Granite Chief Wilderness, Nature reserve in Placer County, United States

Granite Chief Wilderness is a protected natural area in Tahoe National Forest, in Placer County, California, made up of forested slopes and bare granite peaks. The terrain rises from wooded valleys to open ridges where rock breaks through the surface and trails become steep and rocky.

The Granite Chief Wilderness was created by the California Wilderness Act of 1984, which set aside 19,048 acres of Tahoe National Forest as federally designated wilderness. The Sierra Club's Bradley Hut, a ski hut at the Five Lakes Basin, fell inside the new boundary; the Forest Service asked for its removal, and because no mechanical equipment is allowed in wilderness, dismantling lasted until fall 1996 before the hut was relocated four miles away.

Two organized events cross parts of the wilderness: the Western States Endurance Run on foot and the Western States Trail Ride, known as the Tevis Cup, on horseback. The Pacific Crest Trail also runs along the eastern edge. The Five Lakes basin is the most heavily used area because of its proximity to the Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows ski areas.

Before heading out, it is worth checking the current rules for campfires and camp stoves, as permits are required and conditions can change by season. Camping near water sources or structures is restricted, so planning your overnight spots in advance will save time on the trail.

The Sierra Club's Bradley Hut stood at the Five Lakes Basin until the Forest Service asked for its removal in 1994, once the basin fell inside the new wilderness. Because no mechanical equipment is allowed there, dismantling took until autumn 1996, and the hut was rebuilt four miles (6 km) away.