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.