Granite Chief Trail

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Features Views · Wildflowers

This trail is fairly busy, since you can park right in the Squaw ski lift parking area, and get up to the PCT and some incredible views near Granite Chief summit.

Look for the start of the trail adjacent to the Squaw Valley Fire station. The trail climbs the whole way, somewhat steeply in some short sections, to the intersection with the PCT at 8400 ft. It's a moderate to challenging hike with high reward.

Near the start, the trail passes around a ropes and skills course before heading up the mountain and into the forest. You'll pass through sections with colorful granite slab on your way up, then the trail turns back into the forest before you near the intersection with the PCT.

You can continue south along the PCT to link up with the Granite Chief Access connector that brings you to the top. You can also shorten your return by getting yourself back into the resort under the Granite Chief ski lift and heading towards Shirley Canyon Trail, to High Camp at the top of the tram. The tram is free for return trips back to Squaw!

Look for lupine and many other wildflowers along this trail.