Swim in Granite Lake
Bayview Trailhead - Search Nearby - 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.
1.25 Miles RT
900 ft Gain
Out-and-Back
Photography, Swimming, Hiking
Nearby Lodging
Community Photos
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
