Near Maggie's Peak
Near Maggie's Peak
Near Maggie's Peak
Near Maggie's Peak
Near Maggie's Peak

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Maggie's Peak

4.5 (11 Ratings)
A short hike with a lake, optional swimming, and superb view.
4
mi
Distance
1,766
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Family FriendlyLakeSwimmingViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.97mi
Distance
1,766ft
Elevation Gain
1,766ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
8,661ft
High Point
6,886ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
From the Bayview trailhead, take a right (left is Cascade Falls Trail) and start up steep switchbacks. In about a mile you'll reach the wilderness boundary and then a ridge with big views of Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay.You'll soon hit Granite Lake, a small alpine lake nestled in the shadow of the peak. The trail stays above the water, but you can trivially hop down to the lake for a swim, or this could make your destination if you're looking for a short hike. Continuing on the far side of the lake, more switchbacks take you up to a saddle in about one more mile.From the saddle on the Granite Lake Trail, take a left on the Maggie's Peak Summit Spur and wander through open forest and boulders to the summit. The final off-trail scramble requires about 250 feet of elevation gain before reaching the peak, where a rugged crest of granite stands stoically on top. Enjoy huge views of Mt. Tallac, the Crystal Range, and of course Granite Lake, Emerald Bay, and Lake Tahoe.Once you've taken your time to appreciate your gorgeous surroundings, turn around, and head back down the Granite Lake Trail to return to the trailhead and your vehicle.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Fontanillis Lake Loop

Hike Route

Fontanillis Lake Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
10.7 mi
+2,633 ft
Maggie's Peak

Hike Route

Maggie's Peak

Lake
moderate
2.01 mi
+1,774 ft
Cascade Falls Trail

Hike Route

Cascade Falls Trail

Family Friendly
easy
1.31 mi
+305 ft
Cascade Falls via Bayview Trail

Hike Route

Cascade Falls via Bayview Trail

Less Crowded
easy
0.63 mi
+106 ft
Rubicon Trail

Hike Route

Rubicon Trail

Lake
moderate
6.67 mi
+705 ft
Vikingsholm Trail

Hike Route

Vikingsholm Trail

Family Friendly
easy
1.64 mi
+375 ft
Contributors
Nick Wilder