Can you die without walking? Trip to American National Parks (13) The second trail around Lake Tahoe. A trail that sees the jeweled lake
Written by Sayaka Kato
This time we will also introduce hiking routes in the South Lake Tahoe area. This route allows you to see three lakes on one hike.
Lake Tahoe can also be seen from viewpoints along the way, so if you include Lake Tahoe, you can see four lakes, making it a recommended course where you can see the sparkling, beautiful, jewel-like lakes. You can also swim, so if you're interested, be sure to bring a swimsuit!
The second half of the course is a loop that goes around, and you will return to the same starting point, but this trail itself is a long distance, so it will be an intermediate to advanced course. Basic information about Lake Tahoe was also written in my previous article,
table of contents
Introducing hiking trails around Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake
Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake hiking data
- Recommended Hiking seasons: April to September (Photos used this time are from late June)
- Distance: Round trip approx. 12 mi (19km) 6-7 hours
- Height difference approx. 2,723 ft (830m)
- Trailhead elevation: 6,828ft (2080m)
Good things to carry on hiking
- Drinks (More in the summer, about 3 to 4 liters)
- Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature
- Trekking shoes
- hat
- sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Snacks and more for eating while hiking
- If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
- Insect repellent spray etc (this time I didn't bother me with mosquitoes or insects).
- Other normal hiking equipment
How to get to the trailhead (by car)
Enter Cascade Falls Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 on Google Maps to reach the trailhead. The trail called Cascade Falls Trail and the trail I'll introduce to you towards Granite Lake are at the same trailhead. There is a space to park your car along the road, but there are limited numbers so we recommend you go early. Many people use the mountains for a few days while wearing their backpacks, so parking is expected
(With a wash)
It was 8am, but the car was already beginning to fill up.
A viewpoint called Inspiration Point (Address: South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150) is located just across the trailhead area, offering views from the beautiful Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe. There is also a parking lot and a bathroom. There are limited number of parking spaces.
Hiking Guide
Trailhead Bayview Trailhead
There is also a campground, so once you park your car you will need to walk towards the campground.
There are toilets in this area, so if you need them, you can do it here.
8:15 am, the hike begins.
As you head towards the campground, you will finally see the trailhead. This is where the hike begins. Normally, those who are hiking on a day trip here will need to obtain permission. It's very simple, and you just need to fill out the necessary information on the sheet that is left in and put it in the box, but as of June this year it was unnecessary.
At the trailhead, you will be on the fork of the path to CASCADE FALLS and the path to DESOLATION, but head right towards DESOLATION.
The zigzag slope begins immediately after the start. The first three kilometers are quite steep. (The toughest hill of the trails this time is at the beginning.)
The slope is tough, but the beauty of Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay that can be seen along the way, and the toughness has been reduced by half. is.
Granite Lake
About 35 minutes after the start, Granite Lake appeared on my left.
Although it is a little small, the sanctity of the morning and the surrounding trees reflected on the surface are very beautiful, so I think it would be a good idea to take a short break here. Depending on the morning hours, campers may be cleaning up their tents.
The slope continues after that, but you can still get a glimpse of the beautiful and stunning view from among the trees.
At 9:30, the slope breaks once, and the area is flat, and then the first descent begins.
As you go further, the scenery changes rapidly. In the distance, mountains with snow remain, and the forest limit line is approaching, and rocky areas are increasing.
If you go further ahead, you will see a fork.
The end of this fork is in a loop, so no matter which way you choose, you will be returning to the same place you are currently in, but this time you will follow the trail that goes clockwise to the left.
After a little further we arrived at a marsh-like area. This place has no name and may be a lake-like wetland that forms during the melting snow season.
Directly to the melting water of the mountains! That's how it's a very refreshing area.
As you continue further, you will easily find a place where you can rest, such as encountering a river made from melting snow or having a flat rocky area, so as you take a break and continue further, you will see another fork.
The branch goes towards FONTANILLIS.
Dick's Lake
About five minutes after proceeding the fork, you will now find a fork that goes to Dick's Lake. To see Dick's Lake, turn left.
Soon you'll see the second lake, Dick's Lake.
The crystal clear water shines brightly in response to the sunlight, making it very mysterious.
The water is cold, but you can also swim. You may also encounter people camping here.
Leave Dick's Lake and return to where there is a fork, then follow the path leading towards FONTANILLIS.
As you continue, you will see the main FONTANILLIS LAKE on your left. It is a fairly large lake and continues in the direction of the trail. At the beginning, you can see FONTANILLIS LAKE from a little distance on your left, but don't worry, there will be a trail that follows near the lakeside later.
The water here is also truly transparent, emits a beautiful emerald colour, and if the water isn't cold, you'd like to swim right away. LOL (There are actually people who swim.)
Behind the lake is a truly picturesque mountain with snow left behind. There are few people, so it's very quiet and has a sense of privateness.
It's a shame to leave the FONTANILLIS LAKE, but I'll leave the FONTANILLIS LAKE and continue. As you continue, a river will appear where the water from FONTANILLIS LAKE flows down.
I was able to move on rocks or trees with my shoes on and turn to the other side, but if there is a lot of water, it may be better to cross barefoot.
Velma Lake
We're going across the river. This time, Middle Velma Lake will appear in the back left. It's a little far away, but if you want to get close, you can. (I'll have to walk the trail for an extra step.) This time, I'll just look from a distance and pass by.
Continue further down the trail. The river comes out again.
Here too, you walk on the rocks in your shoes and cross the river, but when there is a lot of water, you will have to cross barefoot. It's a very pleasant area, so you can take a break along the river.
If you continue further, another wetland will appear on your right. But this is a lake called Upper Velma Lake. (The same name as Middle Velma Lake, which I saw earlier in the distance on my left, is Upper Velma Lake.) This is the third lake.
The blue sky, snowy mountains, and the greenery of the aquatic plants were truly beautiful, and I felt like I wanted to sit on the lake shore forever, but I still have a long way home so I'm continuing.
At 1:30pm, the slope continues, and if you continue further, you will return to a loop-like fork. After that, you will return the path you came, just like you would on your way to go.
We returned to the trailhead at 14:45, so the hike took a total of 6.5 hours.
The cloud shape and movement are very dynamic, and the trail offers a truly diverse landscape overall.
Lake Tahoe is not well known as a tourist destination for Japanese people, but it is a resort area rich in nature that can be enjoyed casually among locals.
It's easy to access from San Francisco and Sacramento in California. Be sure to head to Lake Tahoe, where the beautiful lakes spread out.
Notes regarding the spread of COVID-19
As of October 2020, various countries are likely to experience a variety of situations, including entry restrictions due to the strengthening of quarantine systems, restrictions on admission to national parks, and restrictions on travel within the country. These conditions may change without notice, so when traveling, be sure to obtain local information such as embassies and consulates of each country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas safety website (infectious disease risk information) and national park websites, and check the information about the transfer location, the countries where you plan to travel, and the area around the destinations you plan to visit before making any effort to plan and take reasonable steps.
Kato Sayaka
Leave your California hiking and travel plans to us. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.
