The Granite Chief Wilderness covers 19,048 acres of the Tahoe National Forest directly above Olympic Valley. It is roadless and undeveloped — no mechanised equipment, no bikes — which keeps it quieter than the resort trails below. The wilderness takes its name from Granite Chief (elevation 9,006 feet), the highest point in the Tahoe basin's western rim.
Trails from High Camp access the wilderness directly. The Five Lakes Trail is the most popular route, a 4-mile round trip to a cluster of small alpine lakes with good swimming in late summer. The PCT passes through on its way between Donner Pass and Lake Tahoe. Wildlife includes black bears, mule deer, and mountain chickadees at the higher elevations.
The season runs from July to October depending on snowpack. Carry bear canisters if camping — the wilderness has active bear populations and permits are required for overnight stays.