This is a beautiful hike into the Granite Chief Wilderness that leads to a series of lakes between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. It cover some beautiful landscape - from rugged terrain to mountain meadows and lakes.

The trail starts through brush and trees, takes you through wide-open rock plateaus, up the side of a breath-taking ridge, past meadows inviting you to take a rest and finally into the woods and lakes. When the trail levels out, you will encounter a junction that directs you to 'Pacific Crest Trail and Whiskey Creek' to the right or 'Five Lakes' to the left. Go left and in another half mile you'll hit lake 1.

The trail is easy to follow but gets narrow and fairly steep in the first mile or so. Not a beginner trail but also not too challenging, most will be able to tackle it. Those in good shape and not too bothered by the altitude can probably get up the toughest part in under an hour. From there, you can relax lakeside or continue on the Pacific Crest Trail.