Yosemite Valley to Tenaya Lake Hike

The Yosemite Valley to Tenaya Lake Hike is a demanding one-way trek that will put your endurance and determination to the test. Tackle this trail as a challenging day hike or an epic overnight expedition. Either way, you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Yosemite Valley and the dramatic peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Preparation and experience are necessary, so make sure you are properly equipped. As this is a point-to-point excursion, don’t forget to leave a car near the trail’s end at the Clouds Rest Trailhead off Tioga Pass Road. Note: the National Park charges an entrance fee; check out the NPS website for additional information.

Your journey along the Yosemite Valley to Tenaya Lake Hike begins at the Mist Trailhead. From here, track the John Muir Trail south along the Merced River and across the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Once you reach an intersection, keep left onto the Mist Trail and carefully ascend the vertiginous terrain along the profile of Vernal Falls to make your way up to Emerald Pool. Continue along the Mist Trail up to Nevada Falls, which is another mesmerizing cascade. Here, you will reach an intersection and veer left to be diverted onto the John Muir Trail.

Wander along this route to the northeast alongside the Merced River and up into Little Yosemite Valley. Here, the path will guide you up a set of intense switchbacks and along Sunrise Creek. You will soon merge onto the Forsyth Trail, before connecting with the Clouds Rest Trail. Follow this route all the way back to the Clouds Rest Trailhead, marking the end of your adventure.