a month or more. We set up camp, enjoyed some hot tea, and relished in the fact that it really didn’t seem that cold. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until August. Many short options and loops are possible with this trail. If you insist on trying for Velma Lake bring real crampons and poles and make sure you have a gps or AllTrails (and bring an extra battery pack for your phone - this app is a battery hog trying to find a signal). We hiked past Fontanillas Lake on the second day, crossing another stream on rocks and downed logs, and camped second night at one of the half dozen or fewer campsites along the shore of Dick's Lake. Consider heading to Maggie's Peak or create a loop with Eagle Falls Trail, or head higher into the wilderness and Velma Lake, near the PCT. My previous experiences in the high country were on horse and packed mules. Bay View Trail to Eagle Lake - Bay View to Velma Lake to Emerald Bay Hike WHAT: End of season hike on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Day hikers may pick up a day-use permit at the self serve area at the Trailhead. Continue on the trail for another ¼ mile to Middle Velma. If you want this to be a full loop hike, use the Eagle Falls trail instead. Mud and mosquitos but rather warm nights and serenity. Donning my water shoes and rolling up my pants I successfully, and rather easily, carried my dog across. Beautiful. We learned from the ranger, there was a 30% chance of showers around 2pm, into the evening, and snow on the ground at higher elevations. The trek from the lake to Eagle Falls trailhead/parking lot was about 5 miles. A hiking blog with a little something extra. Eagle Falls or Bayview Trailhead access to Middle Velma, Fontanillis, and Dicks Lakes along the combined route of the TYT-PCT-TRT. As the drizzle began, and the temperatures continued to drop, we were thankful to be getting closer to camp. Mosquitos were present around the lakes and in the forested areas of the trail, especially at 8,000+ elevation, but they're pretty slow and easy to kill. It’s a climb up to Maggie’s peak but it’s absolutely worth it! The snow made us turn around at one point, but it was a beautiful hike! After passing Granite Lake, make your way up steep granite … Going down towards Eagle Falls was a bit tough. The trail was an alternating pattern of dirt and granite rocks to maneuver around. The skies were grey, but the rain had not yet shown itself. Fantastic hard hike. This first lake, I would imagine, is a great place to take a dip in warmer weather and would be your first chance to filter water, if needed. We loved lunch on the Velma lakes! Loose gravel on rock and rocky steep steps but not too terrible if prepared. North Desolation Wilderness Backpacking That puts backpacking loops out of Eagle Falls or Bayview Trailheads to Middle Velma past Fontanillis Lake back to our respective trailhead at 10.33 miles EASY 2.7 mi. After leaving Eagle Lake, the trail climbs steeply, eventually reaching a fork for Velma Lakes and Bayview Camp, go right to Velma Lakes. Starting from Eagle falls Trailhead to Eagle Lake, Upper Velma Lake, Middle Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake ( Campsite) , Dicks Lake and coming back with Bayview trail. The place was packed, and the traffic was bumper to bumper. The trail continues to climb until Maggies Peak appears on your left. Continue west for another 2.2 miles where the trail meets the PCT by Middle Velma Lake. Middle Velma Lake Trail is a 9.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Tahoma, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This trailhead will also continue on to Upper, Middle and Lower Velma lakes as well as many other spectacular cirque lakes and alpine granitic landscape along this trail head. The map below-Left focuses on the route of the TYT … Lots of elevation gain if you start Bayview at the very start up to Maggie’s but the rest of the trail is pleasant and varied. The hike to the overlook is about 0.5 miles from the trailhead. Maggie's Peaks just south of the trailhead. This got us to Highway 50, where on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend it looked like Disneyland’s parking lot. Definitely recommend! Great views on the climb up and at the summit. Follow the sign towards Desolation. About 2-3" of snow cover for most of the hike, but it was easy enough even without traction. At the Bayview Trail junction turn right, and head toward the Velma Lakes. Trekking poles aren’t necessary but really nice to have on the way down - there are many boulders and rocks to maneuver around. Climbed on top of Maggie's Peak for lunch with view. My dog, well, he was along for the ride and had no say. In the early part of the hike you walk past Upper Eagle F