ActivitiesHikingDick's Peak Trailhead

Dick's Peak Trailhead

West Shore, hiking, expert

One of Tahoe's most demanding summit hikes. Route through the Velma Lakes is one of the finest multi-day backpacking circuits in the Sierra.

In short: Dick's Peak Trailhead is an expert hike on Lake Tahoe's West Shore: 18 mi round trip, 3,800 ft of elevation gain, a high point of 9,974 ft. The season is Jul – Sep, a wilderness permit is required, dogs are not allowed.

Distance, round trip
18 mi
Elevation gain
3,800 ft
High point
9,974 ft
Difficulty
Expert

Where it is

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Trail details

  • Second-highest point above Tahoe
  • Velma Lakes basin
  • Multi-day route
  • Remote alpine terrain
Trail
Dick's Peak via Velma Lakes
Season
Jul – Sep
Permit
Wilderness permit required
Parking
Free, Bayview/Emerald Bay area
Dogs
Not allowed

Go with a guide. Walk the basin with a local guide, on a trail matched to your group and the season.

Guided hike

Conditions today

Right now
72°F, Sunny
Today
High 72°, low 48°
Wind
8 mph
Campfires
Metal rings only
  • TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
  • ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
  • FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Know before you go

Permits
Desolation Wilderness needs a permit for both day hikes and overnight trips. Most other trails in the basin need none.
Parking
Lots at Eagle Falls, D.L. Bliss and other popular trailheads fill by 9am on summer weekends. Start early or go midweek.
Altitude
Trailheads start around 6,300 feet and the highest summits top 10,000. Carry more water than you would at sea level and take the first day easy.
Weather
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Plan to be off exposed ridges and summits by early afternoon.

Read the hiking guide

More hiking within 5 miles

Nearest campgrounds

See its pin on the mapAll hiking placesMore on fs.usda.gov (opens in a new tab)