Lake Tahoe – Maggie’s Peak is one of the Best Hikes in the Area
Maggie’s Peak Hike offers rewarding views of Lake Tahoe and a peak in the back-country if you are willing to take on the challenging elevation gain. For only being 2 miles to the top, you will gain 1,600 ft of elevation. And that means there will be switchbacks! Luckily, a lovely viewpoint over Emerald Bay, Granite Lake, and the Maggie’s Peak Saddle interrupts the daunting switchbacks. I loved this hike. The elevation gain keeps the traffic low and there your efforts are well-rewarded.
This was my second attempt at Maggie’s Peak. The first attempt was in 2018 but we were unable to summit due to smoke from a nearby wildfire. We made it all the way to the saddle when we realized how much we’ve climbed into the smoke. The smoke obscured the view, so it wouldn’t be worthwhile to continue. This previous experience made me appreciate the clear skies even more on my 2020 hike.
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First Section: Switchbacks for a Rewarding View
Let’s get right into the hike. The trail starts at the end of the Bayview Campground, where there are a couple of bulletins of information about entering Desolation Wilderness. When I visited in August 2020, the Forest Service suspended the need for paper Day Use permits due to Covid. Check the Forest Service Website for updates. You will want to make a right on the Granite Lake Trail. Pretty much immediately you will begin climbing switchbacks. Through the trees, you’ll notice that you are quickly gaining elevation above the campground.
This section is a bit of a grind, but luckily after about three-quarters of a mile, there is a break in the trees and a surprise view of Emerald Bay. Take some time here to catch your breath and get some photos. It was interesting to see how many people walked right past this view. This is the best view of Emerald Bay that you will get on the hike, unless you bolder your way over to Maggie’s North Peak (most people do not). I loved the view and spent 10+ mins stopping here on the way up and back down, so don’t feel ashamed to do the same!
Going just to this viewpoint would be a worthy hike for those who are not interested in a longer hike. After you’ve got the shot, there is another shorter section of climbing.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again
- Intensity: Hiking Clothes, Hiking Shoes
- Location: Trailhead is across from the Emerald Bay Overlook on the southwest side of Lake Tahoe
- Cost: Free
- Restrooms: At the trailhead
- Timing: 3 – 4 hours
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Highlights:
- Stunning view of Emerald Bay in the first quarter of the hike
- Pass by Granite Lake, an idyllic little alpine lake that you can take a dip into
- The rocky peak is long with various sides to view Lake Tahoe from or the backcountry from the other
Lowlights:
- This is a challenging hike with a consistent climb, despite the short distance
Second Section: Granite Lake to Maggie’s Saddle
Before you get to Granite Lake, the trail levels out, and the trees are more spaced apart. The trail does not go right next to the lake but stays above it. There are many little trails down to the lake, which would be lovely for a picnic or swim on a hot day. When you look up, you will see Maggie’s South Peak looming 1,000 ft above. I did not stop at the lake but decided to continue on my way.
The section above Granite Lake is cartoonishly beautiful. There is something about the vegetation in this section that feels like it could be at Disneyland. The large trees leave open space, boulders dot the landscape, and low bushes add greenery. The surroundings and increasing views helped distract me from the switchbacks and the climb. This section is another grind with little reprieve. All the way from the lake to the saddle is a haul with no way around it.
There is a wide-open area which is the saddle between the North and South peaks. On the other side of the saddle, there is a drop-off into Desolation Wilderness and a near-constant breeze, if you need to cool off. The North Peak is toward Lake Tahoe with no direct path and significant boulders. The more formal trail is to the South Peak, which is what I did. Although more formal, it is not an obvious trail to the South Peak. I actually overshot it and had to go back to that first opening. You can follow the AllTrail Map or follow another trail. I followed the Alltrails Map.
Final Section: Maggie’s South Peak
The last little push to Maggie’s Peak is tough and steep – surprise! Use the excitement of the near-summit to propel you up that last segment. The actual peak is hard to determine. There are a series of boulder outcroppings that you can explore. First, take in the view of Lake Tahoe from the front of the peak.
This Lake Tahoe-facing area of Maggie’s Peak is stunning. You will see Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Granite Lake, Cascade Lake, and part of Fallen Leaf Lake. This area of the summit was my favorite. I took photos of a very nice family, explored the rest of the summit, and then came back to take in the views again.
