From the Van Vleck Trailhead, follow the road east past the locked gate at Tells Creek for one-half miles to the Y intersection. Go to the left and follow the road 0.4 miles to the weather station. Take the trail to the right. The grade is easy for the first 1.5 miles but then it increases dramatically as you climb up Tells Peak. Beautiful views of the Crystal Range and the surrounding lakes are plentiful on this trail. Forni Lake provides some good fishing. The first 2.5 miles are outside the wilderness. The last 0.7 miles to Forni Lake is inside the boundary and will require a Desolation Wilderness permit.