Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes Hike

Route Description for Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes Hike

The Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes Hike is an incredible adventure that demands stamina, but makes up for it with epic views. Get an up-close and personal panoramic view of the famous Cathedral Peak that adorns the terrain as you make your way to the glittering alpine lakes. Note: sections of the path require some scrambling over boulders, but it’s all part of the experience! Wear sturdy footwear to avoid a rolled ankle and sun protection to avoid over-exposure. The National Park charges an entrance fee; check out the NPS website for additional information.

Embark on your adventure along the Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes Hike from the Medlicott Dome Approach Trailhead. Hike this path southeast through the corridor between Medlicott Dome and Pywiack Dome to Lower Cathedral Lake. This is the biggest lake of the two and reveals breathtaking views of Cathedral Peak from the shoreline. Merge on to the Lower Cathedral Lake Trail, before diverting right onto the John Muir Trail.

Follow this path south all the way to Upper Cathedral Lake. Revel in the picture-perfect scene of the calm waters reflecting the granite peak and rejuvenate your tired feet in the chilly waters, before retracing your steps all the way back to the trailhead.