Perhaps not as photogenic, I also enjoyed exploring the other area of the summit to see down into Desolation Wilderness. Using the downloaded maps from AllTrails and spotty cellular service, I was able to figure out which lakes I was looking at — Snow Lake and Azure Lake. Facing North, I could see a vibrant blue lake, which was one of the Velma lakes. Now that I’ve gotten a peek into Desolation, it would be fun to do some backpacking to these lakes.
The Return Trip
After snacking and photographing, I was ready to return. I quickly returned to the saddle, where I contemplated doing the North Peak. Dipping into the boulders for a couple of minutes, I checked the time and decided I would leave it for another day. I also needed my strength to enjoy the rest of my time in Lake Tahoe!
When I tell you, I flew down the trail. All that sweat and heavy breathing to reach the peak were long forgotten as I trotted downhill. It took a fraction of the time to get back to Granite Lake (it was busier at this later time, and I decided to skip it again) and only a few minutes to get back to the Emerald Bay view. What was interesting to see during this second stop at the Emerald Bay view was how the number of boats had multiplied. Crazy! The final section was quick and forgettable. Before I knew it, I was back at the Bayview Campground parking lot.
Maggie’s Peak Hike Recommendations
Since this is a relatively short hike with serious elevation gain, here is what I recommend you bring with you on the Maggie’s Peak Hike:
- Download a map or the Alltrails Map in advance
- Get an EARLY start – the parking area will fill up quickly, and the trail will get busier with a later start
- Day Pack – I used an older Patagonia 21L pack that was bigger than I needed. Consider the Gregory May 16 or small Osprey pack for a close-to-body experience with hip pockets.
- Hiking Shoes – You need sturdy shoes with grip. I wore the Keens Logan Mid, sadly no longer available, but the Keen Targhee Mid, Targhee II Mid, Targhee III Mid, or Voyageur Mid seem very similar.
- I also use a layered socks system to prevent blisters, which includes a sock liner, like this EcoMade one, with a thicker one on top like the EcoMade midweight or Marino Wool midweight.
- Layers for sun protection and warmth – I started the trial with a long-sleeve sun shirt, like the REI Co-Op Sahara Sun Shirt (I own this and love it), and removed it once I got hot.
- At least 2 liters of water – I used an Osprey 3L Hydration Bladder with a tube to keep drinking while hiking. I highly recommend getting the bite valve cover to keep dirt off the mouthpiece every time you put down your pack.
- Sunscreen – I use this sunscreen for my face, and this one for my body
- Small tripod for photos
- Snacks and food
Other Things to do Around Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a loved and common destination for my family and me. Here are other activities that I’ve done in the area (I will link to these activities as I publish them):
- East Shore Bike Path – Bike and Swim in Lake Tahoe
- Rubicon Trail – Connecting Emerald Bay and DL Bliss State Park
- Cave Rock – Short Hike on the Southeast Shore
- My Favorite Lake Tahoe Beaches – Kick back or take a swim
- Monkey Rock Hike – 2.5 Miles to Uninterrupted Views of Lake Tahoe
- How to Cozy Cabin Experience – We stayed in Truckee in the fall with snow!
- Full details of a Full Boat Rental with Action Watersports of Tahoe
- Eagle Lake Hike – 2-Mile Hike through Alpine Scenery
- Sunset Sail and Sparkling Wine with Sail Tahoe Blue
- Rifle Peak Hike – Insanely strenuous hike… but worthwhile? Still deciding
- Clear Kayak Stargazing Tour with Clearly Tahoe
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead is at the very back of the Bayview Campground, which is across the street from the busy Emerald Bay Scenic Overlook area. There is very limited parking (probably 5 – 10 spaces) at the trailhead. You cannot park elsewhere in the campground, so I recommend getting an early start to hiking or getting dropped off. I saw some people park out on the street. There are spots, but please be careful as it becomes crazy busy on the road in this area.
Overall Thoughts: Maggie’s Peak Hike
I am so happy I came back to experience Maggie’s Peak with clear skies. It is a consistent challenge to get to the summit but completely worthwhile. Plus, there is a view of Emerald Bay and Granite Lake to break up the views/know you’re making progress. You’ll likely see other backpackers on the trail as this is one of the main routes into Desolation Wilderness – something I would like to look into in the future.
I’m always looking for more hikes to do around Lake Tahoe. Do you recommend any other hikes for me to check out? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
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