Swim in Granite Lake

South Lake Tahoe, California

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.25 miles

Elevation Gain

900 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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Lake

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Waterfall

Wildflowers

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Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Emily Grafton

Swim in Granite Lake

08/03/22

Great lake to get away from the more populated spots. It was super quiet and very peaceful. The hike is quite tough though. It's pretty steep.

5.0

Johnny Nicks

Swim in Granite Lake

06/22/20

The hike in was kind of tough, especially since we dragged our kids along. We brought our hammocks, a backpack cooler and some inflatable tubes and spent all day here. It was the perfect way to spend Fathers Day.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cascade Falls

Starting out at the Bayview Trailhead you will make your way out through the campground towards the trail. Once you find the trail it is a simple way to the falls. It starts out as a wide trail and winds through the pine and fir trees. You will come to some stone steps as the trail narrows for the next 3/4 of a mile to the falls. The trail makes its way along the hillside of Cascade Lake with v...

Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness

This wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the ability to route find, read a topo and hike off trail are required to do this hike. This trail start...

Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

Get ready to get your lake on! This backpacking trip will take you 13+ miles through awesome scenery to several alpine lakes.Starting at the Bayview Campground, off of HWY 89, this hike follows the Granite Lake Trail along a difficult climb. Don't let the climb discourage you! As you climb, the views keep getting better & better. After 1 mile of climbing, you will reach a nice place to rest...

Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes

The hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. This point is easily reached (without packs), and a draw to the visitors of the campgrounds be...

Maggie's Peaks

This hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping area. The trail starts with an option to go into Desolation Wilderness or Cascade Falls. Take the rig...

Camp at Bayview Campground

Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water - campground potable water is seasonal and is not always available. If you wish to go into Desolatio...

Swim in Granite Lake

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Cascade Falls

Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes

Maggie's Peaks

Camp at Bayview Campground

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