Tell's Peak Hike
	Trip Date:  08/05/2012 Distance: 11.6 Miles Vertical Gain: 2350' Group Size: 3 Hike Rating:  Easy   Moderate  Hard   Strenuous	GPX for this trip
	Start Coordinates:   N 38 55.860   W 120 19.301     End Coordinates:   Same as Start Coordinates Car Shuttle Req'd:   No Parking Directions:   Take Highway 50 to Ice House Road.  Head north on Ice House for about 17 miles until you reach the turnoff for Van Vleck Bunkhouse (Cheese Camp Road.)  Follow this road for a little over 5 miles until you get to the Van Vleck Trailhead parking area. Hazards of Note:   Steep dropoffs Long sections with little shade Significant early elevation gain Crowd Factor:   Limited.  Might see a person or two up to Forni Lake, but probably nobody up to the peak. General Notes: From the Parking Area head back to the north and then take the Tell's Creek trail toward Forni Lake.  This first part of the hike is about 5 miles through a long meadow, but as soon as you hit the Desolation Wilderness boundary, the steepness begins in earnest.  There is a climb of about 1/2 mile to Forni Lake, and then skirting around the south shore make your way cross country up to the ridgeline between Tell's Peak to your left and McConnell Peak to your right.   Spectacular views into Rockbound valley at Highland Lake and beyond await as you attain this ridge.  Finish your trek to the peak to the north for full 360 views around the entire area, including Loon Lake to the north and Lake Tahoe to the east.
	Rich and Tristan on the trail through the meadow.
	Entering Desolation Wilderness from a new location.
	Headed up the steep trail toward Forni Lake.
	Tristan headed up to one of the rises on the mountain.
	A look at Forni Lake with Tell's Peak in the distance behind it.
	A look back at Forni lake from near the top.
	Coming up to the saddle we were greeted with this view of Highland lake.
	Tristan and Rich celebrating being at the peak.
	A look toward Loon Lake from the peak.
	Me at the summit checking out the amazing views.
	GPX track of the hike.