Cathedral Lakes Trail

The Cathedral Lakes trailhead is very near the Tuolumne Meadows village. All of the parking is located along the road. The trail starts on the north side of the road, and is very well marked.

The first part of the Cathedral Lakes trail is fairly bland, working slowly upwards through the trees. You will pass several ponds, and have views of nice rocky peaks through the trees. There are a few streams that need to be crossed, but just one major one.

After climbing over half the elevation, the path levels out and remains mostly flat for the remainder of the trail. At the end of the route you will enter a meadow that can be waterlogged early in the season. To keep your feet dry, you will need to sneak through the labyrinth of streams, canals, and marshes. There are a few small steps to cross, even with very careful route planning.

The lake itself is exquisite, almost picture-perfect, and we’re sure you’ll agree that this is one of the best lake hikes in Yosemite! The entire lakeshore is completely rocky. You can see the large meadow, a gorgeous peak, and a small view of the valley. The waters of the lake are very cold, but the shore is a lovely place to linger, and the vista is beautiful, so plan to spend the entire day there. Bring a picnic and plenty of water and sit back, relax, and enjoy the sun, mountains, and beautiful shimmering lake.

Trail Highlights

Cathedral Lakes

The Cathedral Lakes are a pair of stunning lakes in Yosemite National Park. They take their name from the nearby Cathedral Peak, so named for its church-like summit, and the mountain looms high over the water, creating a beautiful backdrop for the lakes. Both lakes are a product of the intense glacial activity that shaped this stunning landscape long ago. As immense glaciers scraped the valley bottom, they eroded a deep basin that was later filled with water.

The scenic beauty of this lovely spot has long attracted hikers and day-trippers, and Cathedral Lakes is now a very popular excursion within Yosemite National Park. The crystal waters provide the perfect mirror for the surrounding peaks, and there are plenty of places for picnicking and camping around the lakeshore.

As the glistening water beckons, you may be wondering whether it is possible to swim in Cathedral Lakes. Whilst it’s certainly possible to take the plunge and jump into the inviting waters, both lakes are extremely cold, so you probably won’t want to stay for long!

If you want to find more great hikes in Yosemite, check out Clouds Rest, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Valley or Panorama Trail!