The Deets: Park at Inspiration Point on Highway 89 Above Emerald Bay. Cross the street and continue South to Bay View Trailhead 6,800’. Maggie’s South Peak has an elevation of 8,499’ providing a total gain of 1,699’.
moderate
Distance 3.1 km
1:28 h
522 m
0 m
2,631 m
2,109 m
Desolation Wilderness lives up to its name in the winter and encompasses > 63,000 acres of wilderness area. The only way in is by foot or ski with entrances of all skill levels off highway 50 and 89. Do not fret, your exertion is well rewarded with undisturbed views of glacial carved valleys, alpine peaks, waterfalls and lakes galore. While there are many perfect snowy summit, Maggies Peak a “relatively” easy summit with some of the best views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe.
What: Maggies Peak South 8,703’
Where: Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, Destination Zone 17 Lower Velmas
When: Great hiking for all seasons
Why: The short steep approach provides some of the best views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in the Lake Tahoe Basin
The Deets: Park at Inspiration Point on Highway 89 Above Emerald Bay. Cross the street and continue South to Bay View Trailhead 6,800’. Maggie’s South Peak has an elevation of 8,499’ providing a total gain of 1,699’. The Bay View Trail enters Desolation Wilderness in the first ¼ mile and you must fill out a permit at the trailhead and carry it at all times. The first mile of Bay view trail is wide and well-marked in summer and winter conditions to Granite Lake. Beyond Granite Lake the trail is highly traveled and usually gets a solid boot pack after a fresh snow making Maggies Peak perfect for seasoned backcountry hikers and beginners alike (GXP export available on View Ranger.) After 1-mile you will cross Granite Lake is 7,650 feet above sea level. Granite Lake is 1 mile from Inspiration Point up the Bay View Trail. The trail is steep making this an intermediate hike, although many beginners could make no problem.
During the winter season, be sure to check the Sierra Avalanche Center for up to date avalanche advisory and snow skills educational opportunities.
Permits are required for either day-use or overnight camping in the Desolation Wilderness. Day use is free, but there are fees for overnight camping year-round.
What: Maggies Peak South 8,703’
Where: Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, Destination Zone 17 Lower Velmas
When: Great hiking for all seasons
Why: The short steep approach provides some of the best views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in the Lake Tahoe Basin
The Deets: Park at Inspiration Point on Highway 89 Above Emerald Bay. Cross the street and continue South to Bay View Trailhead 6,800’. Maggie’s South Peak has an elevation of 8,499’ providing a total gain of 1,699’. The Bay View Trail enters Desolation Wilderness in the first ¼ mile and you must fill out a permit at the trailhead and carry it at all times. The first mile of Bay view trail is wide and well-marked in summer and winter conditions to Granite Lake. Beyond Granite Lake the trail is highly traveled and usually gets a solid boot pack after a fresh snow making Maggies Peak perfect for seasoned backcountry hikers and beginners alike (GXP export available on View Ranger.) After 1-mile you will cross Granite Lake is 7,650 feet above sea level. Granite Lake is 1 mile from Inspiration Point up the Bay View Trail. The trail is steep making this an intermediate hike, although many beginners could make no problem.
During the winter season, be sure to check the Sierra Avalanche Center for up to date avalanche advisory and snow skills educational opportunities.
Permits are required for either day-use or overnight camping in the Desolation Wilderness. Day use is free, but there are fees for overnight camping year-round.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
2,631 m
Lowest point
2,109 m
Track types
Show elevation profileStart
Coordinates:
DD
38.944375, -120.099208
DMS
38°56'39.8"N 120°05'57.1"W
UTM
10S 751404 4314606
w3w
///substantial.requested.implore
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
DD
38.944375, -120.099208
DMS
38°56'39.8"N 120°05'57.1"W
UTM
10S 751404 4314606
w3w
///substantial.requested.implore
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
3.1 km
Duration
1:28 h
Ascent
522 m
Highest point
2,631 m
Lowest point
2,109 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- Waypoints
- Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
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