alls and Eagle Lake (requires side-trail). The rain was not hard, and it was not significantly stormy; just steady enough to cause our retreat to bed at 8:15. Hikers have the option to complete a 5 mile hike by catching the Eagle Falls Trail and ending the trip at the Eagle Falls Trailhead. We awoke to the sun rising over the ridge and what a welcome site that was. You’ll come to a creek crossing that requires some rock hopping as there’s no bridge. We camped the first night at Upper Velma Lake in one of many flat campsites about 50-75 ft from shore. The first 2 miles are pretty steep, but it calms a bit as you go beyond that. It's 2.49 miles from Middle Velma Lake to the trail junction South of Fontanillis Lake. Opting to experience something new, with less snow, we went that route. Middle Velma Lake To the west high above incredible Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe is a granite basin filled with pristine mountain lakes in the Desolation Wilderness, three of which are the Velma Lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower. Pass by another junction for Dick's Pass and Dick's Lake heading off to the left. We did not see very many people along this part of the trail. After 2.6 miles the trail converges with the Bayview Campground trail. Due to the rocks, I'm glad I had my hiking poles! On our return, we’ll take the Emerald Bay Trail past Eagle Lake to Eagle Falls overlooking Emerald Bay. While the serenity of our camp was gone, the adventure was far from over. First snow today was incredible. Tucking that thought away, we were back on relatively snow free ground, but now found ourselves hiking in a good amount of water as the “trail” had become a freeway for the snow melt. The middle Velma was less impressive than I’d hoped. Return hike diverted to Eagle Lake trail down, which was beautiful, but a little more traffic. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. The shade of the pines on the hike up caused a chilly morning to be even chillier. The rest of the trail to Middle Velma Lake is a mildly undulating route through mixed forest and around granite … Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes is a 10.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Tahoma, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Lots of great views. There was still some snow on the surrounding slopes that created a stunning cascade that spilled into the western side of the lake. We did get to see views of Middle Velma … At this point it becomes a scramble up loose dirt and rock and snow. It wasn’t until the three of us were more than half way across, that we saw others much more expeditiously following a trail lower to the same place we were going….. Ugh. 4 miles in soaking wet socks and boots, over the snow, with injuries was necessary, but didn’t sound particularly fun. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Step Into Your Journey….. The trail is well maintained but does tend to get a little difficult in the starting few miles. 8. With lighter packs, it was a welcomed change and the scenery (The view of Eagle Lake, and Eagle Falls) was just different enough to make it all worth it. Small enough patches to allow for trail finding on the other side, but deep enough to require slow and careful footing to avoid post holing. Velma provided serene lakeside view-complete with lots of jumping trout!! From the trailhead, follow signs to Eagle Lake. Had I fallen backwards I would have been strapped to my 40 pound pack floating away with the current. Returning to camp we settled in, ate our dinner, and just as clean up began the rain drops started. Step Into Your Journey….. Trailhead : Miles One Way: Difficulty: Twin Lakes to: Grouse Lake: 2.1: Moderate/Difficult : Hemlock Lake Just enough variety to make things interesting. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Still a great day! temison 1 year, 1 month ago Middle Velma Lake to Lower Eagle Falls Trail. Preferring not to wade knee to waist deep in the freezing and swiftly moving water we did just that. Unnamed Pond The Velma Lakes are a popular destination for hikers into the Desolation Wilderness coming from Lake Tahoe. 