Near the densely-populated city of South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County lies the strikingly beautiful Desolation Wilderness area. It is an extremely popular hiking destination in California and boasts a number of attractive trails, including the Middle Velma Lake trail, that takes you through some stunning natural beauty.

Important Facts to Know Before You Go

There are three Lakes in the Velma Lakes area: the Upper, Middle and Lower Velma Lake. It is a great exploratory trip where you will find lots of quiet time, enjoyment and moments of pure majesty. It will take you somewhere between four to six hours on the trail and it is best that you take trekking polls with you too.

Trail Highlights

Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Trail Condition: Well-maintained
Preferred Season: Autumn, Spring and Summer
Total Distance: 10.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Total Time: 4 to 6 hours
Trail Type: Out and Back
Permits: Required (Recreation.gov)
Pets: Allowed
Current Weather Conditions: National Weather Service

Trail Conditions

Backpacking to Middle Velma Lake is an amazing opportunity, something that is recommended for everyone. The trail from Bayview trailhead is colored with beauty all along the route and makes for a nice day in the open outdoors. The trail is well maintained but does tend to get a little difficult in the starting few miles.

How to Get There

The address for the Bayview Trailhead is: Bayview Trailhead, across from Inspiration Point, Emerald Bay Road, CA89. You can easily reach here by following directions on Google Maps.

Key Trail Directions and Landmarks

• You can get permits at the Bayview Trailhead
• Get as early as possible to make sure you get good parking space.
• There are some difficult and steep switchbacks in the first part of the hike.
• As you approach Granite Lake, you will find a number of spots where you can stop for lunch.
• There are plenty of attractive views to take in once you reach the saddle between Maggie’s Peaks.
• At the trail junction for Eagle Lakes, keep moving straight and to stay on the right track.
• There is a small signpost which guides you towards the Lower, Upper and Middle Velma Lakes from the junction.

At the Bayview Trailhead

Southwest of the Bayview Campground lies the trailhead, you will see a sign that guides you toward Desolation and another that points to Cascade Lake. Take the sign to the right to get to get started with your journey. You will encounter steep switchbacks in the beginning few miles, but it is all worth it considering the refreshing views of Emerald Bay that you get to enjoy.

Toward Granite Lake

This part of the trail is nestled in between some beautiful flora and lush greenery. It is well-shaded and even has a babbling creek that runs seasonally. You will have the chance of gazing at this lake from the hill. Take some rest here. You will need it for the rest of the climb.

Switchbacks to the Saddle

Your next destination will be the saddle between Maggie’s Peaks. It offers some stunning views of Tahoe, Granite Lake and Emerald Bay. Continue on the trail to get to the Velma Lakes.

Velma Lakes Trail Junction

Keep going till you come to the trail junction for Eagle Lake. Remain on your trail and go straight from here. You will soon reach the trail junction for Velma Lakes. Look for a signpost that tells you to take a right for Velma Lakes.

Upper and Lower Velma Lake

After taking the right turn toward Velma Lakes, you will hike over some rocky pathways and some scant greenery till you make your way to Upper Velma Lake. It is almost a mile worth of hiking to get here. Moreover, follow the draining creek from Upper Velma to get to Lower Velma Lake.

Getting to Middle Velma Lake

Middle Velma Lake is about less than half-a-mile from here. Go along and get to some elevation to really soak in the magnificence of this marvel of nature. There are plenty of camping spots in the surroundings and you can practically take any suitable location that you find. Furthermore, you can get to the lake through any route you like as there are no designated trails that guide towards it.

Heading Back

You should take your time and soak in all the views. Enjoy your time in the outdoors and head back when you have detoxed yourself from all the anxieties and complexities of your life. It is easy to get back to where you started. All you have to do is to retrace your steps and follow them to head back down.