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Velma Lakes Trail

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California · 3 min read

Distance
10 mi
Elevation Gain
1,500 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Est. Time
5-7 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Velma Lakes: Upper, Middle, and Lower, clear granite-rimmed lakes in the Desolation Wilderness
  • Good backcountry camping at the lake basins with overnight permit
  • Wild trout fishing in Middle Velma Lake
  • Granite ridgeline views toward Lake Tahoe on the approach
  • One of the better overnight destinations in the Desolation Wilderness from the west shore
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Overview

The Velma Lakes trail enters the Desolation Wilderness from Bayview Campground and climbs through granite and subalpine forest to three connected cirque lakes at around 8,000 feet. The 10.0-mile round trip is the right length for a demanding day hike or a relaxed overnight, with the lake basins providing the kind of granite-rimmed Sierra scenery that justifies the drive to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

A Desolation Wilderness permit is required. Day use: free self-issue at trailhead. Overnight: advance reservation through Recreation.gov (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Bayview Campground to Granite Lake junction. From the Bayview Campground trailhead on US-89, the trail climbs immediately through Jeffrey pine and red fir above the Emerald Bay shoreline. The terrain is rocky and sustained. The Granite Lake junction appears at mile 2.0; the Velma Lakes route continues left.

Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Granite to Maggie's Peak junction. The trail traverses the rocky ridge above Granite Lake with improving views back toward Lake Tahoe. The forest opens into subalpine terrain as elevation increases. The Maggie's Peak junction provides an optional side trip (0.5 miles each way) to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay.

Miles 4.0 to 5.0: Descent to Velma Lakes. The trail drops from the ridge into the Velma Lakes basin. Lower Velma Lake appears first, followed by Middle and Upper Velma Lakes. All three are accessible on short connecting paths. The lakes are surrounded by glacially smoothed granite with scattered whitebark pine.

Return. Retrace the ridge route back to Bayview Campground.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September after snow clears from the ridge and upper basin.

September for quieter conditions and easier overnight permit availability.

Avoid early July in high snow years; the ridge traverse can require microspikes or caution on residual snow patches.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water. The lakes provide water that should be filtered. Bear canister required for overnight camping in the Desolation Wilderness (as of 2026). See our bear canister guide for the current requirement details. Trekking poles useful for the rocky ridge descent.

Trailhead Access

Bayview Campground on US-89, about 9 miles north of South Lake Tahoe and 0.5 miles south of the Eagle Falls trailhead. Small roadside parking area at the campground. The campground itself has 10 first-come, first-served sites.

Nearby

The Eagle Lake Trail departs from the adjacent Eagle Falls trailhead on US-89. The Mount Tallac Trail provides the south shore summit experience. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the Desolation Wilderness. See our checking conditions guide for current wilderness conditions.

Trailhead Parking

Bayview Campground Trailhead on US-89, north of Emerald Bay. Small lot. No fee. Fills early on summer weekends. Desolation Wilderness overnight permit required through Recreation.gov.

← Back to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Velma Lake is best for camping?
Middle Velma Lake is generally considered the best camping destination of the three, with good tent sites on the granite benches above the south shore and easy water access. Upper Velma Lake is smaller and less visited. Lower Velma Lake is closer to the trail and sees more day hikers. All three require an overnight permit (as of 2026) through Recreation.gov during the quota season from late June through Labor Day.
Is the Velma Lakes Trail a good overnight trip?
Yes. The Velma Lakes area is one of the more popular overnight destinations in the Desolation Wilderness accessible from the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The 10-mile round trip is manageable as a two-day trip, with a first night at Middle or Upper Velma Lake and a return the following morning. The wilderness permit quota means advance planning is required for summer weekends.
Is there fishing at Velma Lakes?
Middle Velma Lake holds rainbow and brook trout and is the most productive of the three for fishing. A California fishing license is required (as of 2026). The lakes receive moderate fishing pressure given their distance from the trailhead; earlier in the season (July) tends to be better than late summer when fish become more wary.