Granite & Hidden lakes

from July 21 to 27, 2021

by Tahoe Guide (Tahoe Weekly)

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NATURAL BEAUTY ABOUNDS AT Granite, Hidden lakes

While much of California is parched, lakes in higher elevations o er plenty of enjoyment.

Such was the case hiking to Granite and Hidden lakes in the Eldorado National Forest in Amador County. is is the third Granite Lake in the greater Lake Tahoe area that I have hiked to. (One is in Desolation Wilderness and the other in Mokelumne Wilderness near Blue Lakes.)

With granite being the dominate rock in the Sierra, it would seem like even more bodies of water could have this name.

Surprisingly, though, there were some volcanic formations closer to Silver Lake.

Hard to beat the tranquility of the high country for refueling.

STORY & PHOTOS BY KATHRYN REED

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Granite Lake is a good spot to cool off in the summer heat; A dragon fl y fi nds a spot to rest near one of the lakes; One of the bodies of water without a name along the route.

An island at Granite Lake enticed a few people to swim to it despite the chilly water. is was de nitely the prettier of our two destination lakes on this day. It was more inviting to get in with its clearer water.

While Silver Lake was the starting point, it was not the focal point. at was a good thing because it can be crowded in summer.

A few no-name lakes are in the area, providing plenty of water for four-legged friends. In the spring, or when there is an actual spring runo , some of the creek crossings could be dicey for those with balance issues. Reportedly at the bridge crossing a nice waterfall ows. Not in a drought year, though. DIRECTIONS | From South Lake Tahoe go west on Highway 50. In Meyers, take Highway 89 toward Hope Valley. In Hope Valley at the T go right on Highway 88. Go past Carson Pass and Kirkwood. Turn left at Kit Carson Lodge. ere will be a small wye in the road; go left. (You will be on a narrow road, bypassing lots of cabins and side roads.) At the next intersection go straight and not toward Silver Lake. At the following intersection go right, following the sign to Granite Lake. Minkalo Trail sign will be on the left. If parking is full, continue a bit farther for more spots. | fs.usda.gov 

In mid-June several downed trees still crossed the dirt path. Some required climbing over, while ducking was necessary at times. In some places a path had been created to skirt around the horizontal timber.

Otherwise, this would be a fairly easy hike for most people who can handle this elevation. No poles were needed. It felt like a pretty at trail most of the way — and in both directions. e only thing that might be a challenge is following the trail. In the granite sections be sure to look for the cairns.

A few wild owers decorated the landscape, which added to the abundance of natural beauty.

Stopping near water the mosquitoes came out, but they were not much of a bother while hiking.

My friend Becky and I opted to have lunch out of view from Hidden Lake, which meant we didn’t become lunch for any mosquitoes. Hard to beat the tranquility of the high country for refueling.

It’s possible to make this a loop. From Hidden Lake, the trail goes to Plasse’s campground area on the other side of Silver Lake and then winds back to the starting point. However, the trail is not always well marked or easy to nd. at’s why we opted to make this an out and back.