Bayview Trail (Granite Lake/Maggies Peaks/Dicks Lake) - Desolation Wilderness, CA 8/7/2016

Trailhead -Bayview Trail

Moderately strenuous hike

10 miles RT

1,700' elevation gain 

This is a great hike to experience Desolation Wilderness with spectacular views.  Maggies Peaks are one of the gateways to Desolation Wilderness. There is no official trail going up to Maggies Peaks from the main trail/Bayview Trail, but you can follow boot tracks to the peaks once you reach the saddle and aim to climb towards the top.  Keep "minimum impact" in mind, however, and not to trek over and damage vegetation. Maggies south peak offers a fantastic panoramic view of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake and South Lake Tahoe with surrounding Tahoe rim and Carson range peaks - Mt. Tallac, Freel Peak, Jobs Peaks, Mt. Rose and more.  From Maggies north peak, you can peek into the remote alpine environment of Desolation Wilderness.

I continued the journey to Dicks Lake from Maggies Peaks via Bayview Trail and took the same route back to the trailhead.  You can take side trip options for Velma Lake and/or Eagle Lake en route to/from Dicks Lake, which will add extra distance and time to the journey.

Mt. Rose - Olympic Peninsula, WA

April 7, 2016

It was 74 degrees when I arrived at the trailhead parking lot around 1:30pm. The weather was like an early summer. Traihead is easy to find and located right across Lake Cushman on FR 24. Trailhead has a small parking lot for about a dozen or so cars. Privy is available.

In short, this hike is quite a feat as the WTA's description details....one of the steepest trails in the Olympics. I'd say it's somewhat like a combination of Mt. Si and Mailbox Peak(old trail)....it gains 3,500 ft vertical in 2.9 miles based on the trail information at the trailhead. However, it's worth the effort to see the spectacular views from the top.

The trail is in good condition with no significant obstacles until you hit the snow covered route which begins somewhere around the last 3/4 mile to the summit via left loop route after ascending about 1/4 mile from Horsecamp. The snow covered route was mostly packed with boot tracks, except the slope going up to the summit because there were some soft spots where I ended up post-holing a few feet down. (See the pic.) Also, part of the snow covered route can become sketchy when snow starts to melt and boot tracks disappear. Therefore, it is a good protocol to pay attention to where you are heading, particularly when you descend as the boot tracks you followed up may disappear if it's warm weather by the time you follow back....you don't want to get lost! There are some trail markers of bright orange color tapes tied around some trees and branches which I found helpful as well as following the boot tracks in and out.

The last few hundred feet ascending the steep face to the summit was a little tricky today because the weather was warm and the deep snow got soft and slushy/slippery. I had micro spikes in my pack just in case, but I didn't have to use them after all. However, hiking poles became certainly useful. And, water proof boots are highly recommended to tackle the snow covered route to the summit.

All the sweat and effort were rewarded with the breathtaking vistas from the top in the crystal clear sky and gorgeous weather....Lake Cushman, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic range and Puget Sound. I had the summit and all that view for myself! By the way, the summit is very small....looks like it's only about 6 sq.ft.? and just enough for a few people!!!

I descended back the same route instead of continuing the loop because of the snow condition and I didn't want to take a risk of getting lost!!!

Mt. Rose is a great hike with spectacular views....with a little(?) effort and determination to challenge the steep trail. After the hike, I took a side trip down to Lake Cushman from the trailhead.....wow, it was gorgeous!

Mt. Rose, NV

 Mt. Rose (10,776’), NV

August 31, 2010

10.6 miles RT

Elevation gain – 1,835’

*Click to view large.

View of Lake Tahoe over Incline Village from SR431

From Incline Village, take SR 431(Mt. Rose Highway) to Reno. The trailhead is located in the parking lot “Mount Rose Summit”, which is the top of the mountain pass along SR 431. The highway runs for about 20 miles between Incline Village and Reno. The Mount Rose Summit Parking Area is at the elevation of 8,900' and the sign says “Highest Year-round Sierra Pass”. The parking lot is big enough for many cars. There are restrooms, brochures, and trail maps. The trail begins right behind this kiosk. The trail is well marked all along to the summit. The first couple of miles are relatively leveled and not much grade. A spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and meadows along SR 431 opens up during the first mile or so. Then, you continue the trek into tree lines with some rock and bolder formations. In about two miles there is a big waterfall. If you need to refill water, this is a good place. Hike along the meadow after the waterfall, and the trail begins climb up steep to the saddle of Mt. Rose. Around 9,500’, descending about 1 mile along the west side of the mountain, there is a sign pointing toward the final stretch to summit. Take a little break there if you must because it’s the “thin” air that could get you near 10,000’. The final ascent to the summit becomes a little rocky and sandy.  Make firm steps as ascend, and suck in deep the “thin air” above 10,000’. The summit awaits you to see the spectacular vistas of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains as a reward of your determination!

                     The meadow and a water fall are about a half way point.  Follow the sign to Mt. Rose summit.

        The last stretch to the summit is a little challenging.  It takes more work to ascend on sandy trail.

View of Lake Tahoe from the summit - 10,776'.

 

View west....Sierra Nevada range, Donner Lake, I-80 and Castle Peak are visible.

 View south....Carson range and Freel Peak are seen.

 

 Reno is down below and Nevada mountains in background.

Panoramic view south of Mt. Rose summit.  Tahoe Sierra in front, Carson Rage and Freel Peak are seen along Lake Tahoe's east shore(left), and Mt. Tallac and Crystal Range/Desolation Wilderness on the south shore across the lake.

View north of the summit - Sunflower Mountain to the left, Reno down below and Nevada mountains in skyline.