Cathedral Lakes Trail Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Cathedral Lakes Trail
The Cathedral Lakes trailhead is very near the Tuolumne Meadows village. All of the parking is located along the road. The trail starts on the north side of the road, and is very well marked.
The first part of the Cathedral Lakes trail is fairly bland, working slowly upwards through the trees. You will pass several ponds, and have views of nice rocky peaks through the trees. There are a few streams that need to be crossed, but just one major one.
After climbing over half the elevation, the path levels out and remains mostly flat for the remainder of the trail. At the end of the route you will enter a meadow that can be waterlogged early in the season. To keep your feet dry, you will need to sneak through the labyrinth of streams, canals, and marshes. There are a few small steps to cross, even with very careful route planning.
The lake itself is exquisite, almost picture-perfect, and we’re sure you’ll agree that this is one of the best lake hikes in Yosemite! The entire lakeshore is completely rocky. You can see the large meadow, a gorgeous peak, and a small view of the valley. The waters of the lake are very cold, but the shore is a lovely place to linger, and the vista is beautiful, so plan to spend the entire day there. Bring a picnic and plenty of water and sit back, relax, and enjoy the sun, mountains, and beautiful shimmering lake.
Trail Highlights
Cathedral Lakes
The Cathedral Lakes are a pair of stunning lakes in Yosemite National Park. They take their name from the nearby Cathedral Peak, so named for its church-like summit, and the mountain looms high over the water, creating a beautiful backdrop for the lakes. Both lakes are a product of the intense glacial activity that shaped this stunning landscape long ago. As immense glaciers scraped the valley bottom, they eroded a deep basin that was later filled with water.
The scenic beauty of this lovely spot has long attracted hikers and day-trippers, and Cathedral Lakes is now a very popular excursion within Yosemite National Park. The crystal waters provide the perfect mirror for the surrounding peaks, and there are plenty of places for picnicking and camping around the lakeshore.
As the glistening water beckons, you may be wondering whether it is possible to swim in Cathedral Lakes. Whilst it’s certainly possible to take the plunge and jump into the inviting waters, both lakes are extremely cold, so you probably won’t want to stay for long!
If you want to find more great hikes in Yosemite, check out Clouds Rest, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Valley or Panorama Trail!
Insider Hints for Cathedral Lakes Trail
- This is our favorite place for really hot days, and we make sure to bring drinks and snacks and explore all around here.
- This is a great location for backpacking as some great trails lead from here.
Getting to the Cathedral Lakes Trail Trailhead
To get to the Cathedral Lakes trailhead, take the Tioga Road (Highway 120) east from the Crane Flat gas station for approximately 54.1 km past Tenaya Lake to the hike’s trailhead. Park on the shoulder of the road.Route Information for Cathedral Lakes Trail
When to do:
June through October
Backcountry Campsites:
Yes
Toilets:
Trailhead
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Cathedral Lakes Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Cathedral Lakes Trail
I enjoyed the views of the valley, aside from the lake. I just can't get enough of this place. I've taken a lot of great photos, but none of them can give justice to the real essence of this place.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The Lake and surrounding area is beautiful and absolutely peaceful. Upper Cathedral Lakes really is beautiful!
- Trip Length
- 04:25
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This hike offers beautiful evergreens and nice little views of large granite objects.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The Lake and surrounding area is beautiful and absolutely peaceful.
- Trip Length
- 04:15
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sneaking through the labyrinth was pretty tricky but fun experience.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
There are plenty of switchbacks before I reached the summit but I still find this hike amusing!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Trail was awesome! The Lake and surrounding area is beautiful and absolutely peaceful.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The meadows, rocky outcrops, and pine forests surrounded by stunning, towering stone features was so beautiful.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Highly recommend going around the lakes the view from the far end of the lower lake is superb. we took our time in the lakes which I recommend doing!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Highly recommend going around the lakes the view from the far end of the lower lake is superb. we took our time in the lakes which I recommend doing!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.