Cathedral Lakes
Two serene alpine lakes in Yosemite offering dramatic reflections of Cathedral Peak, accessible via a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Cathedral Lakes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Two serene alpine lakes in Yosemite offering dramatic reflections of Cathedral Peak, accessible via a rewarding hike.
"The views and the peak reflecting in the water are stunning. This is by far the best spot I have ever camped."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park at the Tioga Trailhead for a shorter hike, or Tuolumne Visitor Center if it's closed. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the steep initial climb and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Cathedral Lake
Yosemite National Park
A stunning alpine lake reflecting the majestic Cathedral Peak. Perfect for a picnic or quiet contemplation.
Lower Cathedral Lake
Yosemite National Park
The slightly smaller of the two lakes, offering serene views and a less crowded experience than its upper counterpart.
Cathedral Peak Views
Cathedral Lakes Basin
Towering granite peaks surround the lakes, creating a dramatic and surreal landscape that inspires awe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits & Trailheads
+1Best Footwear & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park at the Tioga Trailhead for a shorter hike, or Tuolumne Visitor Center if it's closed. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the steep initial climb and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
High altitude means you'll need more hydration. :droplet:
🏕️ Overnight Permits
Required for camping. Book well in advance on recreation.gov.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park at the Tioga Trailhead for a shorter hike, or Tuolumne Visitor Center if it's closed. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the steep initial climb and rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
High altitude means you'll need more hydration. :droplet:
🏕️ Overnight Permits
Required for camping. Book well in advance on recreation.gov.
📸 Capture the Reflections
The calm lakes offer stunning mirror-like reflections of Cathedral Peak.
⬆️ Pace Yourself
The first mile is the steepest; a slow start helps conserve energy. :runner:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cathedral Lakes for its breathtaking alpine scenery and the iconic reflections of Cathedral Peak. The hike is considered moderately challenging but highly rewarding, with many describing the views as surreal and worth the effort. Some find the initial ascent strenuous, and parking can be an issue if the main trailhead is full or closed.
"Visited the lake in late August, a moderately challenging hike. It took about 9 miles to visit both lakes. The total elevation is about 1200 feet, net elevation gain is about 900 feet. Trail starts at 8600 feet, and ends at Upper lake with over 9500 feet. Here are some tips:
- There are about several parking spaces along the Tioga Trailhead. It will save you 0.5 miles (one way) comparing to parking at the Visitor center park lot
- The first mile is the toughest part, it has 500 feet elevation gain, a slow start will be helpful
- The second mile is mostly flat, followed by another mile with 400 feet elevation gain.
- The junction to the upper and lower lakes is already at 9500 feet, so there is no more net elevation gain to either lakes.
- After junction, the trail to upper lake (sunrise) is a little less than a mile, the trail to lower lake is about 0.5 mile. If you just want to go one of the lakes, upper lake is recommended
- If you have energy, be sure to complete the loop of the lake, the whole loop around the upper lake is about 0.7 mile, it gives you different views of the Cathedral peak
- No mosquito around the lakes at the end of August"
John P
"In June 2022 the trailhead is permanently closed (road being repaved and no access). Instead you park at the Tuolumne Visitor Center and hike the new trail (just next to the road) or the old trail.. they intersect. Take the old one. Note this adds just under 2 miles roundtrip but the visitor station is cool and the rangers are friendly.
We hiked this with two kids in upper elementary/middle school. It was fun and a fair amount of climbing. Also snow, nearby glaciers and otherworldly views. We underdressed and cut short the lake stay shorter than planned. Round trip was 4.5 hours for us, not including lake time.
Enjoy!"
Joe Sage
"I spent two lazy, blissful hours sitting by this lake all by myself on a sunny October day. It was the last day of my three day backpacking trip in the Tuolumne Meadows wilderness area. The shimmering blue lake surrounded by the granite peaks of the Sierra range makes for a gorgeous setting in which to enjoy a quiet, reflective afternoon."
Nitin Puranik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary trailhead is often accessed via Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park. However, be aware that the original trailhead may be closed for repaving. In such cases, you'll need to park at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and hike to the new or old trail, which adds about 2 miles roundtrip. Always check current road conditions before your visit.
Tioga Road is a seasonal road in Yosemite National Park and is typically open from late May or June through October or November, depending on snow conditions. It's crucial to check the Yosemite National Park website for the most up-to-date information on road closures and opening dates.
No, you cannot drive directly to Cathedral Lakes. It is a hiking destination. The closest you can get by car is the trailhead parking area, from which you will need to hike to reach the lakes.
