Cathedral Lakes

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming

One of the popular day hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows area, Cathedral Lakes explores some of the grandest glacially-carved terrain in the Yosemite high country. An 8-mile roundtrip hike visits the shores of both Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes and passes through splendid alpine scenery including the shapely granite pinnacles that form Cathedral Peak. For an even better view, tack on another mile out-and-back from Upper Cathedral Lake to reach Cathedral Pass.

From Highway 120 in Tuolumne Meadows, the trail for Cathedral Lakes follows the John Muir Trail (JMT) southwest through a lodgepole pine forest and gains elevation quickly -- about 600 feet in just over a mile. Soon enough the forest opens up to reveal massive granite domes, but even better views are up ahead.

The sandy trail continues around the west flank of Cathedral Peak, passing through less densely spaced trees and crossing over a fork of Cathedral Creek. A little more climbing and the trail flattens out before descending slightly to the junction for Lower Cathedral Lake at 3 miles.

Head right on this spur trail for half a mile to to see Lower Cathedral Lake in its picturesque glacial cirque. Cathedral Peak's stately Eichorn Pinnacle towers above to the east. Backpackers can camp near this lake, by permit from the national park only. This area sees lots of use, so please be sure to practice Leave No Trace ethics if you are considering an overnight here.

To reach Upper Cathedral Lake, retrace your steps to the JMT junction, turn right, and continue uphill in the shadow of the Eichorn Pinnacle. Upper Cathedral Lake lies a half mile from the junction, or 3.5 miles from the trailhead, below the watchful guise of Cathedral Peak's craggy south face. Spend some time soaking up the views at Upper Cathedral Lake, or continue another half mile up to Cathedral Pass for a world-class vista of the Cathedral Range and beyond. - Overview and description by Aron Bosworth, Outdoor Project.