#Cuppa tahoe series#

Facing North, I could see a vibrant blue lake, which was one of the Velma lakes. Using the downloaded maps from AllTrails and spotty cellular service, I was able to figure out which lakes I was looking at - Snow Lake and Azure Lake. Perhaps not as photogenic, I also enjoyed exploring the other area of the summit to see down into Desolation Wilderness. I took photos of a very nice family, explored the rest of the summit, and then came back to take in the views again. You will see Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Granite Lake, Cascade Lake, and part of Fallen Leaf Lake. This Lake Tahoe-facing area of Maggie’s Peak is stunning. First, take in the view of Lake Tahoe from the front of the peak.

#Cuppa tahoe series#

There are a series of boulder outcroppings that you can explore. The last little push to Maggie’s Peak is tough and steep – surprise! Use the excitement of the near-summit to propel you up that last segment. You can follow the AllTrail Map or follow another trail. I actually overshot it and had to go back to that first opening. Although more formal, it is not an obvious trail to the South Peak. The more formal trail is to the South Peak, which is what I did. The North Peak is toward Lake Tahoe with no direct path and significant boulders. On the other side of the saddle, there is a drop-off into Desolation Wilderness and a near-constant breeze, if you need to cool off. There is a wide-open area which is the saddle between the North and South peaks. All the way from the lake to the saddle is a haul with no way around it.

This section is another grind with little reprieve. The surroundings and increasing views helped distract me from the switchbacks and the climb. The large trees leave open space, boulders dot the landscape, and low bushes add greenery. There is something about the vegetation in this section that feels like it could be at Disneyland. The section above Granite Lake is cartoonishly beautiful. I did not stop at the lake but decided to continue on my way. When you look up, you will see Maggie’s South Peak looming 1,000 ft above. There are many little trails down to the lake, which would be lovely for a picnic or swim on a hot day. The trail does not go right next to the lake but stays above it. Second Section: Granite Lake to Maggie’s Saddleīefore you get to Granite Lake, the trail levels out, and the trees are more spaced apart. After you’ve got the shot, there is another shorter section of climbing. Going just to this viewpoint would be a worthy hike for those who are not interested in a longer hike.

I loved the view and spent 10+ mins stopping here on the way up and back down, so don’t feel ashamed to do the same! This is the best view of Emerald Bay that you will get on the hike, unless you bolder your way over to Maggie’s North Peak (most people do not). It was interesting to see how many people walked right past this view.

Take some time here to catch your breath and get some photos. This section is a bit of a grind, but luckily after about three-quarters of a mile, there is a break in the trees and a surprise view of Emerald Bay.

Through the trees, you’ll notice that you are quickly gaining elevation above the campground. Pretty much immediately you will begin climbing switchbacks. You will want to make a right on the Granite Lake Trail. Check the Forest Service Website for updates. When I visited in August 2020, the Forest Service suspended the need for paper Day Use permits due to Covid. The trail starts at the end of the Bayview Campground, where there are a couple of bulletins of information about entering Desolation Wilderness. First Section: Switchbacks for a Rewarding View