The map displayed above is for illustrative purposes only. NOT OKAY! Cathedral Lakes, John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, California Of the many lakes reached by short hikes along the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake are generally thought to be the most beautiful, each surrounded by meadows and granite cliffs, without too many trees to block the views of nearby mountains. Once you get to Upper Cathedral Lake, circle around to the right of the lake and crest the small ridge behind the lake for stunning views of Lower Cathedral Lake and the surrounding countryside. And a little mountain sickness. September and October are much quieter times, especially mid-week. Here's a list of the 10 most gorgeous lakes in Yosemite, USA. I decided to ignore this side trail for now. You’ll have views of Cathedral Peak, Echo and Tresidder Peaks, as well as Tenaya Lake, which hangs beneath a wide rock shelf that borders the eastern shore of the lower lake. Map includes surrounding trails, campsites, trail elevation profile. Expect to find others at these popular lakes. 800-715-HIKE 9-4:30 Every Day Wildland Wires Sign Up! With so many heavy feet tramping along the John Muir Trail, rattlesnakes are rare. It's surrounded by Cathedral Peak in the east and by Echo and Tresidder Peaks along the southern shore, all of them over 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) in elevation. All-inclusive trips, expert guides, Top-rated hiking company on Trip Advisor! Hiking Distance: lower lake 3.5 miles, upper lake 3.7 miles At this point, the John Muir Trail widens and becomes sandy as it continues to the junction of the Lower Cathedral Lake Trail, where the Lower Cathedral Trail begins. Both lakes have breathtaking views of 10,911-foot Cathedral Peak. For the latest information about fishing and hunting regulations that may affect this area, consult, California Freshwater Sportfishing and Hunting Regulations. Complete information - trail descriptions, photos, maps, and amenities. It is not crowded at all. 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 sign lists mileages as 3.5 miles to Cathedral Lakes, 7.8 miles to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and 21.0 miles to Yosemite Valley. There is roughly around a 1,000 ft. of elevation gain if you were to go all the way to Upper Cathedral Lake. Trail. #YosemiteHiddenGem #YosemiteHiking Scenery: ★★★★★ Difficulty: ★★ I took different route than usual Cathedral lakes trail. Cathedral Lakes Hike While the hike to Cathedral Lakes isn’t especially difficult compared to some of the hikes in Yosemite, it’s mostly the elevation that will get you. Very soon along the trail, it has a junction with a trail paralleling the road and more extensive information signs. One of my favorite hikes of all time just because of Lower cathedral lake. The Cathedral Lakes hike starts at 8,570 feet (2,612 m) elevation surrounded by old growth pine forest before the trail steadily climbs to Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes. The trailhead does not scream at you here I am like others, so be watchful after Tenaya Lake. After reaching either of the lakes, you could spend some time there basking in all of the beauty around, and then start back. Complete information - trail descriptions, photos, maps, and amenities. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Map includes surrounding trails, campsites, trail elevation profile. This is about an injury or accident Ducks have chosen Cathedral Lakes as a favorite place to dive for food. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. So far my favorite trip so far now that I've forgotten the millions of mosquitos trying to carry me off! Lower Cathedral Lake in Yosemite National Park It's fun and easy to go on an overnight camping trip to this spot. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. I decided to ignore this side trail for now. Sometimes they offer the familiar tails up as they nibble off the shallow lakebed near shore. Check with rangers about the suitability of conditions before setting out on any hike or other forest activity. Spectacular. The trail is like a staircase: the first 0.8 mi ascends 600 ft, the next 0.7 mi is level, the next 0.6 mi ascends 600 … Distance: 8 miles roundtrip Yosemite National Park's website offers great information about birding in the park. Taken this past June during our three day backpacking trip from tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite valley! One of my favorite hikes of all time just because of Lower cathedral lake. Yosemite is known for being home to granite peaks, meadows, rich flora, waterfalls, and several lakes. Very soon along the trail, it has a junction with a trail paralleling the road and more extensive information signs. The lakes are situated 1.6 km (1 mi) southwest of Cathedral Peak and 3.2 km (2 mi) east-northeast of Tenaya Lake. Being a jerk / offensive? One of the most iconic destination outside of Yosemite Valley is Cathedral Lakes. And a little mountain sickness. Turn right (southwest) and follow the trail for about .5 miles through areas of wildflowers until you reach the bench of the bedrock of the lake. Cathedral Lakes trail map, Yosemite National Park. I love that lower Cathedral Lake Cathedral Lakes Trail is a 8.