Fontanillis Lake & Dicks Lake Camping

Desolation Wilderness

photo of East Lake, Desolation Wilderness, California
photo of East Lake, Desolation Wilderness, California

Fontanillis Lake & Dicks Lake Camping

Desolation Wilderness


Camping at Fontanillis or Dicks Lake

The best sites at Fontanillis Lake are at its southeastern end, secluded among the trees and rocks. An adequate, but not as attractive site, is at the lake's northwestern end. Wonderful campsites are situated along the northern end of Dicks Lake. Spend time looking around before deciding on your camp. More adventurous hikers might find sites on Fontanillis' west side or Dicks Lake's eastern shore.

Fishing

Fishing is good for brook trout at Dicks Lake. Fontanillis Lake is known for large rainbow trout, often spotted cruising the shallows. Nearby Velma Lakes offer great fishing, too.

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Dicks Lake, Desolation Wilderness, California

Dicks Lake



Upper Velma Lake, Desolation Wilderness, California

Upper Velma Lake

Mount Tallac Trail, Desolation Wilderness, California

Foreground - Trail up Mt. Tallac,
Below - Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe

Explore the Area


Velma Lakes

Make a 4-mile circuit of the Velma Lakes by following the trail down from either Dicks Lake or Fontanillis Lake, around Upper Velma Lake and past Middle Velma Lake. Heading out counter-clockwise allows you to make the return climb up to your camp along the shady ridge north of Fontanillis Lake.

Dicks Pass

The 2.5-mile hike to the top of 9,377-foot Dicks Pass rewards hikers with views of the southern Desolation Wilderness, including Half Moon Lake and Susie Lake. By continuing up onto the little hilltop east of the pass, hikers can see the summit of 9,700-foot Mt. Tallac and perhaps even glimpse Lake Aloha.



Peak Bagging

Following the trail over Dicks Pass down and around Gilmore Lake, ambitious hikers can make the 5.8-mile trek to the summit of 9,735-foot Mount Tallac. The trail to the top of Mt. Tallac is well-maintained except for a little scrambling over small boulders in one section. Expect a lot of company as you join the trails leading up from Fallen Leaf Lake. Mt. Tallac is a popular day-hike for people at Lake Tahoe. Panoramic views from the top are spectacular, ranging from the Desolation Wilderness around to Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.