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Granite Chief Wilderness
In 1984, the Granite Chief Wilderness became a designated wilderness area under the Wilderness Act of 1964 because of its pristine nature, natural beauty, and primitive, non-motorized recreational opportunities. Located adjacent to the West Shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, the Granite Chief Wilderness is managed by the Tahoe National Forest and totals approximately 28,475 acres with 46 of those acres located on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. This breathtaking wilderness area offers stunning views of valley meadows and spectacular 9,000 foot granite peaks.
At a Glance
| Fees: | Fees are not presently required for day or overnight use in the Granite Chief Wilderness. |
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| Permit Info: | Wilderness permits are not presently required for day or overnight use in the Granite Chief Wilderness. |
| Restrictions: | Group size is limited to 12 people for day and overnight use. Camping, campfires, and stove use are prohibited within 600 feet of any lake in the Five Lakes basin. Camping, campfires, and stove use are prohibited within 250 feet of the Whiskey Creek structures. (less than one mile southwest of Five Lakes on the Whiskey Creek trail). Recreational stock animals: Stock size is limited to 12 animals for day or overnight use. Stock are prohibited within 600 feet of all wilderness lakes (except to pass through the Five Lakes basin on the Five Lakes trail). Dogs are prohibited from May 15 through July 15 each year in the following deer fawning areas: the wilderness portion of the French Meadow Game Refuge (except for the area east of the Pacific Crest Trail) and the Big Springs Trail and the portion of Five Lakes Creek that parallels that trail. Bury human waste six to eight inches deep and at least 200' (100 paces) from lakes, streams, campsites, and trails. Toilet paper must be packed out or buried. Wilderness areas are special places where motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited (this includes motorcycles, bicycles, carts, and strollers). |
| Closest Towns: | Truckee, California |
| Water: | Use filter - water may be contaminated with Giardia lambia and Crytosporidium |
| Operated By: | Granite Chief Wilderness is managed by the Tahoe National Forest and borders the Lake Tahoe Basin. |
General Information
Directions:Trailheads are accessible from Highway 89 on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe via Alpine Meadows Road, Olympic Valley Road, Ward Creek Boulevard, Blackwood Canyon Road, and Barker Pass Road. Many of the trailheads and trails accessing the wilderness are on private land. Please respect the rights of landowners.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
River and Stream Fishing
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Hiking: Backpacking| Fire Information | Campfire permits are required for all open fires (including camp stoves). A campfire permit does not authorize the use of fire when fire restrictions are in effect. Camping, campfires, and stove use are prohibited within 600 feet of any lake in the Five Lakes basin and within 250 feet of the Whiskey Creek structures. (less than one mile southwest of Five Lakes on the Whiskey Creek trail). |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Difficult |
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