Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → Yosemite → Cathedral Lakes

Location: Tuolomne Meadows Area, Yosemite National Park, California

Distance:  12.9 km (8 miles) roundtrip to see both lakes

Elevation Gain: 1200 ft

Time Required: 3 hours

Red Tape/Notes: Only access is via Tioga Road, which is open seasonally (typically late May or early June to October or November)

What’s Nearby?: June Lake, Mono Lake, Tioga Road, Tuolomne Meadows 

This is one of the most popular hikes in the Tuolomne Meadows area, since it’s relatively easy and has a nice destination, but it’s nowhere near as crowded as anything you’ll have experienced in Yosemite Valley. The trail heads directly for Upper Cathedral Lake, so if you want to visit Lower Cathedral Lake, you’ll need to take the 0.5 mile (one way) spur trail. In the early season, you may find snow in some areas on or near the trail, and you’ll likely encounter swampy/marshy conditions, particularly on the approach to Lower Cathedral Lake. It’s worth the effort, though, since the approach is actually very pretty and Lower Cathedral Lake is lovely, wrapped by granite shores and with views of Tenaya Lake less than a mile away. Upper Cathedral Lake lacks the swampy approach, and is approached via a wide open meadow surrounded by views of peaks (including its namesake Cathedral Peak). Though it lacks the solid granite showers of Lower Cathedral Lake, there are still plenty of rocky sections along the shores, perfect for snacks, lunch, or just climbing around. You can also hike on another half a mile to Cathedral Pass for more beautiful views.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → Yosemite → Cathedral Lakes