Near Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake
Grouse Lake Panorama
Near Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake
Top boulder field to cross. Stay high out of the brush for easier routing.
Near Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake
Lower Meadow area, heading back near the trailhead.
Near Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake
Grouse Lake
Near Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake
The view looking toward the East from the Grouse Lake Trail. You can see Wrights Lake and Union Valley Reservoir.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake

3.8 (5 Ratings)
A nice climb through forests and granite slabs to the secluded Grouse Lake.
4.2
mi
Distance
1,194
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedLakeRiver/CreekSpringSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Desolation Wilderness registration is required at the trailhead, but it's free.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.16mi
Distance
1,194ft
Elevation Gain
1,194ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
8,167ft
High Point
6,962ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
From the Twin Lakes Trailhead parking lot at the southwest side of Wrights Lake, follow the signs to Twin Lakes. Just down the trail, you'll find a sign with a map and a Desolation Wilderness sign-in spot. From there, you'll amble through the lush forest and pass by parts of Wrights Lake until you come to the Lake Loop Trail fork where a bridge crosses the South Fork Silver Creek; stay right to stay on Twin Lakes Trail #16E12. You'll pass a junction with Twin Lakes Tie Trail #16E17; stay right again to continue toward Twin Lakes. Further up the trail, you'll encounter the Desolation Wilderness sign. Shortly after, you'll come to a fork in the trail marked by a single fencepost marker pointing to Grouse Lake to the right and Twin Lakes to the left. Follow Grouse Lake Trail #16E01 to the right. The next section of trail will lead you up the mountainside through rocky and beautiful terrain. Views will become more and more impressive as you go. Keep climbing, and you'll reach the beautiful Grouse Lake. The trail continues but this is a great places to sit, rest, and have lunch. It is a great turn-around point, making a nice 4.5-mile round-trip hike.Bring water, a layer, hat, sunscreen, good shoes, and a little bit of energy. Trekking poles are handy as well.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Twin Lakes Trail #16E12

Hike Route

Twin Lakes Trail #16E12

Lake
moderate
3.16 mi
+1,195 ft
Rockbound Trail to Leland Lakes

Hike Route

Rockbound Trail to Leland Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.58 mi
+2,739 ft
Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail

Hike Route

Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
9.88 mi
+1,682 ft
China Flat to Leland Lakes

Hike Route

China Flat to Leland Lakes

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
7.55 mi
+1,404 ft
Pyramid Peak - Rocky Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Pyramid Peak - Rocky Canyon Trail

Views
strenuous
6.5 mi
+4,072 ft
Horsetail Falls

Hike Route

Horsetail Falls

Family Friendly
moderate
3.16 mi
+641 ft
Contributors
David Nash