Finally topping out with the Bayview trail junction. Left takes one to Maggies Peaks, Granite Lake, and the Bayview trailhead. My route was right down to the Velma Lakes Basin.
Viewed: 41 times.
Another of the brand new Desolation Wilderness trailsigns. Left turn to Dicks Lake/Dicks Pass and again my route was right toward Velma Lakes.
Viewed: 33 times.
A lone duck in a seasonal pond alongside the trail. Gave up some hard earned elevation on the descent to the lake.
Viewed: 36 times.
A first good look at Phipps Peak. (Left highpoint) The trail would take an indirect route- swinging to the left to skirt around Middle Velma Lake.
Viewed: 41 times.
Another small pond alongside the trail down to Velma Lakes.
Viewed: 39 times.
The unnamed Velma lake between Middle and Upper Velma lakes. Dicks Peak is on the back left.
Viewed: 43 times.
Crossing the outlet stream connecting Upper and Lower Velma lakes. I opted to take the rocks over the log.
Viewed: 42 times.
A team of pack horses near yet another trail junction. Didn't see the owners and the horses were gone on my return trip.
Viewed: 43 times.
Joining the PCT just shy of Middle Velma Lake. I had last been on this section of trail on my Echo Lakes to Meeks Bay Backpack trip last year.