Granite Chief Wilderness Trail Reroute Update #1

Trail crews have officially kicked off the Granite Chief Wilderness Reroute project! Portions of the current trail have steep grades that have become rutted from repeated use and go over hillside springs, posing user safety and resource damage challenges. This project will create nearly 6 miles of new trail along the ridge connecting Granite Chief, Needle and Lyon Peaks, affording access to new stunning vistas. When completed, the new trail system will provide options for walkers, runners and equestrians to explore shorter loops on the Tevis Cup Trail on both the east and northwest side of Granite Chief Wilderness.

Since the use of motorized vehicles within federally designated wilderness is prohibited and due to the project’s remote location, trail crew members will be living in the wilderness for the next 12-weeks while working on the trail enhancements. Food and supplies will be brought to the team by pack stock thanks to the USFS Pacific Southwest Region Pack Stock Center of Excellence.

Partners on the project include the Western States Endurance Run Foundation (organizers of the Western States Endurance Run), the Western States Trail Foundation (organizers of the Tevis Cup Ride), the Pacific Southwest Region Pack Stock Center of Excellence, Palisades Tahoe and Tahoe National Forest. The project was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act along with additional partner funds.

Planning for this project began in 2016 and is now beginning implementation. Trail improvements are scheduled to be completed over the next 3 summer seasons.

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About Granite Chief Wilderness

Granite Chief Wilderness straddles the Sierra Nevada crest and is especially scenic with rugged granite cliffs, alpine meadows and dense pockets of fir. Granite Chief was designated a wilderness area in 1984 because of its pristine nature, natural beauty, and primitive, non-motorized recreational opportunities. It includes the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the American River. Snow is often found year-round with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 ft. The Pacific Crest Trail bisects the 25,680-acre wilderness.