Round Top Lake Loop

We drove up to the Woods Lake Recreation Area in the Eldorado National Forest to hike the Round Top Lake Loop, with side trips to each lake it was 5.6 miles with 1,200 ft gain. We only saw one other hiker on the trail this morning and had all three lakes to ourselves.

When we reached the loop trail about 0.1 mile from the parking area, we opted to go counterclockwise on the loop. The trail starts in the woods.

As the trail gains in elevation, we had segments of the trail out in the open. Here a view of Red Lake Peak to the north.

Lots of rocky peaks and large boulders

We saw some fall colors along the trail.

More large boulders, 

and views along the trail.

Black Butte

remains of a very old car

After entering the Mokelumne Wilderness,

we soon had views of The Sisters.

View to the southwest across the meadow

Getting closer to The Sisters

View to the west with a distant Caples Lake,

zoom looking towards Caples Lake

Round Top Lake at the base of The Sisters

The Sisters reflecting in Round Top Lake

Heading up to our high point on the trail of 9,400 ft, The Sisters and Round Top Lake behind us. 

Winnemucca Lake to the east below

Lovely boulder!

Hiking below Round Top

Getting closer to Winnemucca Lake

View to the north as we near the lake

Pano along Winnemucca Lake

A quiet spot along the shore of Winnemucca Lake for our lunch break.

Views as we continue along the loop and down the trail.

Leaving the Mokelumne Wilderness, Round Top behind us.

Tall pine trees

Arrastra site along the trail

A beautiful trail among the rocks!

Small pond along the side trail to Woods Lake

First glimpse of Woods Lake

pano of Wood Lake

we saw a few wildflowers up in the meadows this morning:

 

 

Fontanillis Lake via Bayview Trail and the Velma Lakes Loop

We drove to the Bayview Trailhead on the south side of Lake Tahoe to hike up to Fonanillis Lake via the Velma Lakes Loop in the Desolation Wilderness, about 11 miles and 2,700 ft of overall gain. View of Lake Tahoe from partway up the trial.

view of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe about 1/2 mile up the trail.

We also  hiked past Granite Lake about 1 mile up the trail.

Views of Granite Lake and Lake Tahoe as we continued up towards Maggies Peaks 

Lots f pine trees and granite along the trail.

From along Maggies Peaks, we could see down to Eagle Lake below.

From Maggies Peaks the trail descends down to Velma Lakes (we went counterclockwise on the loop), we had lovely views of surrounding Granite Peaks and lovely boulders.

The trail went past part of Upper Velma Lake

rocky crossing across the outlet to Upper Velma Lake

view downstream

view upstream

Before turning up along the Pacific Crest Trail portion of the loop,  we hiked over to overlook Middle Velma Lake and took a break.

From the outlet of Fontanillis Lake, we could see down to Lake Tahoe far below

I loved this short portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that traveled along side Fontanillis Lake:

As we descended from Fontanillis Lake, we took the short side trail for a view of Dicks Lake

We then left the PCT to descend down towards the end of the loop, here we had another view to Lake Tahoe far below

Enjoyed the many granite boulders and peaks, and views to some lakes below.

As we neared an unnamed lake, we saw some lovely fall colors.

We took another break at this unnamed lake

pano of the lake

After our restful break, we continued up towards Maggies Peaks and back to the trailhea, continuing to enjoy al that was around us, including a  fabulous old pine tree and 

many builders.