Five Lakes, Granite Chief Wilderness CA

• 4-star hike
• 4 mi out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,090 ft | Peak 7,500 ft
• Alpine Meadows, CA | Lake Tahoe
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The image shows a serene mountain lake surrounded by a dense forest of tall pine trees. In the background, there are rocky mountain peaks under a clear blue sky. The lake's surface reflects the trees and mountains, creating a mirror-like effect. The scene is tranquil and picturesque, highlighting the beauty of nature.

The image shows a serene mountain lake surrounded by a dense forest of tall pine trees. In the background, there are rocky mountain peaks under a clear blue sky. The lake's surface reflects the trees and mountains, creating a mirror-like effect. The scene is tranquil and picturesque, highlighting the beauty of nature.

One of five crystal clear mountain lakes.

Nestled in the foothills of the Granite Chief Wilderness peaks just north of Lake Tahoe, the Five Lakes promise dramatic yet tranquil surroundings, a place to relax, fish or swim. The hike starts out at the junction of Alpine Meadows Rd and Deer Park Rd, rises gently towards the Five Lakes plateau and up the side of KT22 peak through expanses of exposed granite and jagged volcanic rock.

The two mile trail maintains little more than a slight incline, but still gains nine hundred feet of elevation before reaching the lakes. On the warmest Tahoe days this trail lacks a great deal of shade, but the lakes themselves provide plenty of cover from the sun and opportunities to cool off in the waters.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Five Lakes Trail 3.9 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,090 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

A four mile hike takes you to the lakes and back, but if you want to explore the lakes themselves, add another mile or so. Trails exist between all the lakes, making them nicely accessible. Bugs weren’t a big problem when we visited on a warm September day, but we always recommend carrying insect repellent just in case.

By summer when the snow has retreated, the Five Lakes Trail is one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness so don’t expect to have this trail to yourself. Don’t be disheartened if the trail is busy however, as the lakes themselves allow for plenty of chances for quiet and solitude.

The image shows a scenic mountain landscape with a valley in the center. The valley is surrounded by forested hills and rocky cliffs. There are numerous trees, both in the valley and on the hillsides, and the terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops and green vegetation. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, indicating a bright and sunny day.

The image shows a scenic mountain landscape with a valley in the center. The valley is surrounded by forested hills and rocky cliffs. There are numerous trees, both in the valley and on the hillsides, and the terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops and green vegetation. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, indicating a bright and sunny day.

Alpine Meadows valley views from the trail.

Tangents:
• Official: Forest Service
• Public Map at AllTrails: Five Lakes Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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