Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
18.8 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
586 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

The Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop is an excellent adventure for those seeking an intermediate day hike or a lovely overnight expedition. Explore diverse landscapes and revel in the picture-perfect views along the way.

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Route Description for Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop

Immerse yourself in the Stanislaus National Forest and revel in the beauty and diversity of the topographies. Wander through meadowlands, granite gardens, dense woodlands, and along the shores of several charming alpine lakes. Guiding you deep into the wilderness, it is important to be mindful of wildlife, and in the warmer months, bring bug spray! Additionally, much of this path travels over rocky and uneven terrain, so we suggest wearing a sturdy pair of footwear! Note in the summer; you will have to cross over several snowmelt streams, so don’t wear your best pair of runners in case they get wet!

Setting out from the Crabtree Trailhead, the Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop follows the Crabtree Trail south. This path will guide adventurers up a gradual grade before reaching an intersection. Here, veer right through a set of switchbacks down the rocky ridge before merging left onto the Bell Meadow Trail. Follow this path east through the meadowlands, past granite outcrops to Grouse Lake. Admire the beauty of the small alpine lake bounded by bluffs and towering pines. Continue hiking east through Groundhog Meadow and up the Ground Hog Meadow Trail when you are ready.

At the next intersection, veer left back onto the Crabtree Trail, intersecting with Piute Creek and through Piute Meadow. Follow this route west, up and over rocky ridges to Lily Lake, and Camp Lake, then all the way back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop Trailhead

The trailhead for this hike is located off Crabtree Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Backcountry Camping, wilderness permit required.

  • When to do

    May-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop Elevation Graph

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Grouse Lake via Emigrant Wilderness Loop Reviews

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