The Cathedral Lakes trail sees a lot of traffic from John Muir Trail hikers and from day-hikers at Tuolumne Meadows. With so much use, the trail is easy to follow. Much of it is through forest, but along the way views of Fairview Dome emerge through the trees.
Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake,
3½ miles
Soon after leaving the trailhead the route begins to climb. Then after a mile it levels off for a while as views of surrounding domes and peaks begin to emerge.
Less than two miles into the hike the trail crosses a small, year-round creek, the only reliable water before the lakes. Then another uphill section leads to a rounded ridge, followed by a gentle descent.
Fairview Dome
At the 3-mile point the trail splits. The right branch leads ½ mile down to Lower Cathedral Lake and the left - which is the John Muir Trail - continues 0.7 miles up a gentle grade to Upper Cathedral Lake. After a night at Cathedral Lakes, some may elect to continue their trip along the John Muir Trail, descending all the way to Yosemite Valley, about 19 miles from Upper Cathedral Lake.
Yosemite National Park maintains 5 High Sierra Camps spread through the wilderness. Each camp has tent cabins, restrooms, and a central meal facility staffed by park personnel. Meals are provided. Visitors need only bring their own personal gear.
The camps range from 1.2 miles from the nearest trailhead for the May Lake Camp to 15.6 miles for Merced Lake. Most who visit Merced Lake are coming a shorter distance from a nearby camp. Being packed in by mules is an option for those who do wish to walk. Two of the camps are near Tuolumne Meadows.
Glen Aulin
The scenic Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is located next to a waterfall and pool on the Tuolumne River. The 5-mile hike to the camp follows the river downstream from Tuolumne Meadows, descending about 700 feet. The camp features 8 cabins. Guests enjoy wonderful sunsets and views of Mt. Conness.
Vogelsang
Vogelsang High Sierra Camp is south of Tuolumne Meadows, high in the Cathedral Range of peaks. To reach the camp, hikers trace Rafferty Creek for 7 miles in a mostly gradual ascent of about 1,400 feet. The camp is situated at 10,120 feet. It serves as an excellent base camp for exploring nearby lakes. The camp features 12 cabins with space for 42 guests.
Other Camps
The other High Sierra Camps are May Lake, Sunrise, and Merced. Sunrise is along the trail between Cathedral Lakes and Yosemite Valley. Reservations for the camps are through a lottery. High Sierra Camps
High Sierra Camps
Yosemite National Park maintains 5 High Sierra Camps spread through the wilderness. Each camp has tent cabins, restrooms, and a central meal facility staffed by park personnel. Meals are provided. Visitors need only bring their own personal gear.
The camps range from 1.2 miles from the nearest trailhead for the May Lake Camp to 15.6 miles for Merced Lake. Most who visit Merced Lake are coming a shorter distance from a nearby camp. Being packed in by mules is an option for those who do wish to walk. Two of the camps are near Tuolumne Meadows.
Glen Aulin
The scenic Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is located next to a waterfall and pool on the Tuolumne River. The 5-mile hike to the camp follows the river downstream from Tuolumne Meadows, descending about 700 feet. The camp features 8 cabins. Guests enjoy wonderful sunsets and views of Mt. Conness.
Vogelsang
Vogelsang High Sierra Camp is south of Tuolumne Meadows, high in the Cathedral Range of peaks. To reach the camp, hikers trace Rafferty Creek for 7 miles in a mostly gradual ascent of about 1,400 feet. The camp is situated at 10,120 feet. It serves as an excellent base camp for exploring nearby lakes. The camp features 12 cabins with space for 42 guests.
Other Camps
The other High Sierra Camps are May Lake, Sunrise, and Merced. Sunrise is along the trail between Cathedral Lakes and Yosemite Valley. Reservations for the camps are through a lottery. High Sierra Camps
