Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley Hike

The Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley Hike is an epic excursion that boasts vertigo-inducing vistas. Revel in the grandeur of the Yosemite wilderness and get a workout in along the way! Traveling through a diverse landscape of exposed and shaded terrain, we recommend checking the forecast to avoid getting caught in an afternoon storm. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and don’t forget to wear layers. Note: the path down into the valley is vertiginous and often slippery, so take your time and mind your footing. Additionally, it is important to arrange for pick up or drop off a car at the trail’s end! The National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional information.

Setting out from the Clouds Rest Trailhead, your journey along the Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley travels along the Clouds Rest Trail. Follow this path through meadowlands and mixed pine forests before ascending the famous Clouds Rest. Revel in the outstanding views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon, before continuing down the path while navigating several switchbacks past the Pinnacles to Sunrise Creek. Here, you will encounter an intersection and veer right onto the John Muir Trail. Again, carefully navigate several switchbacks down into Yosemite Valley and over to Nevada Falls.

Admire the views of the surging cascades, then merge onto the Mist Trail to venture down to Emerald Pool and Vernal Falls. Carefully descend the steep and slippery granite steps, following the Mist Trail all the way down into the valley to mark the end of your adventure.