Cathedral Lakes
Yosemite’s classic Tuolumne Meadows lake hike, climbing to Upper Cathedral Lake with an optional spur to Lower Cathedral Lake.
Route overview
Follow the main trail toward Upper Cathedral Lake and add the 1.1 km spur to Lower Cathedral Lake if time and conditions allow.
Cathedral Lakes is among Yosemite’s most popular high-country routes. The trail climbs steadily through forest toward Upper Cathedral Lake, while a signed side trail reaches Lower Cathedral Lake beneath the granite profile of Cathedral Peak.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California
- Distance
- 12 km round-trip
- Typical duration
- 6–7 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 305 m
- Best season
- July to October, depending on snow and Tioga Road access
- Trail type
- Out-and-back with optional lower-lake spur
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No wilderness permit for a day hike; overnight use requires a wilderness permit
Safety context
Start early to reduce parking and thunderstorm risk; prepare for snow, mosquitoes and high elevation Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Start early to reduce parking and thunderstorm risk; prepare for snow, mosquitoes and high elevation
Highlights
Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes, Cathedral Peak, alpine forest, granite scenery
Why find a buddy
Useful for pacing, lake-spur decisions and managing a busy but substantial high-country day
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.