Parts of the summit are clear but the trail is still buried. While the serenity of our camp was gone, the adventure was far from over. Really enjoyed this hike to Upper Velma Lake! This trail is a bit steep for the first 2 mi. Hike from Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe up the Bayview trail to Lake Fontanillis and Middle Velma Lake. Great views on the climb up and at the summit. At the River, we learned from hikers on the other side that we should head up stream to the log. In the early part of the hike you walk past Upper Eagle F alls and Eagle Lake (requires side-trail). The trail was an alternating pattern of dirt and granite rocks to maneuver around. To get back to our car (at the Bayview Campground) we had to walk on Highway 50, uphill and across traffic, for a mile. This is a beautiful trail. They made the hills and stream crossings so much easier to cover safely. Before dinner we set off on a hike to the East and ran into the river where some rather spectacular waterfalls could be seen. 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. Always wear your water shoes, and unbuckle your pack in case you go down. Take the Velma Lakes Trail on right and continue north. Granite lake is full and very pretty. This is a 9 mile moderately strenuous hike from the Bay View Trailhead to Velma Lakes where we’ll stop for lunch. The hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). 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. Opting to experience something new, with less snow, we went that route. Just enough variety to make things interesting. Going down is even better, because you’ll have an amazing view over Emerald Bay. There is a water crossing, to get to Middle Velma, which is essentially the mouth of the river between the two lakes. 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). Due to the rocks, I'm glad I had my hiking poles! Climbed on top of Maggie's Peak for lunch with view. Many short options and loops are possible with this trail. To end the hike you can go back the way you came from towards Bayview Campground and end up at your parked car. . 2 miles up, to be exact, so even though we were hiking in 46-degree weather, we were all sweating. Still a great day! First 2.5 miles or so is quite strenuous, rising about 1,300 ft in elevation over steep switchbacks. Parking is located at the far end of the campground where you also have the option to hike to Cascade Falls. A Wilderness Permit is required to enter Desolation Wilderness. Velma provided serene lakeside view-complete with lots of jumping trout!! It's 2.49 miles from Middle Velma Lake to the trail junction South of Fontanillis Lake. Music is the final movement of Grieg's Piano Concerto. Summary: This is a great semi-loop hike in the Desolation Wilderness southwest of Lake Tahoe. Head north on the PCT for 1.2 miles to the junction with the Phipps Pass trail. So many nice views. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagle Lake, Middle Velma Lake, and Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. We took a long weekend, hiked to Middle Velma Lake, and were blown away by the alpine… The views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay were great during the climb. Preferring not to wade knee to waist deep in the freezing and swiftly moving water we did just that. Bay View Campground is located across the Inspiration Point Trolley stop above Emerald Bay! Let me tell you, preparing for the first backpacking trip of the season was a nail biter. 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! 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 … Continue the loop by backtracking to the trail junction just before Middle Velma, and follow the trail uphill to Fontanellis Lake. You can easily rest at granite lake. Head west on the Phipps Pass trail to approximately 8800 feet. At this point it becomes a scramble up loose dirt and rock and snow. 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. 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. The map below-Left focuses on the route of the TYT … Beautiful. Stopped at Maggie's Peak South for a great view! My dog, well, he was along for the ride and had no say. This got us to Highway 50, where on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend it looked like Disneyland’s parking lot. I'm new to backpacking. 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. Opening and closing dates are dependant on the weather. Emerald Bay early in the morning from near the trailhead. My son (12) and I are new to backpacking. Mud and mosquitos but rather warm nights and serenity. We awoke to the sun rising over the ridge and what a welcome site that was. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. On our return, we’ll take the Emerald Bay Trail past Eagle Lake to Eagle Falls overlooking Emerald Bay. Two trailheads offer the most ready access to this area: Eagle Falls and Bayview Campground. We had lunch and turned back. For more detailed information clickhere. This was a great trail on which to build a 3 day, 2 night trip starting 8/19. We even added the short (steep!) Beautiful day. Once on dry ground, I learned I had cut up my foot and knee, and filled my boots with water. Following the footsteps of others before us, with occasional help from our GPS, we continued. Middle Velma Lake. Beautiful. Still manageable, still cold, still gorgeous. 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. 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 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. The trailhead is very congested and parking can be difficult if you do not reach the trailhead early. While the log was too narrow for me to cross with my dog, others were managing it just fine. Continue on the trail for another ¼ mile to Middle Velma. Thankfully, our reward was the end of the climb and remarkable views down the valley to Eagle Lake. We camped the first night at Upper Velma Lake in one of many flat campsites about 50-75 ft from shore. Absolutely gorgeous. 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 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. Ever so slowly, we made our way across. It’s about a mile to the lake, and the trail follows the lakeshore for … Continue west for another 2.2 miles where the trail meets the PCT by Middle Velma Lake. The middle Velma was less impressive than I’d hoped. We had been told it was passable, with some stating there was a log that could be used for crossing. 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! 4 miles in soaking wet socks and boots, over the snow, with injuries was necessary, but didn’t sound particularly fun. 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. 