#4 - Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake, and Eagle Lake Loop
Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitLength: 11.7 mi • Est. 6 h 33 m
A trek through Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness past several lakes including Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake, and Eagle Lake.
This hike provides a great tour of some of the best features of Desolation Wilderness. It is great for a 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip on a weekend or for a long day hike. All lakes along this hike are spectacular and are great for swimming. There are a number steep sections, particularly near the beginning and end of the hike, but the views make up for it.
For a customizable summer weekend backpacking trip, this loop is a solid choice. With six lakes along the route, you don’t need to decide in advance how far you want to go, just start hiking from the Bayview Trailhead and see how you feel as you go.!
This loop is challenging in terms of elevation, but it’s a good choice for newer backpackers. If you wind up getting tired early, there will be a lake nearby waiting to raise your spirits and the trail is easy to navigate. The views, the opportunities for swimming, and the ability to spread out away from other campers make this a weekend worthy trip you will love.
Get there early to ensure that you get a parking spot, and print out your free permit in advance. Overnight permits are subject to a quota from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to September 30, and must be carried with you. Permits can be reserved up to six months in advance. Outside of the quota season, permits can be booked and printed on the day of entry.
Dogs are welcome, but need to be under control. Campfires are prohibited in Desolation Wilderness and group sizes are limited to 12 people or less. Camping is dispersed camping and there are no facilities.
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