Velma Lakes
Eagle Lake
Fontanillis Lake
Dicks Lake

This was another "Monday Hikers" group hike. The original plan was to go to 'Velma Lakes', however it turned into a much better hike as we did a loop of the upper lakes. Of the three Velma Lakes, we only visited the Middle one before we went 'adventuring'. The high rating stems from the ascent and the duration of the loop.

The trailhead begins at the paved parking lot on the west side of Highway 89 near Eagle Falls.

The first 2 1/2 miles are mostly all UP. The trail is clearly marked and fairly popular. There are a lot of 'stairs' involved - a good workout for the Rocky Balboa types.

We, on the other hand, stopped often to look at interesting rocks, plants, and any other diversion (excuse).

At about a mile, we took a diversion to Eagle Lake, a pretty body of water surrounded by granite peaks.

Near the top of the grade is a small dome off to the right that affords some spectacular views. We paused for a snack, a look at bushes struggling to survive, and to enjoy the scenery.

Reaching Middle Velma Lake, we relaxed for a bit, had lunch, and decided to continue on a loop that would lead around to a couple of lakes that none of us had been to before. (And after all, isn't that why we go hiking?)

Isn't it amazing what will grown in a cracked rock given half a chance? This was on the slope between the trail and the lake.

Arriving at the narrow end of Fontanillis Lake, everyone was in awe at its beauty. It made it to our list for another hike next year for a longer stay!

Going a little further, we crossed the outlet stream that feeds Upper Velma Lake. The view from there was back toward Lake Tahoe with a couple of unnamed puddles/ponds/lakes in the foreground.

The trail passes by this large granite slab which has a very wide intrusive dike of quartzite running straight through it, and no, it is not painted on.

Continuing past Fontanillis Lake, the trail takes you past Dicks Lake. It begs the question, who was Dick, and why does he get a lake named after him?

On our way back, we passed a cute, shallow, unnamed lake/pond - so we gave it one.

The trail does contain a section that most were a bit nervous about. You don't want to slip on this stretch!