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Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes

South Lake Tahoe California Hikes

Overall Member Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars5 out of 5 stars (4 Member Reviews)
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Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes - South Lake Tahoe California Hikes

This partial loop trip, consisting of 10.5 miles through the heart of the Desolation Wilderness, samples several cirque-bound lakes amid the characteristic granite terrain that makes the area so picturesque. Whether you’re just out for the day or on an overnight backpack, the lakes provide great scenery, along with fine swimming and fishing. Desolation’s backcountry usually frees itself from snow by mid-July. Wildflowers bloom from then until late August, when swimmers will find the water in the lakes the least chilly. The hiking season ends with the first major snowfall, which generally occurs in late October. On summer weekends, plan on arriving early to secure a parking space.

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Published by Wilderness Press. All Rights Reserved.

Trail Statistics & Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: South Lake Tahoe
Length: 10.5 total miles
Elevation Gain: 2,725 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 5 hours
Season: Mid-July - August
Trailhead Elevation: 6,880 feet
Top Elevation: 8,490 feet
Other Uses: Equestrians, Dogs Allowed
Local Contacts: Desolation Wilderness
Topo Map: Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes Topographic Map
Guide Book: Top Trails Lake Tahoe Guide Book
Driving Directions: View Guide
Trail Directions: View Guide
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Recent Trail Reviews

MapSnaps Rating:
Date of Trip:
0 Props
The Velma Lakes loop trail is one of my favorite in the Tahoe area. It take…
Thomas Rating:
Date of Trip: 6/1/2007
+1 Props
An excellent, well-maintained trail with beautiful views. Don't try the loo…

Weather Conditions

  1. Rest Of Tonight
    Partly cloudy with isolated snow showers. Lows 5 to 15. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph. Ridge gusts decreasing to 50 mph overnight.

  2. Saturday
    Mostly cloudy. Highs 30 to 40. Light winds.

  3. Saturday Night
    Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers after midnight. Lows 10 to 20. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 55 mph.

  4. Sunday
    Breezy. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning...then slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs 36 to 46. West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Ridge gusts up to 70 mph decreasing to 50 mph in the afternoon.

About This Trail Guide

Top Trails Lake Tahoe
Top Trails Lake Tahoe

by Mike White (Wilderness Press)

Lake Tahoe, the jewel of the Sierra Nevada, has it all. From the north and its secluded backcountry…

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