Swim in Granite Lake

South Lake Tahoe, California

5.0/5

based on 1 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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Waterfall

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Cliff Jumping

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Reviews

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

Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

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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...

Hike to Cascade Falls, El Dorado National Forest

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 the Velma Lakes in Desolation Wilderness

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Hike 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

Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Hike to Cascade Falls, El Dorado National Forest

Hike to the Velma Lakes in Desolation Wilderness

Hike Maggie's Peaks

Camp at Bayview Campground

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