Granite Mountain

Take on this classic hike up to a fire lookout for enormous 360-degree views.

The hike begins on the Pratt Lake Trail #1007, through forests of cedar and Douglas fir. After about a mile the route meets the Granite Mountain Trail #1016 and the tenor of the trail shifts from an uphill amble to a thigh-burning workout. Eventually the trees are entirely left behind, replaced by sweeping views. The trail grade relents slightly as the fire lookout comes into view. While snow is on the ground, a ridge route straight to the summit avoids most avalanche danger. As the snow recedes, the rocky ridge is less appealing than the formal trail route that snakes beneath the ridge before zigzagging up the bluff the lookout resides upon.


There's a lot more to Granite Mountain, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!