Want to hike into a granite wonderland, past glacier-carved lakes, and up to panoramic views of Lake Tahoe? Make it happen on a 6-mile loop hike in Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness. Start at the Eagle Falls trailhead and temporarily join the hordes of eager people heading to Eagle Lake, a glinting oasis set amidst a granite amphitheater. After checking out the lake, backtrack about 500 feet to the Velma Lakes intersection; there you'll lose the crowds and quickly ascend into the rugged backcountry. The only sounds you'll hear are the wind blowing through lonely lodgepole pines and gnarled juniper trees. Gaining 1,200 feet over 1.6 miles, each step takes you higher into the beautifully barren rocky terrain, with mountains layering far into the distance. Make a left at the three-way junction onto Bayview Trail and get ready: The ultimate Lake Tahoe view—Emerald Bay in plain sight—is your backdrop for most of the trip down. But before descending Bayview, scramble off-trail toward northern Maggie's Peak for an unforgettable ridgetop lunch spot overlooking the wild.

From the Eagle Falls trailhead, fill out a free wilderness permit and follow the signs toward Eagle Lake. After visiting Eagle Lake, backtrack 500 feet and follow the trail toward Velma/Dicks Lake. After climbing 1.6 miles, make a left onto the Bayview Trail and hike 2.8 miles to the Bayview trailhead. Take a BlueGO shuttle 1 mile north on Hwy. 89 back to your car at Eagle Falls. To catch the BlueGO shuttle, stand on the northbound side of Hwy. 89 at the entrance to Inspiration Point. Shuttles arrive hourly, between 40 and 50 minutes past hour. Wave at the shuttle when it arrives. It's $2 per person.