On July 17, 18 and 19 (2024), DHB hiked three trails in the South Lake Tahoe area, each known for lovely lakes and heart-stopping vistas. Here are some details and photos:
1. “String of Pearls” hike: Starting at the Bayview trailhead above Emerald Bay, then to Granite Lake, then to a lovely unnamed lake, then to Dick’s Lake, then to Fontanillis Lake, then to Upper Velma Lake, and return (12.4 miles round trip, 2710 feet elevation gain).
2. Carson-Showers Ridge hike: Starting at the Meiss trailhead near Carson Pass, then turning left and following a high ridge line to Showers Lake, then back through fields of wildflowers and Meiss Meadow, then return (10.4 miles round trip, 1916 feet elevation gain).
3. Mt Tallac summit hike, via the back trail: Starting at the Lily Lake trailhead (near the southern end of Fallen Leaf Lake), then to Gilmore Lake, then to the Tallac summit, then return (12.6 miles round trip, 2989 feet elevation gain).
String of Pearls hike:
Stunning view of Emerald Bay
Granite Lake
A lovely unnamed lake
DHB at Dick’s Lake
Fontanillis Lake
Crossing a stream
Waterfall near Upper Velma Lake
Upper Velma Lake
One must jump to cross this stream
Carson-Showers Ridge hike:
Cappels Lake, from the ridge
Meiss Lake (lower) and Round Lake (upper), from the ridge
Showers Lake
Eating lunch at Showers Lake
Wildflowers along the trail
An unnamed lake
Meiss Meadow
Meiss Lake (from a previous hike)
Mt Tallac summit hike:
Upper Glen Alpine Falls
Gilmore Lake
View from Mt Tallac summit, looking west: Gilmore Lake (bottom), Susie Lake (middle), Aloha Lake (upper), Pyramid Peak (upper left corner)
Proof that DHB actually did this hike (his 10th hike to the Tallac summit)
Wildflowers along the trail
A remarkable double-trunked tree