Name: Eagle Lake (Desolation Wilderness)
Rating: 2

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El Dorado County

Eagle Lake (Desolation Wilderness)

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California

El Dorado County

Eagle Lake (Desolation Wilderness)

Recommended by 28 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Desolation Wilderness

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Location: El Dorado County, California, United States

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Best Hikes to Eagle Lake (Desolation Wilderness)

5.0

(6)

hikers

1. Fontanillis Lake loop via Eagle Falls Trail — Eldorado National Forest

18.8km

06:20

780m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Expert

4.9

(16)

117

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2. Granite Lake – Upper Eagle Falls loop from South Lake Tahoe

10.8km

04:06

560m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

5.0

(2)

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3. Upper Eagle Falls – Eagle Falls Trail loop from Rubicon Properties

7.33km

02:28

360m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

🕊️ 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒓

December 7, 2016

Only 5 miles into Desolation Wilderness from the Eagle Falls trailhead at Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, Fontanillis and Dicks offer forested shorelines with secluded campsites and excellent fishing. Eagles Lake is about halfway along the way.

Dicks and Fontanillis lakes are separated by only about a third of a mile. Both lakes press up against 9,374-foot Dicks Peak. Nearby are the Velma Lakes, a cluster of 3 great fishing lakes that draw the majority of campers who come up the trail from Tahoe.

Eagle Falls Trailhead to Bayview Trail Junction, 2.7 miles

From the Eagle Falls trailhead the hike up to and across a bridge and then begin a steady climb. Stop half way up to catch a view of Emerald Bay. In less than a mile, a side trail splits off to Eagle Lake. Take the Velma Lakes trail.

Despite occasional dips and level spots, most of the hike is uphill, many parts of it with steps. After 2.7 miles arrive at a ridge top and an intersection with the Bayview trail.

Velma Lakes

Bayview Trail to Dicks Lake or Fontanillis Lake,

1.75 miles or 2.5 miles

Continue toward Velma Lakes for 0.7 miles until you spot a trail sign which points you toward Dicks Lake. The trail soon climbs again with switchbacks. Look for views of Velma Lakes to the north. After a mile you strike the Pacific Crest Trail. There, turn right, heading southwest. Very soon, where the trail loops back to the north, you will spy Dicks Lake off through the trees. Follow a short side trail to the lake. By continuing north on the main hiking trail for 0.75 miles you arrive at half-mile-long Fontanillis Lake. Both make excellent places to camp.

highsierratrails.com/fontanillis_dicks_lakes/trail.html

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desolation_Wilderness

Scott

September 14, 2024

A stunning alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks, offering breathtaking scenery and a serene atmosphere. Enjoy the clarity of the lake, ideal for fishing, or simply admiring its beauty.

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Elevation 2,120 m

Weather

Saturday 20 September

15°C

9°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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Location: El Dorado County, California, United States

Eagle Lake (Desolation Wilderness)

1. Fontanillis Lake loop via Eagle Falls Trail — Eldorado National Forest

2. Granite Lake – Upper Eagle Falls loop from South Lake Tahoe

3. Upper Eagle Falls – Eagle Falls Trail loop from Rubicon Properties

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