There are parking spaces available at the Tioga Trailhead, which can save you about 0.5 miles each way compared to parking at the Visitor Center. If the Tioga Trailhead is full or closed, the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is an alternative, though it adds to your hiking distance.
During the summer season, Yosemite National Park offers shuttle services that may stop near the Tioga Road area, including potentially near the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. Check the official Yosemite National Park website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A permit is not required for a day hike to Cathedral Lakes. However, if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, you will need a wilderness permit, which can be reserved in advance through recreation.gov.
There is an entrance fee to Yosemite National Park, which varies depending on whether you enter by private vehicle or on foot/bicycle. Once inside the park, there are no additional fees to hike to Cathedral Lakes, unless you are camping overnight and require a wilderness permit.
Cathedral Lakes is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible whenever Tioga Road is open. There are no set operating hours, but it is best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
While some permits may be available on a first-come, first-served basis at ranger stations, it is highly recommended to reserve your wilderness permit for Cathedral Lakes well in advance through recreation.gov, especially during peak season.
The most reliable way to secure an overnight camping permit for Cathedral Lakes is by booking online through recreation.gov. Permits are released in advance, and popular dates fill up quickly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Cathedral Lakes is generally considered moderate. It involves significant elevation gain, particularly in the first mile, with a total elevation gain of around 1200 feet. The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky in sections.
The roundtrip hike to both Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes is approximately 9 miles. Depending on your fitness level and how much time you spend at the lakes, the hike can take anywhere from 3.5 to 6 hours.
Pack essentials like plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layers of clothing as the weather can change rapidly at high altitudes. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. A map and compass or GPS device are also advisable.
Mosquitoes can be present, especially earlier in the summer season. However, visitors have reported no mosquitoes around the lakes in late August. It's always a good idea to bring insect repellent just in case.
The most iconic views are the reflections of Cathedral Peak in the still waters of Upper Cathedral Lake. Exploring the entire loop around Upper Lake offers various perspectives of the surrounding granite peaks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The calm waters of the lakes often provide stunning reflections of Cathedral Peak during these times.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and lake reflections. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the sky and water. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The shoreline of Upper Cathedral Lake, especially on the side facing Cathedral Peak, is prime for capturing reflections. Exploring the trail around the lake also reveals different vantage points of the peaks and basin.
Drone usage is restricted in Yosemite National Park, including at Cathedral Lakes, to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check the latest park regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Expect breathtaking landscape shots featuring the granite peaks, alpine lakes, and surrounding Sierra Nevada scenery. The reflections in the water are a major draw for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a day trip to avoid the complexities of overnight permits. The payoff of reaching the lakes and seeing Cathedral Peak is often a highlight for kids. Ensure everyone is dressed in layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable, and pack sun protection.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – for the most dramatic light and serene reflections. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the peaks and the expanse of the lakes. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cathedral Lakes Trail Experience
The trail splits to access Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes at an elevation of approximately 9,500 feet. Upper Cathedral Lake is slightly further, about a mile from the junction, and is often recommended for its dramatic views and the iconic reflection of Cathedral Peak. Lower Cathedral Lake is a bit closer and offers a more secluded experience. Completing a loop around Upper Lake provides diverse perspectives of the surrounding granite formations.
Visitors often describe the payoff as immense, with the basin opening up to reveal stunning alpine scenery. The lakes themselves are serene, surrounded by the imposing presence of Cathedral Peak and other Sierra Nevada giants. The experience is often described as surreal and breathtaking, making the effort well worth it.
Backpacking and Camping at Cathedral Lakes
+1Setting up camp near the lakes allows for quiet evenings under the stars and the opportunity to witness sunrise and sunset paint the granite peaks. The views from your tent can be as spectacular as the daytime vistas, with the peaks reflecting in the calm waters. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles diligently to preserve the pristine environment for future visitors.
+1When planning your backpacking trip, be prepared for high-altitude conditions. Pack appropriate gear, including warm layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Ensure you have a reliable water filter or purification method, as you'll be drawing water from the lakes.
Best Times to Visit for Different Experiences
Summer mornings, particularly from June through August, are popular for day hikes. Arriving early helps you avoid the midday heat and the peak crowds that gather later in the day. This timing also offers good light for photography.
It's important to note that Tioga Road, the main access route, is seasonal. It typically opens in late May or June and closes in October or November due to snow. Always check the Yosemite National Park website for the most current road status before planning your trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit