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- Granite Chief
9,010 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Granite Chief
Granite Chief is a 9,010 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Granite Chief Trail: 11 mi, 4,000 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: Tim Berger, CC BY 2.0
Granite Chief at a glance
- Elevation9,010 ft2,746 m
- RouteGranite Chief TrailClass 1
- Distance11 mi4,000 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Granite Chief Trail
From Truckee, drive Highway 89 south to Olympic Valley and park in the big resort lot; the trailhead sits beside the fire station near the Olympic Village. The Granite Chief Trail crosses private land, then climbs through forest and open granite to meet the Pacific Crest Trail on the crest. Turn left on the PCT, then take a steep, sandy use path under the ski lift to the summit. The route is Class 1. Stay on the trail through the private easement and avoid the fire station spaces. Snow can linger near the top into July, and afternoon wind is common.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Slippery terrain
- Storms
Quests with Granite Chief
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Granite Chief?
Granite Chief is 9,010 feet (2,746 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Granite Chief?
The Granite Chief Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Granite Chief?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Granite Chief Trail, covering 11 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Granite Chief?
The Granite Chief Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Granite Chief?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Granite Chief with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list