Five Lakes Basin / Granite Chief Wilderness
This popular destination for summer enthusiasts offers a chance to lose not only the summertime crowd but also the thousands of Alpine skiers that are playing in the nearby basin at the Alpine Meadows Ski Area.
The Five Lakes Basin is a gentle playground hemmed in by high ridges to both sides.
Getting to the basin is often a challenge.
DESCRIPTION:
The Five Lakes Basin is a gentle playground hemmed in by high ridges to both sides. This is the location of the historic Sierra Club Bradley Hut that was moved to Pole Creek after the Granite Chief Wilderness placed the hut within its boundaries. While there, the hut was a destination for thousands of cross-country skiers over its lifetime. Now only the quiet memories and ever-persistent snows remain.
Getting to the basin is often a challenge. Steep, south-facing slopes with few trees have to be traversed. In unstable snow conditions, do not attempt the trip. Avalanche hazards can be high.
| Parking Elevation: | 6580 feet | Base Elevation: | 6580 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7540 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Early December through late March | ||
| Parking: | Not plowed | Skiable Area | 200 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Five Lakes Basin / Granite Chief Wilderness
From Truckee follow Highway 89 south for 9.5 miles and turn right (west) up the well-signed and paved road to the Alpine Meadows Ski Area. After 2.1 miles look for the Five Lakes Basin Trail on the steep slope to the right and park nearby as snow plowing permits. Parking space is limited.
Topographic maps: East Slope -Winter Recreation or U.S.G.S. Tahoe City and Granite Chief
ACTIVITIES:
Snowshoeing (Rating: Best)
With the steady ascent across the steep side hills this is a good place for snowshoes. The climb roughly follows the summertime Five Lakes Basin Trail but due to the open slopes, trail markings will be difficult to follow -- and not essential. There is a prominent ridge ahead of you that you want to cross at an obviously gentle break in the sideslope. Continue across the small creek in front of you and continue climbing to the Five Lakes Basin. Play in the basin and visit the ice-covered lakes.
From there, the truly adventurous could continue west into the Granite Chief Wilderness and do some winter camping.
Difficulty levels: Most Difficult to get to the basin. Easiest within the play area.
Mileage: 2-2.5 miles one way to the lakes basin; 4 miles to Whiskey Creek and the Five Lakes Creek basin
Classification: Best
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Good)
With the steady ascent across the steep side hills this is a good place for snowshoes. The climb roughly follows the summertime Five Lakes Basin Trail but due to the open slopes, trail markings will be difficult to follow -- and not essential. There is a prominent ridge ahead of you that you want to cross at an obviously gentle break in the sideslope. Continue across the small creek in front of you and continue climbing to the Five Lakes Basin. Play in the basin and visit the ice-covered lakes.
From there, the truly adventurous could continue west into the Granite Chief Wilderness and do some winter camping.
Difficulty levels: Most Difficult to get to the basin. Easiest within the play area.
Mileage: 2-2.5 miles one way to the lakes basin; 4 miles to Whiskey Creek and the Five Lakes Creek basin
Classification: Best
