Grouse Ridge Area: Map

Grouse Ridge is an overpowering geologic display of the 100-million year old birth of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A mere few thousand years ago, the Ridge was further sculptured by volcanoes and glaciers, leaving over 100 lakes.

Today the story reveals the gentle and slow aging of the region: lakes reverting to meadows and gradual invasion of forests. Within its heart, scattered stands of mature trees offer stark contrast to polished and sculpted granite. Flowers are abundant and quietly showy against the massive display of rock.

More than 150 lakes are over two acres each and nearly 50 are large enough to offer fishing, camping, and picnicking in addition to photographing and viewing. Over 30 have been stocked with fish through California Department of Fish & Game efforts. Now several lakes are being allowed to revert to their natural condition, which existed before the advent of extensive fish stocking. Many of these will continue to have remnant populations of fish and offer prospects of fewer, but larger, fish. Other lakes with dams or road access are actively stocked on a one- to three-year basis. SierraOutdoorRecreation.com has intentionally not discussed all lakes in this area as several offer challenging cross-country treks rewarding visitors with pristine settings and solitude.

The Ridge is loved also for the area’s quick and easy recreation access. The southern portion lies adjacent to I-80, and access roads climb to the boundaries on all four sides. Numerous trails beckon visitors to either relatively easy and quick jaunts or overnights to locations few visit.

Since 1972 the core area (see Grouse Ridge Map) has been closed to motorized vehicles -- except over-the-snow machines. The surrounding area has several popular OHV trails. All trails are open to any non-motorized use such as mountain biking, but several are only accessible by experienced mountain bikers and equestrians preferring challenges. Hikers can roam throughout the area with relative ease.