As far as hikes from Tuolumne Meadows go, the Cathedral Lakes hike is my favorite. When we visit Mammoth in the summertime, we’ve been known to make a special trip Yosemite via the Tiago Road to do this hike. It is a bit of a challenging climb, but the lakes are well worth the effort. There are two lakes that you can visit – lower and upper Cathedral Lakes. Both are lovely peaceful lakes surrounded by sharp granite peaks. The lower lake has a granite shelf on the far side, where you look down onto Tenaya lake, whereas the upper lake has a spectacular view of Cathedral peak. I recommend doing both lakes if you have the energy!
Note: If you plan to visit both lakes and are excitedly walking the circumference to get views of Tenaya or the better view of Cathedral Peak, I can almost guarantee your mileage will be closer to 10 or 11 miles. Something to note if mileage is a concern for you.
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Cathedral Lakes Hike
From the trailhead on Highway 120, you almost immediately begin to climb. Before you leave your car, make sure you put all food and anything particularly fragrant into one of the bear lockers. Being in the high country, you don’t want any bear-shaped visitors breaking into your car while you’re hiking. The trail is wide and a bit rocky as you climb through the heavily-wooded forest. Because the Cathedral Lakes Hike trail is the same as the John Muir Trail, there will likely be overnight backpackers and equestrians to watch out for.
This initial climb will get your heart rate going. It is not terribly difficult, but consistency mixed with the higher elevation of the Tuolumne area and you will be breathing heavily in no time. At the top of this climb, you’ll get a view of what looks like a giant dome looming over you. This is Cathedral Peak’s north shoulder! Enjoy the flat section before starting another more gentle climb through the less dense forest. Then, happily, you’ll start to descend on a sandy path. Somewhere around this second climb or this descent, there is a tree with two burr growths right at hip height, which strikingly resembles a handsome booty. See if you can spot it!
At 3 miles, you’ll reach the junction for lower and upper Cathedral Lakes. The first time I did this hike, we only went to the lower lake, so there is no shame in only going to one. Making a decision will be tough, so let’s dive into what the different lakes are like.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again
- Intensity: Hiking shoes, athletic clothes, day pack, plenty of water
- Location: Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park, California
- Cost: National Park entry fee (consider getting a National Parks Annual Pass)
- Restrooms: The only flushing toilets are at the Tuolumne visitors center
- Timing: 3 – 5 hours
- Distance: 7 miles to one lake, 8+ to do both
Highlights:
- Hike to stunning lakes surrounded by granite peaks
- Clear blue waters with pine trees
- View of Tenaya Lake from the lower cathedral hike
- Although it can get busy with those backing the John Muir trail, I’ve always found my time at the lakes to be peaceful and secluded.
Lower Cathedral Lake
From the junction, it is about a half-mile to the lake. You’ll descend a bit further through the trees and reach a large meadow to which you’ll ask, where’s the lake? Cross the meadow and beyond the granite slab, the lake will appear. The meadow itself can be quite stunning, especially when the grass is green and the water is running through the little streams. You may have to hop over these streams in order to get to the granite lakeshore. While in the meadow or at the lake, make sure to take a look up at the impressive Cathedral peak right behind you.
I recommend walking around the lake to the far side not only to enjoy a better view of Cathedral peak but also to get a view over the granite high country and Tenaya Lake. The first time I visited this specific viewpoint, a cute older couple from Boston told us they visited every year, calling it “the best place on Earth”. It put in perspective how much I take already being in California for granted. Walk on the other side of the lake for new views or maybe a dip into the chilly waters. To reach Upper Cathedral Lake, head back the way you came to the junction on the John Muir Trail (JMT).
You’ll likely see backpackers set up on one side of this lake. You can camp overnight here with a special permit. This lake sees some overnight camping action, so I wanted to issue a friendly reminder to Leave No Trace. 🙂
Upper Cathedral Lake
Again it is also a half-mile to reach the upper lake from the sign junction. There is more climbing to get to this lake until it flattens out at the lake’s height. Head immediately to the far side of the lake for a spectacular view of Cathedral Peak from the side. Although it is only a slightly different view than the lower lake, seeing the full width of Cathedral Peak is spectacular. It is a marvel how hiking another half mile or so will reward you with a different view.
Although I am sure it is possible, we did not walk the circumference of this lake. We headed back after soaking up this view. Apparently, if you continue another half-mile (up the JMT?), you will reach Cathedral Pass and another viewpoint. If you’ve done this section please let me know in the comments if it is worth the extra mile of hiking! Sounds amazing, but I haven’t done it.
Being an out-and-back trail, you’ll have to retrace your steps all the way to the trailhead. Be careful on the last descent – I’ve gotten close to rolling my ankle on the rocky path more than once.
Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead is right on Highway 120 running through Tuolumne Meadows. Tuolumne Meadows closes each winter, so double-check this website before going to ensure the roads you’ll use to get there are open for the season. Being in the high country, you may encounter snow and mud if you go right when the road opens. Check conditions before you go.
Other Activities in Tuolumne Meadows
If you’re already in the high country, consider bopping around to explore the area. Here are some things we try to do when we go:
- Explore the meadows of Tuolumne Meadows and climb Pothole Dome
- Go swimming or relax at Tenaya Lake
- Take in the view of Half Dome from Olmsted Point
- Another midsized hike: May Lake and Mt. Hoffman
Or you’re welcome to check out some things to do in the Yosemite Valley:
- Raft the Merced River in the Yosemite Valley
- Rent or bring bikes to ride around the Yosemite Valley
- Walk over to the bottom of Yosemite Falls
- Hike to the bottom (or top) of Vernal Falls
- Hike to Inspiration Point at sunrise or sunset
- Glacier Point Road – Hike the Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Loop
- Glacier Point Road – Hike to Illilouette Falls
Overall Thoughts: Cathedral Lakes Hike
After reading through this post and seeing the photos, I hope you can see why I enjoy the Cathedral Lakes Hike. You get clear blue lakes, spacious meadows, dramatic granite peaks, and an unexpected view of Tenaya Lake. Not a shabby way to experience the high elevation country of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. I’ve only done this hike as a day hike, but it would be a lovely overnight hike as well. Something to consider in the future.
What is your favorite thing to do in Tuolumne Meadows? I love the area because it is typically far less crowded than the Yosemite Valley with a more relaxed, discovery pace. Let me and other travelers know in the comments what I should look forward to in the future!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