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The sign lists mileages as 3.5 miles to Cathedral Lakes, 7.8 miles to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and 21.0 miles to Yosemite Valley. Taken this past June during our three day backpacking trip from tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite valley! An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. First I wanted to get to the pass, and I recommend doing both lakes if you have the energy! Read about my experience! This map is for illustrative purposes only. Distance: 8 miles roundtrip Parking here is pullout/parallel and usually a mess so you should see the line of cars as you approach. The lower m) Easy access, beautiful scenery and tempting peaks make this a popular spot for backpackers, day hikers and climbers. Wilderness Permits are in high demand for any locations along the John Muir Trail. The trail is like a staircase: the first 0.8 mi ascends 600 ft, the next 0.7 mi is level, the next 0.6 mi ascends 600 ft, the last 0.7 mi before the junction descends 100 ft. The upper lake adds additional camping possibilities. Yosemite is known for being home to granite peaks, meadows, rich flora, waterfalls, and several lakes. Plan a side trip to Budd Lake. Cathedral Lakes A longer hike to a couple of lakes out of the Tuolumne area is the trail to Cathedral Lakes. In slightly deeper water they dive to the bottom. Tony, Marlen, Maribel & Adam completed the hike. Deer are seen occasionally in the area. Distance: 9 miles Elevation Gain: 1,738 feet (total) . Something else? Cathedral Lakes Trail is 7 mi /11.3 km roundtrip with an elevation change of 1000 ft/300 m with a 1 mi/1.6 km roundtrip spur trail to the Lower Cathedral Lake. Bestor Robinson climbing and Richard Leonard belaying on the crux Flake pitch during the first ascent of Lower Spire, 1934. So far my favorite trip so far now that I've forgotten the millions of mosquitos trying to carry me off! Explore the most popular fishing trails in Yosemite National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This page was in the Lower Cathedral Spire notebook that Richard Leonard donated to the Yosemite Climbing Association in 1993. Coming from sea level as we did for a day-hike, the trail to Cathedral Lakes begins at 8,500 feet. Cathedral Pass Halfway the trail I passed the metal sign with cut out letters indicating the side trail to the lower Cathedral Lakes, north of the trail. 12 reviews of Yosemite Cathedral Lakes "Magnificent. Wonderful hike ! There are two lakes that you can visit – lower and upper Cathedral Lakes. The scenic beauty of Cathedral Lakes draws both day hikers and backpackers to their shores. Walk-up permits are available at the permit office in Tuolumne Meadows, but at peak times people begin lining up in the middle of the night. Bonus: head to the west side of the lake for views of Tenaya Lake and the valley below. Highest point on the trail to the lower lake: 9,565 feet Simply walking behind the lake (with Cathedral Peak at your back) and cresting the ridge will offer up this amazing view. Distance: 9 miles Elevation Gain: 1,738 feet (total) . Glorious. Make reservations early. This video is unavailable. Glorious. Cathedral lake is one of my favorite day hike destinations with granite slabs sloping into the lake and fantastic views up to Cathedral Spire and down to Tenya lake. Horses are also able to use this trail. Half-Day Run: Run in from Tioga Road on the Lower/Upper Cathedral Lakes … Great shot of the Lower Cathedral Meadows. Spam? Snowy, Icy: Icy and snowy, bring microspikes or go very slow, Snowy, Mostly Dry - Dry until path to Yosemite Point, Create Recommended Route or The map displayed above is for illustrative purposes only. The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes located In Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California. Location: Yosemite National Park Cathedral Lakes Hike While the hike to Cathedral Lakes isn’t especially difficult compared to some of the hikes in Yosemite, it’s mostly the elevation that will get you. Take your camera, but leave your fishing pole behind. The trail is like a