Lake Tahoe region

Travel resources | Other California destinations | Other California trails

See these for hiking when there is no snow:

Snowshoeing from Bayview (near Emerald Bay) to the Velma Lakes and Fontanillis Falls.

In the summer the trailhead is at Emerald Bay. The trail is the same that goes to Eagle Lake. After Eagle Lake the trail continues up to the junction with the Dick's Pass trail and the Velma Lakes trail. Turn right towards Velma Lakes. There are three lakes. The Upper Velma Lake is created by the 50-meter tall Fontanillis Waterfalls. The Middle Velma lake is about 6 kms from Emerald Bay. Fontanillis Lake is about 8kms from Emerald Bay. The elevation gain is about 500 meters to Fontanillis Lake.

Coordinates of the center of the three lakes: N38.93335ø W120.14753ø

Hiking trails in south Tahoe for snowshoeing found with google:

  • The Echo Lakes Trail is fairly flat for beginners.
  • "The Little Round Top trail takes snowshoers along a ridge providing almost continuous scenic views."
  • "Blackwood Canyon offers wide range of experiences for snowshoers of all levels of skill and endurance."
Snowshoe rentals: West Shore Sports (5395 West Lake Boulevard, Homewood), located on Hwy 89 between Sugar Pine Point State Park and Homewood Mountain.
Camping nearby: Lovers Leap and Sand Flat along Highway 50. Lots of campgrounds along the west coast of Lake Tahoe, notably Bayview, across from Inspiration Point. Or camp in the Eldorado National Forest after Fallen Leaf (turn left across from the national forest visitor center and drive towards the end).