Maggies Peaks

The Bayview trailhead offers campsites for $15 a night and is managed by the USDA. Toilets. No Showers. Potable water.

This is the Bayview trailhead board. Go right toward Desolation.

After climbing about 400 feet in elevation, the first view of Emerald Bay from the trail rewards you with the satisfaction of being above all the tourists and drivers below on 89. There are large rocks to climb on for photo opportunities.

In the summertime, people gather at Granite Lake to rest and sun themselves. A few dare to take a dip in the icey waters tucked away in the alpine forest. Beyond Granite Lake, there is a brief slog up Maggies Saddle. Sadly, many visitors don't venture beyond Granite, but a bit more effort will reveal infinitely more and a capstone view.

Upon reaching this point, you'll be able to see deep into Desolation Wilderness. Take a detour off trail to either of Maggies Peaks. To reach the south peak, the higher of the two at 8,699', take a left off trail once you've plateaued on the saddle and continue climbing in elevation. There is little underlying vegetation or brush, so navigating this is relatively easy. Just head uphill.

Although there's no formal trail leading to the top, the view is spectacular and one of the finest in Lake Tahoe. It is unobstructed by trees, and is the perfect perch for a well deserved snack. You can backtrack the way you came, or return to the trail and continue deeper into Desolation Wilderness. A nice loop would be to take a right at the next junction towards Eagle Lake and end at the Eagle Falls trailhead. The Eagle Falls trailhead is about 1 mile down 89 from Bayview trailhead.