Five Lakes

Photos Maps Summary: This short and moderately steep hike was our first in the Sierra Nevada. The trail leads up to a basin of five forest-rimmed lakes near the Pacific Crest Trail. Young families will find this to be a nice hike with opportunities to fish, picnic, and/or relax. Alpine extraordinaires will probably only use this trail to get to/come from the PCT.Distance: 4.4 miles totalElevation Gain/Loss: 1,060' totalSeason: July through OctoberFees & Permits: None for dayhikersFinding the Trailhead: 39.17914 N, 120.22994 W. From the CA-89/Alpine Meadows Road intersection between Tahoe City and Truckee, follow the Alpine Meadows Road for ~2.1 miles. There is limited parking on either side of the road. The trailhead is off the northwest side of the road. The Hike: The hike begins by climbing moderately to the west over the manzanita and other brush-covered slope. A few Jeffrey pines and White firs make an appearance as well. The trail exists on private land, so please stay on the trail. As the trail climbs higher, the views of Alpine Meadows Ski area and canyon open up. The trail turns to the northwest (right) and continues to climb across a granite ridge where you'll encounter a few switchbacks after which the trail's momentarily lessens before resuming the climb. During the relatively flat section is where the best views are.At ~1.5 miles the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary is crossed near a stand of red firs. After this, the mostly covered trail levels out as it approaches the junction with the Five Lakes side-trail. Turn left at this junction (~1.85 miles) and follow the trail slightly downhill. After ~0.1 miles you can decide to continue south or you can veer off to the east to visit a few of the smaller lakes. The largest lake is directly south from here and the second largest is immediately east of that.

We veered off to the east here and made a little loop between three of the lakes (visited two) before rejoining the main trail and heading back. We thought the largest lake was the most scenic with Squaw Peak looming above it to the northwest. Don't expect to be alone here in the summer, so do a little bit of exploring. However, be careful not to disturb fragile wetlands and meadows surrounding the lakes. Unfortunately, camping is no longer allowed in the Five Lakes Basin.