Cathedral Lakes Backpacking

Yosemite National Park

photo of Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California
photo of Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California

Cathedral Lakes Backpacking

Yosemite National Park


Backpacking to Cathedral Lakes

The scenic beauty of Cathedral Lakes draws both day-hikers and backpackers to their shores. Only 3½ miles from Tuolumne Meadows, the lakes are a wonderful weekend destination and also a favorite stopping place for John Muir Trail Hikers coming up from Yosemite Valley.

The lower lake's mile-long shoreline offers an abundance of spacious campsites among the trees along its northern and western shores. The upper lake adds additional camping possibilities. Both lakes have breathtaking views of 10,911-foot Cathedral Peak.

Cathedral Peak, Yosemite National Park, California

Cathedral Peak

Cathedral Lakes - Key Facts


Location: Yosemite National Park
Trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows, elevation 8,565 feet
Highest point on the trail to the lower lake: 9,565 feet
Lower Cathedral Lake elevation: 9,288 feet
Upper Cathedral Lake elevation: 9,685 feet
Elevation Gain: lower lake 1,000 feet, upper lake 1,120 feet
Hiking Distance: lower lake 3.5 miles, upper lake 3.7 miles
Best seasons: summer through fall


sign to Cathedral Lakes, 3.5 miles


Wildlife

Yosemite bears used to snag backpacker's food with regularity around Cathedral Lakes, but with the introduction of bear canisters they have learned that campsites are no longer a source of food. Deer are seen occasionally in the area. With so many heavy feet tramping along the John Muir Trail, rattlesnakes are rare.

Mosquitoes are at their worst through mid-summer. By late August they are usually not a problem.

Ducks have chosen Cathedral Lakes is a favorite place to dive for food. Sometimes they offer the familiar tails up as they nibble off the shallow lakebed near shore. In slightly deeper water they dive to the bottom. Yosemite National Park's website offers great information about birding in the park.

Upper  Cathedral Lake, Yosemite National Park, California

Upper Cathedral Lake




Cathedral Lakes - Key Facts


Location: Yosemite National Park
Trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows, elevation 8,565 feet
Highest point on the trail to the lower lake: 9,565 feet
Lower Cathedral Lake elevation: 9,288 feet
Upper Cathedral Lake elevation: 9,685 feet
Elevation Gain: lower lake 1,000 feet, upper lake 1,120 feet
Hiking Distance: lower lake 3.5 miles, upper lake 3.7 miles
Best seasons: summer through fall


sign to Cathedral Lakes, 3.5 miles

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Tuolumne Meadows Trailhead

The trailhead for Cathedral Lakes is along Tioga Road in Tuolumne Meadows, ½-mile west of the Visitor Center. Tuolumne Meadows can be reached by car or by hikers tour bus from Yosemite Valley or by YARTS from Yosemite Valley or Lee Vining to the east on Highway 395. A shuttle bus connecting points around Tuolumne Meadows runs from mid-June through the first week of September. One of its stops is the Cathedral Lakes trailhead.
Yosemite Transportation

Tuolumne Meadows has a store, grill, post office, gas station, mountain shop, visitor center, and campground.

Parking

Park along the side of the highway at the Cathedral Lakes trailhead. If full, park at nearest legal space and ride free summer shuttle to the trailhead. Portable restrooms and bear boxes are available there.



Nearby Day Hikes


Nearby Camping and Lodging

Regular campgrounds at Tuolumne Meadows are usually full, but there is a backpackers' camp where you can spend one night if you have a wilderness permit before setting out on the trail. Campsites are equipped with bear lockers. Arrive early enough (ahead of the late day rush) to ensure you get a campsite. Learn about other nearby camping options at California's Best Camping.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has 69 canvas tent cabins. They have no electricity. Showers and restrooms are located in the center of the camp. They serve a family-style breakfast and dinner, reservations required.

More lodging and can be found east of the park along Highway 395 in Lee Vining.