California · September 2015
Hike Summary
Distance:
8 miles out and back
Total Elevation Gain:
1,200 ft
Starting Elevation:
8,500 ft
Highest Point:
9,600 ft
Hike Time:
4 - 6 hrs
Difficulty:
Moderate
Seasons:
June - October
Dogs:
Not Allowed
Pass Required:
Although it is not as popular as some of the hikes in the valley or those originating at Glacier Point, Cathedral Lakes has the reputation of having some of the best scenery in Yosemite National Park.
I wanted to do this hike specifically because its destination is a lake—something that is hard to come by in Southern California.
Actually, there are two lakes—Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes.
The backdrop of Upper Cathedral Lake features the pinnacle of Cathedral Peak.
The trail is easy to follow, though the high elevation makes this hike harder than it might appear.
It's a good idea to acclimate for at least one night in the area if you are prone to altitude sickness.
There was a controlled forest fire the weekend I visited, and I remember feeling dizzy for most of this hike.
The back side of Cathedral Peak from near the beginning of the hike
Near the end, there is a split for Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes.
Most people tackle Lower Cathedral Lake first.
Cathedral Peak from Lower Cathedral Lake
If you have made it to one, you may as well see both.
At Upper Cathedral Lake, there is a rocky hill you can scramble up to get the best views of Cathedral Peak against the lake.
Directions
The Cathedral Lakes Trailhead is located off an eastern section of the Tioga Pass Road, just west of Lembert Dome. This road is closed in the winter months.
1
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead: 37.873327, -119.382855
2
Lower Cathedral Lake: 37.844220, -119.422098
3
Upper Cathedral Lake: 37.838626, -119.415720
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