D&T Treks: Velma Lakes

Men and women 13+

All creeds welcome

Adventure Score: 2

Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness is an alpine wonderland. Massive conifers stab out from great walls of granite. Stony basins hold pristine lakes, refreshing pools of azure wherein dart brook and rainbow trout. This is world-class backpacking.

We’re not going far, but we are going hard. It’s only 5 miles to the Upper Velma Lake, but make no mistake: you’ll work for it.

This is an out-and-back trail with lots of climbing and some brutal switchbacks, but that’s just one day and we’ll need an early start to beat the summer heat. We know that with hardship there is ease, and in this case the payoff is glorious.

At the end of all that work are some of the prettiest little lakes you ever will see and that’s where we’ll spend the next two nights, God willing. We’ll explore, swim, fish (don’t forget your license!), and just take in the refreshment of radiant sunshine, clean air, and cool water.

We’re opening this adventure up to some of our younger participants with the understanding that they have the maturity to take direction and behave responsibly. And to make the trip easier for those coming from a distance, we are including an overnight stay Friday August 11th at D&T Camp One in Placerville, about 1.5 hours from the trailhead.

Included:

• Overnight accommodations and meal at Dust and Tribe Camp One (optional)
• Two nights of camping alongside the Velma Lakes
• Point-by-point itinerary, packing list, and personalized assistance with logistics
• Commemorative D&T keepsake to honor our time together
• New friends and a lifetime of memories!

You are responsible for your family’s food, transportation, clothing, and gear (limited rentals are available).

Book your spot with a $100 deposit that is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to our trip (refund deadline Monday 7/13/2023).

Don’t want to hassle with food? We’re happy to put together a 2000 calorie/day vegetarian meal bundle to get you through the weekend. The bundle includes pasta and quinoa-based entrees, oatmeal, granola, and lots of chocolate, nut-butters, and fat-rich coconut strips to fuel your adventure.

Questions? Drop them in the comments below or send us a message through our Contact Page