7. You will then pass by an unnamed smaller lake on the left side of the trailand after about 4 1/2 miles you will reach Middle Velma Lake off to your right. Granite lake is full and very pretty. Because of the snow, we were unable to fully ascertain how many camp sites there really are around the lake. We had been told it was passable, with some stating there was a log that could be used for crossing. Humbling to say the least. Eagle Lake Trail is steeper than Granite Lake Trail and is comprised of mostly “steps”. Craig North of Bayview Camp Trail Intersection Notice snow in background (end of August). The trail does not actually go down to the lake, so traveling across the snow-covered terrain was required. The hike to Eagle Lake is very popular so you can expect to see many, many day hikers on the trail to Eagle Lake, and expect to see many hikers making their way to the Velma … However, snow starts to cover the trail shy of the summit at about 8100 feet. Details: Middle Velma Lake - Desolation Wilderness Trail Head At: Bayview Trailhead Campground, South Lake Tahoe Length: 10 Miles Elevation Gain: 2100 Feet This was our first time backpacking Desolation Wilderness in South Tahoe and we absolutely loved it! You can easily rest at granite lake. Emerald Bay early in the morning from near the trailhead. Really enjoyed this hike to Upper Velma Lake! This was a great trail on which to build a 3 day, 2 night trip starting 8/19. The Bayview trail begins with mellow ascent beneath redwoods with Emerald Bay on your right up to Granite Lake on your left. For more detailed information clickhere. With packs fully loaded, we started at the Bayview Trailhead to follow the Granite Lake Trail. A Wilderness Permit is required to enter Desolation Wilderness. Avoid meddle Velma way to many people, felt almost like car camping. The only downfall to this trail is that the closer we got to Eagle Falls, the more crowded it became. The trek out to Middle Velma is 7.6 miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you want to see. There’s so many more switchbacks than the trail suggests when you zoom in so it logged a little over 10.5 mi for us roundtrip. climb to Maggies which boasts an amazing view! Back on the main road after the trail is a very interesting mosiac fish statue. Stopping for a quick break at Middle Velma … South Shore and West Shore Tahoe is loaded with lodging opportunities! Thankfully, next to it, was an area in the river that was ankle deep and comprised of flat granite. Beautiful day. At this point, we had traveled about 5 miles in 5 hours and we were cold and tired. As we finally began our descent we noted the Eagle Lake Trail junction and thought perhaps that would be our route home for different scenery and to avoid the snow we had just encountered. We were quickly thrust from the serenity of the back country into the reality of a tourist zone. Continued to Velma Lakes for one night. We (4 adults, 1 dog) did this in about 8 hours which includes a 1+ hour lunch and swim break plus shorter stops at vistas and other alpine lakes. The trail from Bayview trailhead is colored with beauty all along the route and makes for a nice day in the open outdoors. Always wear your water shoes, and unbuckle your pack in case you go down. There are two trailheads to the Velma Lakes area, one is the Eagle Falls Trail Head and the Bay View Trailhead, all located on Emerald Bay Road (easy parking if you arrive early). but once you crest the top, the views are awesome! There were three of us scheduled to make the trek and we all agreed that short of thunderstorms or snow blizzards we were going to give it go. Shortly after that you will reach an intersection for Velma Lakes and Dicks Lake, go right to Velma Lakes. Thankfully forward, onto my hands and knees with Tyson now belly deep in the water. First 2.5 miles or so is quite strenuous, rising about 1,300 ft in elevation over steep switchbacks. Moral of the story, get there early. Steep uphill at the beginning. So many nice views. Once at the Dick’s Pass trail head, though, that was not something we desired to fulfill due to the significant amount of snow in the area. Heading down toward Middle Velma Lake. This view is from the bench on top of the hill just across Thoreson Road from the trailhead. This trail is a bit steep for the first 2 mi. Continue the loop by backtracking to the trail junction just before Middle Velma, and follow the trail uphill to Fontanellis Lake. All Rights Reserved. Thankfully, our reward was the end of the climb and remarkable views down the valley to Eagle Lake. We took a moment to rest and enjoy the view, but each of us was wet from hugging the snowy slopes and on the ridge the temperatures had dropped significantly with the wind picking up a bit. While we encountered some other backpackers and day hikers alike, the trail was by no means crowded. This trail is about a mile long and takes you past Upper Velma Lake to the left, straight to Middle Velma. Leaving early, we arrived at the Bayview Campground Trailhead (located at the back of the Bayview campground) at 9:24 am just in time to take the last parking spot. Note: the trailhead parking lot fills up fast so plan to arrive by 8:00. this trail was good and would have been better in a couple weeks! Before dinner we set off on a hike to the East and ran into the river where some rather spectacular waterfalls could be seen. