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A steady but manageable & scenic climb connecting Squaw to the PCT and the summit of Granite Chief.


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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.8

KM

75%

Runnable

8,163' 2,488 m

High

6,220' 1,896 m

Low

1,954' 596 m

Up

11' 3 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers

Description

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 run 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!

Flora & Fauna

Look for lupine and many other wildflowers along this trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#1

in Squaw Valley

#11683

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Squaw Valley

#1,131

in California

#11,683

Overall
4 Views Last Month
2,399 Since Aug 18, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Low incline area with a nice view of the granite rocks
May 3, 2022 near Sunnysi…, CA
View of the Palisade Resort mountains
May 3, 2022 near Sunnysi…, CA
Climbing past the granite cliffs
Jan 18, 2018 near Sunnysi…, CA
In forest shortly before reaching the PCT
Jan 18, 2018 near Sunnysi…, CA
Crossing one of the high meadows
Jan 18, 2018 near Sunnysi…, CA
In case you want to return via the tram
Jan 18, 2018 near Sunnysi…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Bad / Closed 21 days ago
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