Tuolumne Meadow to Cathedral Pass Hike

Route Description for Tuolumne Meadow to Cathedral Pass Hike

The Tuolumne Meadow to Cathedral Pass Trail is a demanding adventure in Yosemite that grants its conquerors breathtaking panoramas of the granite peaks that so famously characterize the National Park. Though steep and taxing in sections, the scenery is well worth the effort! Wear a pair of sturdy footwear and pack plenty of water when tackling this trail. Note: this path is only accessible when Tioga Pass Road is open to traffic. Additionally, the route is unmarked and primitive in sections, so a trail GPS may prove useful. The National Park also charges an entrance fee, refer to the NPS website for additional information.

Your journey along the Tuolumne Meadow to Cathedral Pass Hike begins from the John Muir Trailhead. Setting out from here, you will head southwest along the John Muir Trail and will quickly begin to climb. Soon after your departure from the trailhead you will reach an intersection. Keep right here and continue along the John Muir Trail. As you wander through the meadowlands, you will be overwhelmed by the sights of Cathedral Peak looming above and those daring enough to climb up the granite spires.

Follow the path around the western flank of the peak and you will eventually reach Upper Cathedral Peak. Revel in the beauty of the encompassing landscape and rejuvenate your tired feet in the chilly waters of the quaint lake. Explore the lake’s shore and when you are ready, backtrack along the path to the trailhead.