Granite Chief Wilderness
Trail Description- “The Granite Chief Wilderness was designated a Wilderness area in 1984 because of its pristine nature, natural beauty, and primitive, non-motorized recreational opportunities. Located on the west shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, the Granite Chief Wilderness is managed by the Tahoe National Forest. This 25,680 acre wilderness offers beautiful valley meadows and spectacular 9000 foot granite peaks.
Group size is limited to 12 people for day and overnight use. Camping, campfires, and stove use are prohibited within 600 feet of any lake in the Five Lakes basin. Camping, campfires, and stove use are prohibited within 250 feet of the Whiskey Creek structures. (less than one mile southwest of Five Lakes on the Whiskey Creek trail). Recreational stock animals: Stock size is limited to 12 animals for day or overnight use. Stock are prohibited within 600 feet of all wilderness lakes (except to pass through the Five Lakes basin on the Five Lakes trail). Dogs are prohibited from May 15 through July 15 each year in the following deer fawning areas: The wilderness portion of the French Meadow Game Refuge (except for the area east of the Pacific Crest Trail) and the Big Springs Trail and the portion of Five Lakes Creek that parallels that trail. Bury human waste six to eight inches deep and at least 200′ (100 paces) from lakes, streams, campsites, and trails. Toilet paper must be packed out or buried. Wilderness areas are special places where motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited (this includes motorcycles, bicycles, carts, and strollers).” *credit* Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, recreation/hiking page.
**Suggestions from the Truckee Trails Crew** Bring a map and gps unit, trails in the wildnerness are often overgrown and can be difficult to navigate!
Difficulty- Moderate to difficult to length and elevation.
Directions to Trailhead- Trailheads are accessible from Highway 89 via Alpine Meadows Road, Squaw Valley Road, Ward Creek Boulevard, Blackwood Canyon Road, and Barker Pass Road.