staircase: the first 0.8 mi ascends 600 ft, the next 0.7 mi is level, the next 0.6 mi ascends 600 … Upper Cathedral Lake elevation: 9,685 feet For those seeking a little more solitude, camp among the trees on the west shore of the lower lake. Cathedral lake is one of my favorite day hike destinations with granite slabs sloping into the lake and fantastic views up to Cathedral Spire and down to Tenya lake. The lower lake has a granite shelf on the far side, where you look down onto Tenaya lake, whereas the upper lake has a spectacular view of Cathedral peak. The lakes are situated 1.6 km (1 mi) southwest of Cathedral Peak and 3.2 km (2 mi) east-northeast of Tenaya Lake. It is not crowded at all. Spectacular. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes located In Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California. Both are lovely peaceful lakes surrounded by sharp granite peaks. The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes located In Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California. Once you get to Upper Cathedral Lake, circle around to the right of the lake and crest the small ridge behind the lake for stunning views of Lower Cathedral Lake and the surrounding countryside. Lower Cathedral Lake is one of the most scenic spots you could One of the most popular day hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows area, Cathedral Lakes explores some of the grandest glacially-carved terrain in the Yosemite high country. The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes located In Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California. The lower lake is located at elevation 9,288 feet (2,831 m), while the upper lake is located at elevation 9,585 feet (2,922 m). Lower Cathedral Lake in Yosemite National Park It's fun and easy to go on an overnight camping trip to this spot. Easy and fun for almost any type level of fitness . Cathedral Lakes - beautiful alpine lakes only a short hike from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite. 12 reviews of Yosemite Cathedral Lakes "Magnificent. By late August they are usually not a problem. Helpful Tent and Road Trips Destinations Romania Travel Photo – Medieval Cathedral Lakes, John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, California Of the many lakes reached by short hikes along the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake are generally thought to be the most beautiful, each surrounded by meadows and granite cliffs, without too many trees to block the views of nearby mountains. I love that lower Cathedral Lake #YosemiteHiddenGem #YosemiteHiking Scenery: ★★★★★ Difficulty: ★★ I took different route than usual Cathedral lakes trail. The lakes are situated 1.6 km (1 mi) southwest of Cathedral Peak and 3.2 km (2 mi) east-northeast of Tenaya Lake. The scenic beauty of Cathedral Lakes draws both day hikers and backpackers to their shores. Here is the map. Mosquitoes are at their worst through mid-summer. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. 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 terrain in this region is great for off-trail hiking and exploration. The terrain in this region is great for off-trail hiking and exploration. After ascending nearly 1,000 feet in 3.6 miles we reach First I wanted to get to the pass, and The lower lake is located at elevation 9,288 feet (2,831 m), while the upper lake is located at elevation 9,585 feet (2,922 m). Coming from sea level as we did for a day-hike, the trail to Cathedral Lakes begins at 8,500 feet. Easy access, beautiful scenery and tempting peaks make this a popular spot for backpackers, day hikers and climbers. The Cathedral range is the prototypical High Sierra granite range with spectacular views. Best seasons: summer through fall. The lakes are situated 1.6 km (1 mi) southwest of Cathedral Peak and 3.2 km (2 mi) east-northeast of Tenaya Lake. Simply walking behind the lake (with Cathedral Peak at your back) and cresting the ridge will offer up this amazing view. Here's a list of the 10 most gorgeous lakes in Yosemite, USA. Hike: Lower Cathedral Lake, Yosemite Published May 30, 2013 May 29, 2013 by Linda Bernardi in Yosemite 20 Comments It’s official… my son has truly become a hiker! The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes located South of tuolumne meadow the lower lake is located at elevation 9,288 feet, while the upper lake is located at elevation 9,585 feet. Cathedral Lakes One of the most popular of Yosemite’s high country destinations has to be Cathedral Lakes. Please explain. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy water is the best way to end and begin your day on the trail. 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