Whisky Creek and Campsites

The Granite Chief Trail and Shirley Canyon Loop offers a challenging and incredibly scenic hiking experience through the rugged Granite Chief Wilderness. You'll climb through old-growth forests and over granite slabs, eventually reaching the Granite Chief summit for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. The descent through Shirley Canyon is equally rewarding, passing numerous waterfalls and leading to the beautiful Shirley Lake, all set against a backdrop of massive granite boulders.

This difficult 11.8-mile (18.9 km) route involves a significant 2611 feet (796 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 6 hours and 1 minute to complete. Parking is available near the Olympic Village Lodge or Palisades Tahoe, but be prepared for a strenuous day. Consider taking the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram down from High Camp after your hike to ease the descent, as it's often free for hikers.

This area is notable for its connection to the Pacific Crest Trail, which the Granite Chief Trail intersects, offering a taste of this iconic long-distance path. The wilderness provides a pristine natural state, with diverse wildlife and vibrant wildflowers, especially in summer. Recent trail improvements have rerouted some steeper sections of the Granite Chief Trail, making the ascent more manageable, though it remains a demanding trek.