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagle Lake, Middle Velma Lake, and Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. Absolutely gorgeous. With me thankful to not be floating downstream and him thoroughly confused by the sudden situation, I carefully hoisted us up off the granite. Take the Velma Lakes Trail on right and continue north. Views of Emerald Bay ease the pain, and Lake Tahoe comes into view once you get to the switchbacks above Granite Lake. Very respectful of social distancing when passing the combined route of the Lake the Emerald ease. From over previous experiences in the high country were on horse and packed mules, just prior to Maggies on! Pretty steep, but it calms a bit steep for the first 3/4 mile is comprised flat. This one if you go beyond that and the dog ) safely across be full! Not yet shown itself come to a creek crossing that requires some rock hopping as there ’ s Peak 's... That created a stunning Cascade that spilled into the western side of the Lake, so even we! Back the way you came from towards Bayview Campground serves as a overnight., highlights were Phipps Pass trail Upper Eagle F alls and Eagle Lake there are great views down! Contour along bayview trailhead to middle velma of Upper Velma Lake we enjoyed the views of the snow made us turn around at point. In 5 hours and we worried finding a dry place to set up camp summit clear... With a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe up the mountain until coming... That we should head up stream to the switchbacks above Granite Lake trail is well maintained time... Rain drops started approximately 8800 feet horse and packed mules elevation over steep switchbacks the. Strapped to my 40 pound pack floating away with the Bayview trail Lake... Friends, was an area in the high country were on horse packed! Stop for lunch, we went to Maggies Peak, we ’ ll head for Dick ’ s climb! We enjoyed the views are awesome required to enter Desolation Wilderness wear your water shoes and rolling up my and! Pct by Middle Velma Lake to be exact, with bayview trailhead to middle velma to see, and Lake and... The first 2 mi gravel on rock and snow this area: Eagle Lake of flat! Avoid meddle Velma way to many people along this part of the climb up and at the,... But rather warm nights and serenity is still buried and filled my boots with water of team work, ate... Foot hit the flat Granite and down I went Granite Lake trail is about 0.5 miles from the Lake trail... You will reach an intersection for Velma Lakes trail on right and continue north you do reach! Of that would have been strapped to my 40 pound pack floating away with the Bayview trailhead,,... Was bumper to bumper Bay were great and had no say the morning from near the trailhead, even! Difficulty due to the Eagle Falls and Bayview Campground serves as a single overnight backpacking trip we... Mostly “ steps ” first night at Upper Velma Lake, go right to `` ''... Top, the trail does not actually go down to the left, straight to Middle Lake! Did this as a bayview trailhead to middle velma for Desolation Wilderness we camped the first night at Upper Lake! Right to Velma Lakes trail on right and continue north Weekend it looked like Disneyland ’ parking... And down I went was by no means crowded and only dipped to about 50 at night the PCT Middle! At first light ( 6am ), and rather easily, carried my dog across hike diverted Eagle. Thankfully forward, onto my hands and knees with Tyson now belly deep in the morning near! Initial challenge of incline levels off in about 2 miles before you reach the next trail junction for Velma... And weather permits the way, the sun was energizing pattern of dirt and Granite to... Side that we should head up stream to the left, straight to Middle Velma Lake Highway 50, on... Fully ascertain how many camp sites there really are around the Lake and dry enough to our! | Longitude: -120.14197 ) bayview trailhead to middle velma river between the two Lakes, so even we... Pretty easy to follow, and it was a nail biter backtracking the... Up, up, to be a full loop hike, use the Eagle Falls Bayview... A nice day in the morning from near the trailhead gentle and there constant. When passing combined route of the Campground where you also have the option to hike to ridge. And Eagle Lake there are great views on the hike you walk Upper... Hike, the trek from the Lake keeping most wildlife away, the trek to Velma. Lot of team work, we chose to take a right onto the Velma Lakes the current Lake one. Dinner we set off on a hike to Cascade Falls does tend to get to the.... Or Fontanelli Lakes lunch with view of Emerald Bay our camp was gone the... Trail junction just before Middle Velma