Granite islands, wind-sculpted pines, and Dicks Peak looming behind Fontanillis. One of the best weekend loops in Desolation.
One of the best weekends in Desolation. Velma Lakes, with their granite islands topped by wind-sculpted pines, are the wilderness's most photographed feature. Add Fontanillis Lake with Dicks Peak looming behind it, and you've got a compact loop that hits every visual highlight over a long weekend. The initial climb from Eagle Falls is steep but short.
Start: Eagle Falls TH / Bayview TH (6,600ft)
End: Same
Water: Eagle Lake, Upper Velma creek, Middle Velma Lake
Steep, steady climb from Eagle Falls, with a worthwhile pit stop at Eagle Lake on the way up. The trail winds through pine forest before opening onto granite as you approach Middle Velma Lake, ringed by granite islands topped with wind-sculpted pines. Camp on the slabs overlooking the lake; dispersed camping is allowed here, just stay 100ft from the shoreline and trail.
Water: Fontanillis Lake, Dicks Lake outlet
A short, easy day. Head out to Fontanillis Lake, with Dicks Peak looming directly behind it, then continue the short distance to Dicks Lake. The best campsites sit along the lake's northern end. If you have the legs, push up toward Dicks Pass (9,380ft) for panoramic views south to Lake Aloha before settling into camp.
Water: Upper Velma creek
Retrace toward Upper Velma before picking up the PCT south back to the Eagle Falls corridor. Mostly downhill from here, though the granite sections stay rocky underfoot the whole way. Extend the trip further by camping an extra night near Upper Velma instead of pushing straight out.
Dicks Pass viewpoint (9,380ft, panoramic views south to Lake Aloha); Lower Velma Lake (follow creek from Upper Velma, less crowded); extend south over Dicks Pass to Gilmore Lake and Susie Lake (3-4 day traverse); scramble Dicks Peak (class 2, experienced hikers)
NO CAMPFIRES in Desolation. Bear canister required. Eagle Falls TH has limited parking ($5 fee) - arrive by 7am on weekends or parking fills. Bayview TH is an alternate start (slightly longer, less parking pressure). Largest permit quotas in Desolation are for Velma zones - slightly easier to get. Bugs fierce Jun-Jul. Can combine with Tahoe day activities. ~30min from South Lake Tahoe. Can be compressed to 2 days/1 night by camping only at Middle Velma or only at Dicks Lake and covering the rest of the loop in a single longer day. Camping at Velma splits it roughly 4.5mi/6.5mi; camping at Dicks splits it roughly 7mi/4mi.
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