Granite Lake

One of the most popular places in the Trinity Alps, Granite Lake, is a relativity easy five mile hike through a mostly old growth cedar forest. You will start at Swift Creek trail head and walk one mile to the Granite Lake trail junction. From here you'll cross a walk bridge over Swift Creek and start winding your way up some mellow switch backs through huge fir and cedar trees.
After about a mile or two you come to Granite Creek Falls.

This three tiered waterfall makes a great spot to stop for lunch and the cool breeze of the nearby creek is quite refreshing. From here you'll walk up through some brushy meadows before reaching Lower Gibson Meadow. This often fools hiker into thinking they're at Gibson Meadow but in reality you still have another mile or so to go.

The hike up to Granite Lake from Gibson Meadow is only a half mile or so but very steep. You may consider finding a camp site in one of the meadows and day hiking the lake.

Granite Lake is a great base camp for Seven Up Peak, an easy 8,000 footer that gives some of the best views in the Trinity Alps.

From the top of this peak you can see down into the Deer Creek Watershed and to the White Trinities beyond. This 360 is definitely a must see for all hikers visiting the area.