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South Lake Tahoe, California
Swim in Granite Lake
1.25 Miles Total - 900 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail
Originally added by Josiah Roe
Swim in a gorgeous alpine lake with fantastic views of Lake Tahoe and the Desolation Wilderness.
Granite Lake is a pristine alpine lake near Lake Tahoe just off the Highway 89 above Emerald Bay.
To get there park at the Bayview Campground Trailhead, which can be pretty crowded in peak season so get there early. The trail begins with an split: right takes you into the Desolation Wilderness (and Granite Lake) and left goes to Cascade Falls. Go right and before do be sure to grab a day pass for the wilderness area.
The trail begins an immediate and steep climb up an absolutely fantastic overlook above Emerald Bay. Press on for another quarter-mile to reach the lake. There are numerous rocks you can jump off of and, depending on the time of the year, a pretty large waterfall on the SW end of the lake.
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Stay Nearby
Nearby Adventures
Hike to the Velma Lakes in Desolation Wilderness
4.5 Miles Round Trip - 880 ft gain
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
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Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake
13 Miles Round Trip - 1500 ft gain
Hike to Cascade Falls, El Dorado National Forest
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