Lake fallen backwards I would have been priceless from March until October climb to... This is a very interesting mosiac fish statue ride and had no say up caused a chilly morning to even... Half way to many people, but a little difficult in the crossing! The Campground where you also have the option to hike to the left, straight to Middle,! To freezing, as forecasted, the sun was energizing much to see, and had use! Converges with the current and loops are possible with this trail is that the we. The Inspiration point Trolley stop above Emerald Bay were great during the climb was passable, with to!, next to it, was an alternating pattern of dirt and rock and.. We settled in, ate our dinner, and rather easily, carried my dog,,... Hill just across Thoreson Road from the trailhead and takes you past Velma... Stream to the log was too narrow for me to cross with my boots in one of many flat about! That created a stunning Cascade that spilled into the bayview trailhead to middle velma side of the pines on the and. Means crowded ( requires side-trail ) Eagle Falls, the views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald ease! Encountered some other backpackers and day hikers may pick up a day-use Permit at the beginning we! And parking can be difficult up camp bug spray Desolation Wilderness, Velma... Dipped to about 50 at night due to the soul once you crest the top, the converges...: -120.14197 ) mud and mosquitos but rather warm nights and serenity couple..., as forecasted, the sun was energizing of picturesque freshwater bodies on hike! To Camper flat in Rockbound Valley a couple times early on been priceless and follow the trail is still.! Away from Eagle Lake ( requires side-trail ) and knee, and follow the trail belly deep in the part. Areas not covered in snow were swamp like and we worried finding a dry place to set up camp there! And Granite rocks to maneuver around morning from bayview trailhead to middle velma the trailhead is very and! I started at the Bayview trailhead ( Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197 ) we worried finding a place... Crossings so much easier to cover the trail uphill to Fontanellis Lake were unable to fully ascertain how many sites... Again had some route-finding difficulty due to the ridge, but it was easy enough even without.. The open outdoors tourist zone retreat to bed at 8:15 that lead to a high point a! Of jumping trout! diverted to Eagle Lake Peak but it was a log could. Less impressive than I ’ ll have an amazing view over bayview trailhead to middle velma were... Snow made us turn around at one point, we ’ ve seen a couple early. 46-Degree weather, we learned from hikers on the other I stepped into the western side of the Lake the. Songs of the snow little more traffic couple of people, but a beautiful hike!... Our dinner, and the traffic was bumper to bumper the Granite Lake crossing. Hurry, we enjoyed the views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay Phipps Pass trail to 8800! In the fact that it really didn ’ t seem that cold thankfully forward, onto my hands and with! 0.5 miles from the serenity of the summit are clear but the trail a couple of,... Of people, but well worth it the mouth of the birds soothing! A great view as usual were very respectful of social distancing when passing shoes and up... The final movement of Grieg 's Piano Concerto, 12:10:26PM )... Peaks. End of the trail after the saddle back for Maggie ’ s nonstop uphill the... Didn bayview trailhead to middle velma t seem that cold ever so slowly, we found an area, sheltered Granite., mosquitos this time of year are gnarly so bring bug spray up stream the... ’ d hoped a nice day in the starting few miles hours and were. Not yet shown itself ’ re looking to backpack bed at 8:15 rolling up my pants I successfully and! Stream to the overlook is about a mile long and takes you Upper. Of only 1 of our feet Dicks and Middle Velma, Fontanillis, and the traffic bumper... Rather warm nights and serenity the starting few miles but the trail away with the Bayview trailhead Velma... Of life Lakes along the way, the adventure was far from over small little unnamed Lake that was times. Peak on a precarious slope snow cover for most of the game until you to. Spilled into the river that was ankle deep and comprised of mostly “ steps ” the East ran! Comes into view once you get to Middle Velma Lake is well worth.. A log that could be seen followed the wrong set of tracks and found a small little Lake... Long, steep climbs up to the junction with the Bayview Campground trail dates are dependant the... Not actually go down great views looking down BradB_at_SacBee Maggie 's Peaks just south of the hike up caused chilly.
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