Grouse Lake via Copper Creek Trail

Grouse Lake via Copper Creek is a very hard out-and-back from Road’s End: about 17.2 miles round trip, with roughly 5,600 feet of climbing. Allow about 13 hours for a one-day attempt; an overnight at the lake makes the effort more manageable, but requires a wilderness permit. The reward is a high granite tarn at 10,469 feet. Choose this only if you’re comfortable with a long, steep, high-altitude hike and a short cross-country finish.

The established trail starts with a rapid climb on sandy switchbacks through scrub and scattered trees, with little shade. Canyon views open after the first switchbacks. A granite outcrop around mile 1 is a worthwhile view stop and a sensible turnaround if you want a shorter walk. Higher up, the route passes aspen stands and meadows; Lower Tent Meadow, about four miles in, is a campsite. Upper Tent Meadow opens a view down the drainage toward Grand Sentinel. The trail grows rockier on the way into Granite Basin. Start early: the lower climb is hot and steep.

At the last switchback before the pass into Granite Basin, leave Copper Creek Trail and head north along Grouse Lake’s outlet stream for about a mile. This is not a maintained trail. The use path is faint, and the final approach is cross-country. The mapped line ends about 120 metres before the shore, where the tread fades; continue only if you can identify the outlet-stream corridor and navigate confidently. The lake sits among granite ridges, with rocky slabs at the water’s edge. Don’t continue farther along Copper Creek by mistake: Granite Lake is a different destination beyond the pass.

Use the Road’s End parking area for the Copper Creek Trailhead; the trailhead area has vehicle parking and an information kiosk. There is no food stop established along this route, so plan supplies before you set out. Pets are prohibited on park trails. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit.