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A beautiful trail encompassing lakes, views, and an entrance to the Desolation Wilderness.


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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.7

KM

Point to Point

8,460' 2,579 m

High

6,886' 2,099 m

Low

1,927' 588 m

Up

354' 108 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Swimming · Views

Description

Many short options and loops are possible with this trail. Consider heading to Maggie's Peak or create a loop with Eagle Falls Trail, or head higher into the wilderness and Velma Lake, near the PCT.

From the trailhead, take a right (left is Cascade Falls Trail) and start up steep switchbacks. Before long - about a mile - you'll reach the wilderness boundary and then a ridge with big views of Lake Tahoe. You'll soon hit Granite Lake. The trail stays above it, but you can trivially hop down to the lake for a swim or this could be your destination if you're looking for a short hike.

Continuing on the far side of the lake, more switchbacks take you up. Consider taking the short Maggie's Peak Summit spur trail for great views.

Past this point, the trail becomes a very nice and easy hike on mostly level ground with views into the Desolation Wilderness.

Once you reach an intersection with the Tahoe Rim Trail and PCT, your outing on this trail will be over, as the trail dead ends. Take you pick of looped routes, or simply return the way that you came.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 9 votes

#10

in Lake Tahoe

#6859

Overall
  4.4 from 9 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
56%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#10

in Lake Tahoe

#520

in California

#6,859

Overall
35 Views Last Month
12,420 Since Aug 17, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
17%
17%
33%
33%
0%

Photos

Mount Tallac from Bayview Trail
Nov 24, 2017 near South L…, CA
Looking over Emerald Bay
Nov 2, 2020 near South L…, CA
Along the Granite Lake Trail.
Aug 18, 2016 near South L…, CA
Sunset over Mount Tallac
Nov 24, 2017 near South L…, CA
Snow covered Mount Tallac
Nov 24, 2017 near South L…, CA
Eagle Lake and surrounding peaks taken during the early morning. From Granite Lake Trail in Lake Tahoe.
Sep 10, 2017 near South L…, CA

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