Cathedral Lakes Day Hike
Yosemite National Park
Cathedral Lakes make a magnificent day hike out of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. With dramatic Cathedral Peak standing in the background, Cathedral Lakes are among the most scenic destinations in the park. The 7-mile round trip hike to Lower Cathedral Lake (shown above) is best done as an all-day outing, allowing plenty of time for exploring the lakes, fishing, photography, and a leisurely picnic. Although we list the hike as moderate, it borders on strenuous.
The trail up to the Cathedral Lakes turnoff is part of the popular John Muir Trail.
Upper Cathedral Lake and Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
Easy
0.5 miles
80 feet
Yosemite
The Cathedral Lakes trailhead is along Tioga Road, ½ mile west of the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. You can park along the side of the road (until October 15) or take the local shuttle bus (fees apply) to the trailhead, stop #7. No services are available at the trailhead.
Cathedral Lakes Trail
From the trailhead along the main road through Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,565 feet, begin a steady climb to the southwest. After a mile enjoy a section of mostly level trail and then climb again, a total of 1,000 feet in 2½ miles from the trailhead. Along the trail watch to your right for views of Fairview Dome.
Fairview Dome
The rest of the way to Lower Cathedral Lake is downhill. At the trail junction turn right to the lower lake. Find wonderful places to rest along the shore on the near side of the lake, and then work your way clockwise around the shore for stunning views back across the water toward Cathedral Peak.
From a viewpoint on the low rise northwest of the lake, you can glimpse Tenaya Lake in the distance.
Backtrack to take the trail to Upper Cathedral Lake, less than a mile south once you have returned to the main trail.
Things to Know
- Pets and bicycles are not permitted on any trails in Tuolumne Meadows.
- Restrooms and water are available at the Visitor Center. Carry pleny of water for this all-day outing.
Lower Cathedral Lake
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Bridalveil Fall - short walk to the base of the magnificen fall
- Mirror Lake - 1 gentle mile to the lake
- Yosemite Falls Trail - make the strenuous hike to the top of the falls
Other Nearby Trails
Lembert Dome is a 2.8-mile round trip to the top of the prominent dome in Tuolumne Meadows. Start at the Dog Lake parking area and allow for plenty of time at the top where you will enjoy amazing views of Tuolumne Meadows and surrounding summits.
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