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
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
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.
