It’s a relatively easy hike from the Squaw Valley High Camp up to the top of Granite Chief. A short tram ride from the floor of Squaw Valley at 6,240 feet deposits you at High Camp at an elevation of approximately 8,120 feet. From there it is a short two to two and a half mile hike to the top of Granite Chief at 9,005 feet elevation. Picture gallery and video at end of post.
We took this hike at the beginning of August in 2015 and encountered no snow as California was in a drought at the time. Except for the last couple of hundred yard/meters, the slope is not too bad. This area over the Emigrant Ridge into Squaw Valley was the preferred route from the Sacramento area into Nevada during the gold rush of the 1850’s. You’ll see the Emigrant Road marker at the top of the ridge where the Pacific Crest Trail passes.
The Western States 100 mile endurance run and equestrian rides pass along the trail to Granite Chief. The American River Conservancy recently raised enough money to purchase 10,000 acres of the Granite Chief wilderness area to preserve it for future running and riding events. Even though the elevation changes can be steep, this area of the Sierra Nevada and Carson Ranges have generally moderate slopes. This makes, hiking, running and riding very pleasant even at such high altitudes.
A family of marmots at Squaw Valley
Aerial map of our hiking route to Granite Chief peak
Squaw Valley High Camp to Granite Chief trail map.
Pictures of hiking from Squaw Valley High Camp to Granite Chief
Squaw Valley tram takes you from the valley floor to High Camp for a quick hike to Granite Chief.
Squaw Valley marmot poses while I take his or her picture.
Walker takes a picture of a marmot with the Squaw Valley chair lift in the background.
Walker admires Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe from the Emigrant Ridge rock outcropping.
Emigrant Road trail marker at the top of Squaw Valley. Connected Yankee Jim’s on the Forrest Hill Divide to the Washoe Valley in Nevada. It was built in 1852 and followed the North Fork of the American River in Placer County.
Backside of Squaw Valley Emigrant Ridge in August, 2015.
Pacific Crest Trail leads you to Granite Chief from the emigrant pass from Squaw Valley.
Walker looks down the canyon of the North Fork of the American River from the top of Granite Chief.
A bee picks up pollen from flowers growing at 9,000 feet on Granite Chief.
From the top of Granite Chief looking northwest toward Needle Peak.
From the top of Granite Chief looking southeast toward Lake Tahoe.
A relatively round granite boulder perched on a small granite peak near the top of Granite Chief.
Hiking down from Granite Chief with Squaw Valley below and Lake Tahoe on the horizon.
Hiking in front of the Carson Range uplifted rocks in Squaw Valley.
