Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a beautiful hike across granite slabs, through lush green forrest, next to a beautiful creek, and ending at an amazing alpine lake. Great spots along the creek to wade. Possible slides up in the granite areas could be smooth.

Parking is free at the trailhead parking lot. Make sure not to park along the roadside or in unmarked parking spots in the parking lot. Tickets will be handed out for those that park along the road.

Notice in the parking lot that the parking will have a fee charge starting in 2020.

From the Twin Lakes Trailhead parking lot at the southwest side of Wrights Lake, follow the signs to Twin Lakes. Just down the trail, you'll find a sign with a map and a Desolation Wilderness sign-in spot. From there, you'll amble through the lush forest and pass by parts of Wrights Lake until you come to the Lake Loop Trail fork where a bridge crosses the South Fork Silver Creek; stay right to stay on Twin Lakes Trail #16E12. You'll pass a junction with Twin Lakes Tie Trail #16E17; stay right again to continue toward Twin Lakes.

Further up the trail, you'll encounter the Desolation Wilderness sign. Shortly after, you'll come to a fork in the trail marked by a single fencepost marker pointing to Grouse Lake to the right and Twin Lakes to the left. Follow Grouse Lake Trail #16E01 to the right.

The next section of trail will lead you up the mountainside through rocky and beautiful terrain. Views will become more and more impressive as you go. Keep climbing, and you'll reach the beautiful Grouse Lake. The trail continues but this is a great places to sit, rest, and have lunch. It is a great turn-around point, making a nice 4.5-mile round-trip hike.

Bring water, a layer, hat, sunscreen, good shoes, and a little bit of energy. Trekking poles are handy as well.

Ferns in the forest, chipmunks everywhere.