Five Lakes sits at the easiest entry point into the Granite Chief Wilderness, and the trail knows it. The route from Alpine Meadows Road throws nearly all of its 1,089 feet of elevation gain at you in the first mile, a steep switchbacking push through mixed forest that weeds out people who came for a casual stroll. After that first mile, the trail levels out along a granite ridgeline with views south toward Lake Tahoe and eventually drops into a small basin holding five lakes clustered together in a cirque at about 7,000 feet. It's a crowd-pleaser for good reason: the destination is beautiful, the total distance is short, and the difficulty is achievable for hikers who are willing to work. In Tahoe National Forest, this is the hike that introduces the Granite Chief Wilderness to the most visitors each year.
Trail Overview
The Five Lakes trail is 4.6 miles out-and-back with 1,089 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts at 6,270 feet near the Alpine Meadows ski area and reaches the lakes at approximately 7,060 feet. The asymmetrical difficulty (steep start, easy middle, gradual descent to the lakes) makes this trail feel longer than the mileage suggests on the way up and shorter than expected on the way back. Plan 2.5 to 3.5 hours round trip depending on pace and time at the lakes.
Getting to the Trailhead
From Tahoe City on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, take Highway 89 north toward Truckee for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Alpine Meadows Road and drive 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The trail starts on the right side of the road, signed "Five Lakes Trail." Parking is along the road shoulder in a small unpaved turnout.
From Truckee, take I-80 west briefly to Highway 89 south. Drive through Donner Lake and continue south to the Alpine Meadows Road turnoff, about 14 miles from Truckee center.
GPS coordinates: 39.1964, -120.2507. Note that cell service is limited but present near the trailhead due to proximity to the Palisades Tahoe resort area.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1 (the steep section): The trail begins at the road and immediately climbs into a dense stand of Jeffrey pine and white fir. The switchbacks are consistent and the grade is sustained, gaining roughly 900 of the total 1,089 feet in this first mile. The trail is well-maintained with good footing. Take it steady: the view at the top earns the effort.
Miles 1 to 1.8 (the ridgeline): At about mile 1 the trail breaks out of dense forest onto a granitic ridgeline. The grade eases dramatically and the views open up in both directions: Lake Tahoe visible to the east on clear days, and the rugged ridges of the Granite Chief Wilderness to the north and west. The Five Lakes Creek drainage appears below to the north. The trail parallels the ridgeline with minor undulation before beginning a gentle descent into the lake basin.
Miles 1.8 to 2.3 (the lake basin): The trail drops into the basin and arrives at the first lake. All five lakes are within a short walk of the trail terminus. Hikers can explore the lakeshores on use trails between the water. The uppermost lake offers the best framing against the granite walls and a view toward Granite Chief peak. The lowest lake has the most accessible shoreline for swimming.
When to Visit
June through early July: Snow often lingers on the north-facing upper trail sections into mid-June. Check conditions before committing. Mosquitoes near the lakes can be intense from late June through mid-July.
July and August: The prime window. Wildflowers bloom on the ridgeline in July, and the lakes warm to swimmable temperatures by late July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; plan to start early and be heading back down by 1 PM if you see clouds building over the Sierra crest.
September and October: Excellent timing for fewer crowds. The lakes remain accessible, temperatures cool, and the ridgeline walk offers unobstructed views without haze. Most visitors have moved on after Labor Day, leaving the basin comparatively peaceful.
What to Bring
- Water: Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 or more liters per person. The lakes require filtration. The steep first mile increases hydration needs. Individual hydration needs vary based on body weight, pace, and temperature.
- Sun protection: The ridgeline section is exposed. Sunscreen and a hat matter on summer days.
- Layers: The basin at 7,000 feet stays cool even on warm days, especially when a breeze comes off the lake. A light jacket is useful.
- Trekking poles: Helpful for the steep initial descent from the ridgeline into the lake basin, which can be hard on the knees.
- Swimwear: If you're going in late July through August, the lakes are worth a swim.
Practical Details
Trailhead: Roadside parking on Alpine Meadows Road, 2.5 miles from Highway 89. No restrooms at the trailhead. The nearest facilities are at the Palisades Tahoe ski area base, about 1.5 miles back down the road.
Parking: Space for roughly 15 vehicles. This is a significant constraint: the trailhead fills before 9 AM on summer weekends, and late arrivals often cannot park at all. Plan to arrive at or before 8 AM on weekends, or hike on a weekday.
Dogs: Permitted on-leash throughout the Granite Chief Wilderness on day hikes. Bring dog waste bags and pack everything out.
Permits: None required for day hikes. Overnight camping requires a free California Campfire Permit for stove use.
Cell Service: Limited near the trailhead (the ski area provides some coverage), but generally unavailable on the trail. Download offline maps.
Getting There
From Sacramento, take I-80 east to Truckee, then Highway 89 south past Donner Lake and Kings Beach to Alpine Meadows Road. Turn right and drive 2.5 miles to the trailhead. Total distance from Sacramento: approximately 110 miles, about 1 hour 50 minutes in normal traffic.
From Reno, take I-80 west to Truckee, then Highway 89 south as above. About 45 miles, 50 minutes from Reno.
Beyond Five Lakes
For a longer day, experienced hikers can continue past the Five Lakes basin on the Five Lakes Creek Trail, which drops into a canyon heading toward Olympic Valley (Palisades Tahoe base area). This extension adds 3 to 5 miles and requires a vehicle shuttle or return hike up the way you came.
The Granite Chief trail is the natural step up from Five Lakes if you're ready for a summit hike: 6.8 miles round trip to the 9,019-foot summit of the peak that names this wilderness. If you're new to California's Sierra Nevada, the Leave No Trace principles are particularly relevant around the Five Lakes area, where heavy summer use has visibly damaged lakeshores and vegetation. Stay on existing use trails and camp on durable surfaces.