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Maggie's Peaks

South Lake Tahoe, California

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.85 miles

Elevation Gain

1663 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jake Young

Maggie's Peak is a moderate level hike, that may not test you physically, but the views and the ambiance will definitely blow your mind. Unbelievable views of Granite Lake and 360 degree views of the entire valley (Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls). Allow 3 or more hours roundtrip.

This hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping area. The trail starts with an option to go into Desolation Wilderness or Cascade Falls. Take the right turn into Desolation. Because this is a wilderness area, be sure to grab one of the day use hiking permits offered at the kiosk. If you are doing an overnight, you will need to go to a Forest Service Visitor Center or to their online site to get an overnight permit. The first part of the hike is relatively steep and climbs through a forested area. After awhile, views into Emerald Bay will start to open up. Be sure to do a little exploration off the trail to find the best views of the Bay. You will pass Granite Lake along the way and if you want to take a short break, this is a great place to do it.

After a short set of switchbacks, you will find yourself at a saddle between the two peaks. The southern peak is 8699 feet, while the northern peak is slightly shorter at 8499. The northern peak has slightly better views of Emerald Bay, but the southern peak is higher and offers better views of Desolation. If you want to extend this hike, you can hike past the Maggie’s Peaks to the next fork in the trail and walk back to Eagle Lake. If you follow this trail, you will end up at the Eagle Falls Trail Head and have to hike back to Bayviews along the road.

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Features

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Maggie's Peaks Reviews

Great hike with multiple options from a single trailhead. We climbed up past Granite Lake to Maggie’s Peak and on the return took the trail over to Cascade Falls and back. Trail is a nice steady climb to the saddle above Granite, then a short steep push to Maggie’s. Great views of South Lake and Desolation Wilderness from the summit. Lots of lakes visible from the different viewpoints including Dicks, Azure, Cascade, Fallen Leaf, Granite, Eagle, and others. There’s some free parking along the road across from the Inspiration Point parking lot (which is $10 for 30+ minutes), it probably fills up early but there were openings at 3pm.

Amazing sunrise views of Emerald Bay that were worth the 30 degree overnight temps. The trail was wonderfully secluded, despite the fact that it is right off the main road and Inspiration Point. Start at the trail head and head right towards Desolation Wilderness. After a couple of switchbacks, there is a good spot on the far side of the mountain to camp. Make sure to get an overnight permit before beginning your hike.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Swim in Granite Lake

Cascade Falls

Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes

Camp at Bayview Campground