Cathedral Lakes, located near Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, is a must-visit destination for hikers and backpackers.
My husband and I hiked to these lakes for the first time in 2024 and it became one of my favorite hikes in Yosemite!
This stunning area offers glacial lakes, dramatic granite peaks, and serene meadows – all accessible via a scenic section of the iconic John Muir Trail.
The trail leads to Upper Cathedral Lake and features a short spur to Lower Cathedral Lake, and hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak
While this northern Yosemite trail offers a quieter alternative to the crowded trails in Yosemite Valley, it remains one of the busiest routes in Tuolumne Meadows.
It’s easy to see why this hike is so popular – it’s absolutely breathtaking!
If you’re planning your first hike to Cathedral Lakes, this guide has everything you need: from trailhead location and the best time to visit, to essential tips and detailed trail directions.
Cathedral Lakes: Overview
Starting Point: Cathedral Lakes Trailhead or Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Length: 9.5 to 12 miles (mileage depends on which trailhead you start from and if you hike around each lake)
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? No
Hike Features: Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes and amazing views of Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak
Yosemite Entrance Fee and Reservations
Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!
For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!
A reservation is required to enter Yosemite National Park from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2025.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
Directions and Parking
The Cathedral Lakes Trailhead is located a half mile west of Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.
The trailhead sits 45 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance and 13 miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance.
🥾 Trip Planning Tip: Staying near the Big Oak Flat Entrance? Add Hetch Hetchy hikes to your Yosemite itinerary for an unforgettable adventure!
The main trailhead is small and fills up quickly due to the trail’s popularity.
If the main trailhead is full, you can park at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.
Starting from the visitor center will add an extra mile to the total hike.
An added benefit of parking at the visitor center is access to convenient amenities, including flush toilets, food storage lockers, and bear-proof trash bins.
With its popularity among both day hikers, backpackers, and climbers, parking at the trailhead and visitor center can be limited.
Arrive early to secure a spot and avoid crowds on the trail!
Cathedral Lakes Trail Map
Best Time to Hike Cathedral Lakes
My husband and I hiked this trail in early September, and I think we started our hike around 8 AM.
The small trailhead was full, so we had to park at the visitor center.
Even the visitor center parking area was popping!
Like I mentioned above, this trail is popular for day hikers, backpackers, and climbers.
If you want to avoid crowds, hike along a mostly-snow-free trail, and have good weather, the best time to hike to Cathedral Lakes would be late June and early October.
Let’s dive into the months a bit more and what to expect just in case you can’t hike this trail in June or October.
Seasonal Considerations
Late June to Early July:
Wildflowers bloom across the meadows, and snowmelt fills streams and lakes.
However, patches of snow may still linger at higher elevations, so be prepared for wet or muddy sections of the trail.
🏞️ Trip Planning Tip: Add Yosemite waterfall hikes to your itinerary if you’re visiting during this time! Peak flow is from May to June (and sometimes into early July).
July to August:
These months are the most popular for hiking due to warm weather and clear trail conditions.
Expect more crowds, especially on weekends.
Be aware of afternoon summer thunderstorms!
⚠️ Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
September to Early October:
This is an ideal time for those seeking fewer crowds (as compared to peak summer crowds) and cooler temperatures.
The weather is generally dry, and the crisp fall air makes for excellent hiking conditions.
However, be prepared for cooler mornings and evenings, and always check for early snowstorms in late September and October.
November to May:
Tioga Road will be closed during this period due to snow.
There is a chance Tioga Road could be open in November and May (on rare occasions even in December).
Check if the road is open or closed HERE.
If you are able to hike to Cathedral Lakes during this time, be prepared with appropriate winter gear and knowledge of how to navigate a trail in snowy conditions.
🌷 Trip Planning Tip: While Tioga Road may be closed in May, you can still explore other incredible areas of Yosemite in May, such as Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy, Wawona, and Mariposa Grove!
Best Time of Day
Morning:
Start your hike as early as possible to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, common in summer, and to enjoy cooler temperatures.
The early start also allows you to reach the lakes before it gets crowded and provides spectacular morning light for the adventurous photographers.
Tips for Hiking Cathedral Lakes
Download Offline Maps: Following the John Muir Trail to both Cathedral Lakes is easy, but having offline maps downloaded on your phone can give you peace of mind.
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
Acclimate to the Elevation: Lower Cathedral Lake sits at 9,290 feet and Upper Cathedral Lake sits at 9,600 feet. This high altitude can make the hike significantly more challenging.
Take time to acclimate if you’re not used to hiking at high elevations.
Altitude sickness is a serious risk that can be avoided if properly acclimated.
Pay attention to your body, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed.
Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Yosemite.
Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
🐻 Note: bear spray is illegal in Yosemite!
Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep Yosemite National Park pristine for future hikers.
What to Bring
Must-haves for Yosemite
- Entrance Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
- Reservation (depending on time/day)
- A plan/itinerary with a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned
- Knowledge of the Leave No Trace principles
- Patience and kindness
Clothing and Gear
- Layers of clothing:
- Poncho or raincoat (waterproof top layer)
- Warm fleece or down jacket
- Lightweight jacket or long-sleeve shirt (lightweight, quick drying mid layer)
- Long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt/tank top (moisture wicking base layer)
- A long-sleeve sun shirt helps reduce sun exposure and keeps bugs away!
- Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hiking backpack
- Trekking poles
- Mosquito repellant and head net (they can get pretty nasty in late spring and summer)
Pack the 10 Essentials
- Navigation – A map, compass, or GPS device to help you stay on course and find your way in unfamiliar terrain.
- Water – Sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
- Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
- First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Insulation – Extra layers of clothing (such as a jacket or fleece) to stay warm in changing weather conditions.
- Rain Gear and Emergency Shelter – A rain jacket or poncho and an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
- Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency.
- Multi-tool or Knife – A versatile tool or knife to handle any tasks, from preparing food to making repairs.
- Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
Trail Directions
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
The Cathedral Lakes Trailhead sits at an elevation of 8,500 feet, and the ascent begins almost immediately.
If you are starting from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, follow the spur trail parallel to the road until you reach the main trailhead.
Once you reach the main trailhead, hop onto the John Muir Trail heading towards Cathedral Lakes.
The trail itself is wide and rocky, winding steadily upward through a dense, shaded forest of towering pines.
John Muir Trail
The initial climb might make you second guess your decision to hike this trail.
But don’t give up so soon!
The incline combined with high altitude makes this trail seem harder than it really is.
Take your time and rest as much as you need.
This is the hardest part of the entire hike!
At the top of this first stretch, you’ll be rewarded with a view of a massive granite formation towering above you.
It may seem like just another granite dome typical of Yosemite’s landscape, but don’t be fooled – this is the north shoulder of Cathedral Peak.
The peak’s dramatic profile becomes more striking as you keep hiking along the trail.
After about a mile of relatively level hiking, you’ll pass a small spring before beginning another gradual ascent.
This short section will be a fairly tough climb but not as bad as the first climb.
Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes Junction
Around the 2.8-mile mark, the trail begins a gentle descent through a rocky, shaded forest, offering a change of scenery.
At the 3-mile mark, you’ll arrive at the Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes junction.
Veer to the right and follow the spur trail towards Lower Cathedral Lake.
✨ READ THIS: Best Tioga Pass Hikes for Adventure Lovers
Lower Cathedral Lake
The Lower Cathedral Lake is about half a mile from the trail junction.
This lake sits at 9,290 feet in elevation – remember to stay hydrated and take rest breaks.
The short walk takes you through a peaceful forest before opening up into a large meadow.
Depending on the season and water levels, you may need to cross a few small streams on your way.
Just hop over the trickling creeks and head toward the granite shores, where you’ll find breathtaking 360-degree views.
The meadow itself is often a highlight, especially when vibrant green grasses surround the meandering streams.
Once at the lakeshore, be sure to look back toward the towering Cathedral Peak.
For a more rewarding perspective, I highly recommend walking to the far side of the lake.
From there, you’ll not only enjoy a better view of Cathedral Peak but also take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding granite high country and Tenaya Lake in the distance.
Upper Cathedral Lake
Let’s explore the Upper Cathedral Lake next!
Retrace your steps back to the junction and take a right onto the John Muir Trail (heading south) towards the lake.
Upper Cathedral Lake is also about half a mile from the trail junction.
The trail involves an initial descent then a bit more uphill climbing before leveling out as you approach the lake.
Once you arrive, head straight to the far side of the lake for an amazing view of Cathedral Peak from a different angle.
While the perspective is similar to that of the lower lake, this spot offers a broader, uninterrupted view of the peak’s full width, making it an unforgettable sight.
I personally enjoyed exploring Lower Cathedral Lake more than Upper Cathedral Lake.
If it’s your first time, I recommend seeing both lakes for yourself.
They’re both definitely worth the effort!
To return to the trailhead, retrace your steps back along the John Muir Trail.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
More things to do when visiting Tioga Pass:
- Tackle the Clouds Rest hike
- Hike to Gaylor Lakes
- Find giant sequoia trees in Yosemite (Tuolumne and Merced Groves)
- Conquer Lembert Dome
FAQs: Cathedral Lakes
Can you swim in Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite?
Yes, you can swim in Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite National Park.
Can you camp at Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite?
Yes, you can camp at Cathedral Lakes. You will need to obtain a wilderness permit.
Can you drive to Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite?
No, you cannot drive directly to Cathedral Lakes. You will have to park at the trailhead and hike about 5.5 miles to reach both lakes.
What is the difference between Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake?
Upper Cathedral Lake sits at 9,600 feet and Lower Cathedral Lake sits at 9,290 feet. The latter is more popular for sightseeing and camping.
Conclusion
Hiking to Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite is a rewarding experience, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, serene alpine landscapes, and impressive granite peaks.
Visit Lower Cathedral Lake where you will find expansive meadows and shimmering waters providing a tranquil setting.
Don’t forget Upper Cathedral Lake where you will find a more dramatic perspective of Cathedral Peak.
With its manageable distance, varied terrain, and jaw-dropping vistas, Cathedral Lakes is a must-do hike for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Yosemite’s high country.
If this guide inspires you to hike Cathedral Lakes, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
Find your next Yosemite adventure:
- Mist Trail vs John Muir Trail (Vernal and Nevada Falls – Yosemite Valley)
- Upper Yosemite Falls (Yosemite Valley)
- Wapama Falls (Hetch Hetchy)
- Chilnualna Falls (Wawona)
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