Maggie's Peaks

This hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping area. The trail starts with an option to go into Desolation Wilderness or Cascade Falls. Take the right turn into Desolation. Because this is a wilderness area, be sure to grab one of the day use hiking permits offered at the kiosk. If you are doing an overnight, you will need to go to a Forest Service Visitor Center or to their online site to get an overnight permit. The first part of the hike is relatively steep and climbs through a forested area. After awhile, views into Emerald Bay will start to open up. Be sure to do a little exploration off the trail to find the best views of the Bay. You will pass Granite Lake along the way and if you want to take a short break, this is a great place to do it.

After a short set of switchbacks, you will find yourself at a saddle between the two peaks. The southern peak is 8699 feet, while the northern peak is slightly shorter at 8499. The northern peak has slightly better views of Emerald Bay, but the southern peak is higher and offers better views of Desolation. If you want to extend this hike, you can hike past the Maggie’s Peaks to the next fork in the trail and walk back to Eagle Lake. If you follow this trail, you will end up at the Eagle Falls Trail Head and have to hike back to Bayviews along the road.