Grizzly Lake

Grizzly Lake sits in a rocky cirque at roughly 8,300 feet in the Sierra National Forest, north of Fish Camp near Iron Mountain — outside Yosemite's park boundary but reachable from the same Highway 41 corridor most visitors use to reach the park's south entrance. It's a quiet alternative to the crowded valley trails: a short, moderate hike to an alpine lake surrounded by granite and conifers, with plenty of room to sit and eat lunch without company.

Getting to the Trailhead

From Oakhurst, drive Highway 41 north and turn east onto Sky Ranch Road. The road turns to dirt for a long stretch and gets rough in spots, so a vehicle with decent clearance makes the drive more comfortable. Watch for a small trailhead turnout on the north side of the road — there's no formal parking lot or signage to rely on.

The Hike

The route to the lake covers about 2.2 miles round trip with 396 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Because Grizzly Lake sits outside designated wilderness, no wilderness permit is required to visit — one of the easier lakes in the area to reach for that reason. Hikers describe it as a manageable overnight for beginner backpackers or a satisfying half-day trip for anyone comfortable with a short climb after a long dirt-road drive.

What to Know Before You Go

• Sierra National Forest roads, including Sky Ranch Road, close seasonally in winter and can stay rough into early summer.
• There's no cell service and minimal signage past the highway — download offline maps before you leave.
• Pack out everything; there are no facilities at the trailhead or at the lake.