Near Bayview Trail
Looking up the Granite Lakes Trail.
Near Bayview Trail
Mount Tallac from Bayview Trail
Near Bayview Trail
Looking over Emerald Bay
Near Bayview Trail
Snow covered Mount Tallac
Near Bayview Trail
Sunset over Mount Tallac

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Bayview Trail

4.4 (9 Ratings)
A beautiful trail encompassing lakes, views, and an entrance to the Desolation Wilderness.
4.3
mi
Distance
1,963
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
LakeSwimmingViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.28mi
Distance
1,963ft
Elevation Gain
362ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
8,490ft
High Point
6,886ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Many short options and loops are possible with this trail. Consider heading to Maggie's Peak or create a loop with Eagle Falls Trail, or head higher into the wilderness and Velma Lake, near the PCT. From the trailhead, take a right (left is Cascade Falls Trail) and start up steep switchbacks. Before long - about a mile - you'll reach the wilderness boundary and then a ridge with big views of Lake Tahoe. You'll soon hit Granite Lake. The trail stays above it, but you can trivially hop down to the lake for a swim or this could be your destination if you're looking for a short hike. Continuing on the far side of the lake, more switchbacks take you up. Consider taking the short Maggie's Peak Summit spur trail for great views. Past this point, the trail becomes a very nice and easy hike on mostly level ground with views into the Desolation Wilderness. Once you reach an intersection with the Tahoe Rim Trail and PCT, your outing on this trail will be over, as the trail dead ends. Take you pick of looped routes, or simply return the way that you came.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Nick Wilder