Loading trail…
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
California
6.0 mi
Distance
2,516 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Tahoe National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Granite Chief
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Granite Chief is a moderately challenging alpine trail that climbs through mixed conifer forest and open granite terrain to reach scenic high country views. The trail gains over 2,500 feet of elevation while covering nearly 6 miles, rewarding hikers with expansive vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks and granite formations. This popular destination offers a solid day hike experience with significant elevation gain and stunning alpine scenery.
Five Lakes
~3 min drive
Scenic alpine loop featuring multiple mountain lakes with steady elevation gain.
Squaw Valley Wst Connection
~3 min drive
Steep 1.67-mile connector with 600 ft gain near Lake Tahoe.
Pole Creek Nordic
~5 min drive
Moderate 10-mile nordic trail with 2,215 ft elevation gain through forested terrain.
Bear Creek Trail
~3 min drive
Steady 4-mile creek-side hike with nearly 1,000 ft elevation gain.
Squaw Saddle Trail
~4 min drive
Quick 1.2-mile ascent to a scenic saddle with panoramic views.
Deer Creek
~8 min drive
Gentle creek-side trail through Northern California riparian woodland.
Western State Tahoe Rim Tie
~8 min drive
Alpine connector trail offering access to Tahoe Rim Trail with forest and high-elevation views.
Big Spring
~7 min drive
Easy 1.7-mile walk to Big Spring with minimal elevation gain.
Big Chief
~9 min drive
16-mile moderate hike with 496 ft gain in Big Chief area.
Shanks Cove
~8 min drive
Moderate 5.8-mile coastal hike with 1,712 ft elevation gain near Shanks Cove.