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. Fantastic hard hike. I enjoyed this hike and the views. Overall great loop. This is a well-maintained trail, with much to see, and good views of the lake about half way to Granite Lake. The temps were in the 80's during the day and only dipped to about 50 at night. Going down towards Eagle Falls was a bit tough. Such a great area!!! Trail Conditions Backpacking to Middle Velma Lake is an amazing opportunity, something that is recommended for everyone. The trail continues to climb until Maggies Peak appears on your left. We did get to see views of Middle Velma … I started at first light (6am), and had to use my flashlight to find the trail a couple times early on. Donning my water shoes and rolling up my pants I successfully, and rather easily, carried my dog across. It’s nonstop uphill but the switchbacks are gentle and there are constant rewards. The trail from Bayview trailhead is colored with beauty all along the route and makes for a nice day in the open outdoors. Go do this one if you're in the area and weather permits. We see access 1.45 miles West to Camper Flat in Rockbound Valley. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The rest of the trail to Middle Velma Lake is a mildly undulating route through mixed forest and around granite … It’s a climb up to Maggie’s peak but it’s absolutely worth it! If you go during the early morning or later in the evening, mosquitos this time of year are gnarly so bring bug spray. The cool temps were a blessing, because as you have probably read elsewhere, the Granite Lake trail immediately starts on a significant incline. Eagle Lake via Eagle Falls Trail. The place was packed, and the traffic was bumper to bumper. The skies were grey, but the rain had not yet shown itself. The trail does not actually go down to the lake, so traveling across the snow-covered terrain was required. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Craig North of Bayview Camp Trail Intersection Notice snow in background (end of August). 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 trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until August. 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 first foot hit the flat granite and down I went. Just prior to Maggies Peak, we began to encounter snow on the trail. Stopping for a quick break at Middle Velma … About 2-3" of snow cover for most of the hike, but it was easy enough even without traction. Follow the trail west past Eagle Lake. 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. This view is from the bench on top of the hill just across Thoreson Road from the trailhead. 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 … 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. After 2.6 miles the trail converges with the Bayview Campground trail. 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 … Beautiful hike! 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. 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. The snow made us turn around at one point, but it was a beautiful hike! Lots of great views. You’ll come to a creek crossing that requires some rock hopping as there’s no bridge. 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. Thankfully forward, onto my hands and knees with Tyson now belly deep in the water. Bayview Trail goes for about 2 miles before you reach the next trail junction for Middle Velma Lake. At the Bayview Trail junction turn right, and head toward the Velma Lakes. With me thankful to not be floating downstream and him thoroughly confused by the sudden situation, I carefully hoisted us up off the granite. Trailheads on El Dorado National Forest (West) Side. This was a great loop. 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. The rain was not hard, and it was not significantly stormy; just steady enough to cause our retreat to bed at 8:15. Middle Velma is well-worth an overnight if you’re looking to backpack. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until August. Follow the sign towards Desolation. 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. Continued to Velma Lakes for one night. 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). Skirt around the shore of Upper Velma and you will come to a creek crossing that will take you to Middle Velama. You can get past a few sections and manage to pick up the trail but eventually the trail is completely buried. Trekking poles aren’t necessary but really nice to have on the way down - there are many boulders and rocks to maneuver around. We were quickly thrust from the serenity of the back country into the reality of a tourist zone. The trail is well maintained but does tend to get a little difficult in the starting few miles. We did not see very many people along this part of the trail. After passing Granite Lake, make your way up steep granite … A hiking blog with a little something extra. This trail is about a mile long and takes you past Upper Velma Lake to the left, straight to Middle Velma. Back on the main road after the trail is a very interesting mosiac fish statue. 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. In no particular hurry, we ate breakfast, packed up, and hit the trail about 8:35pm. If you want this to be a full loop hike, use the Eagle Falls trail instead. Moral of the story, get there early. A longer, yet still moderate hike, the trek to Middle Velma Lake is well worth the effort. When I was there in June, we’ve seen a couple of people, but not the crowds we expected. Eagle Lake Trail is steeper than Granite Lake Trail and is comprised of mostly “steps”. The Bayview trail begins with mellow ascent beneath redwoods with Emerald Bay on your right up to Granite Lake on your left. EASY 2.7 mi. 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. 7. Definitely recommend! Heading to Desolation Wilderness, Middle Velma Lake to be exact, with snow still in them there mountains was questionable. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Areas not covered in snow were swamp like and we worried finding a dry place to set up would be difficult. Returning to camp we settled in, ate our dinner, and just as clean up began the rain drops started. erikaw 1 year, 1 month ago Track (9/1/19, 12:10:26PM) ... Maggies Peaks via Bayview Trail. 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. 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. Steep uphill at the beginning. Had I fallen backwards I would have been strapped to my 40 pound pack floating away with the current. Middle Velma is a gorgeous lake, and we were lucky to have no one in our immediate area. Step Into Your Journey….. Barefoot, with my boots in one hand, and Tyson in the other I stepped into the freezing water. Trail is pretty easy to follow, and seems well maintained. 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. Brad Branan: 916-321-1065 , @BradB_at_SacBee Views of Emerald Bay ease the pain, and Lake Tahoe comes into view once you get to the switchbacks above Granite Lake. Initial challenge of incline levels off in about 2 miles. Stopping for lunch, we enjoyed the views of Dick’s Peak/Pass fully covered in snow and the surrounding mountain range. A half-mile down, across a creek, continue northwest to Middle Velma Lake. The hike to the overlook is about 0.5 miles from the trailhead.

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