Grizzly Lake Trailhead

Grizzly Lake Trail is a short, out-and-back hike in the Sierra National Forest's Bass Lake Ranger District, tucked into the forest south of Yosemite near Fish Camp and Oakhurst. The U.S. Forest Service lists it as Trail #23E06 — 1.1 miles one-way (2.2 miles round trip), hiking only, ending at the small lake that gives the trail its name. Trail reports describe it as a moderately challenging climb that most hikers finish in a little over an hour round trip.

The Hike

The trail begins at forest road 6S10 and climbs through mixed conifer forest to Grizzly Lake. It's a compact outing rather than a full-day commitment — a good add-on for hikers already in the area rather than a destination trip on its own. For a longer day, the China Gulch Trail offers an alternate approach to the same lake, passing through forest still recovering from past wildfire, open meadows, and a creek crossing near Grizzly Falls.

Good to Know

• Access: reached via forest roads off Sky Ranch Road in the Fish Camp area, south of Yosemite's Wawona entrance.
• Managed by: Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District (57003 Road 225, North Fork, CA), (559) 877-2218, weekdays 8am-4:30pm.
• Uses: hiking only — no stock or mechanized use listed.

Because it sits outside the national park boundary, this is a genuine backcountry Forest Service trail rather than a maintained park attraction — expect a dirt tread, minimal signage, and no facilities at the trailhead.