Cathedral Lakes Hike Yosemite: The Complete Guide

Looking for all the details on the Cathedral Lakes Hike, Yosemite National Park? Spend a day visiting Tuolumne Meadows and hiking to Upper Cathedral Lake and Lower Cathedral Lake. Yosemite National Park has it all! Epic views, amazing hikes, great wildlife, and more.

Learn more about the amazing hike to Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes. This may seem like an easy hike, but starting at 8,500 feet, you’ll be short on oxygen, and it may take a bit more energy! That being said, the hike to two gorgeous lakes is 100% worth the effort.

Finally, stop at Tenaya Lake and Olmstead Point during your return trip for a quick scenic stop.

For our full 4-day Yosemite itinerary, things to know, and more, be sure to check out the full post!

Map

Check out the map above to help plan your trip to Cathedral Lakes.

Cathedral Lakes Hike, Yosemite National Park

Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center

Today, start at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. Park here and walk to the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead. The trailhead is located at the western end of the parking lot.

First, hike the connector trail until you reach the famous John Muir Trail, and then head west (to your right). You might encounter a few areas of mud and standing water along this trail. After about 0.4 miles on the John Muir Trail, you’ll reach another junction. Here, turn left or head south, sticking to the John Muir Trail.

John Muir Trail to Lower Cathedral Lake

At this point, the trail gains elevation as it leads into the Yosemite National Park wilderness. Keep in mind that if you plan to camp in the backcountry, you must obtain a permit. Continue along the trail, watching for wildlife and enjoying the forest scenery.

You’ll encounter some switchbacks as well as some sections of flat trail. Once you have hiked about 1-1.5 miles, you’ll encounter a few stream crossings. This is a spot where you could potentially fill up your water as needed, but it should be treated before drinking!

Eventually, you will reach a spur trail on the right that leads to Lower Cathedral Lake. Due to meadow restoration work, this spur trail may have moved, but there is signage pointing you in the correct direction! Once you reach the signage for Lower Cathedral Lake, it’s about a half mile downhill to the lake.

What an epic location this is! Spend some time exploring the areas around the lake, but please stay on designated trails if you can. The views are ever-changing and awe-inspiring as you circle the lake. After you have enjoyed your time here, head back up the spur trail and continue to the right (south) to reach Upper Cathedral Lake.

➡️ Read next: Vernal and Nevada Falls

John Muir Trail to Upper Cathedral Lake

From the spur trail junction, continue about a half mile or a bit more to reach Upper Cathedral Lake. There are several small trails here that will lead you to the edge of Upper Cathedral Lake, but be careful, as these trails can be very marshy and wet in the early spring and summer months. Now we know why there are so many mosquitoes here!

That being said, the views along the lakeside here are breathtaking! If you can find a good spot with a breeze, it’s a great place for a picturesque lunch before heading back to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.

Finally, use the route you just took and backtrack toward your car. We won’t lie, it isn’t the most exciting hike back, but hey, would you rather stick around and be eaten alive by skeeters? We think not. Back at the parking lot, a hiking group asked us how bad the mosquitoes were at the lakes….we just laughed and told them to lather it on!

👉🏽 Looking for a fun tour or other things to do in Yosemite National Park? Check out the options from Viator!

Tuolumne Meadows

Once you’ve made your way back to your car, there is an option to explore more of Tuolumne Meadows, which is basically across the street from the parking lot. Additionally, you can travel by car east on the road to visit more of the meadows.

Tuolumne Meadows is one of the highest-elevation meadows in the Sierras. If you time your visit right, you’re likely to see amazing native wildflowers in bloom.

You’ll see them come alive here in late June. Other popular trails around here are Soda Springs and Parson Lodge, Lyell Canyon, and Elizabeth Lake.

Tenaya Lake

The next spot for the day is a quick stop at scenic Tenaya Lake. Along Tioga Road, as you make your way back toward the Yosemite Valley, stop here and enjoy the amazing views of the lake and the granite peaks that surround it. This is a very popular area for picnicking, swimming, and canoeing.

Additionally, the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead starts here. This is another popular trail that leads to Clouds Rest.

🛏️Don’t forget to book your accommodations in Mariposa or Yosemite Valley. Book early to guarantee your room because Yosemite is a VERY popular destination!

Olmstead Point

Finally, close out your epic second day with a visit to Olmstead Point. From here, enjoy expansive views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Tenaya Lake! As we were arriving at Olmstead Point, a storm was rolling in from the west and made for some dramatic scenery.

🏞️ Want our complete Yosemite National Park itinerary? Check it out here!

Where to Stay During Your Yosemite Trip

Booking a place to stay is one of the most important things to do early for a Yosemite itinerary. Options inside the park book out 6-12 months in advance for peak season dates. This is not an exaggeration! Set a reminder and book the moment your travel dates are confirmed.

Inside Yosemite Valley: book as early as humanly possible:

• The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark, the most iconic hotel in the park. Stunning architecture, nature views, a heated pool, and shuttle access. If you can get a room here, take it.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge, perfect for families and groups, is close to Lower Yosemite Falls and the shuttle.
• Curry Village, hotel rooms, cabins, and canvas tent cabins. Plenty of nearby food options and a lively atmosphere.

Outside the park: our home base:

We stayed in the Midpines/Mariposa area for our 4 days, and it worked extremely well. About 1 hour from Yosemite Valley, this area has reliable, affordable hotels and puts you on the right side of the park for Days 1, 3, and 4.

• VRBO – our top pick for a stay near Mariposa and the Yosemite Valley, but there is a drive into the park each morning. However, it will be cheaper than park lodging. Find a place to stay now.
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel – clean and comfortable, with a variety of breakfast options. Book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Miners Inn – breakfast included, pool. Good value and clean. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Browse all Mariposa options on Expedia or check out the other options near Yosemite Valley.

Final Thoughts

We had another amazing day at Yosemite! Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes were amazing. The hike to the lakes wasn’t the greatest, and the mosquitoes were relentless. However, the amazing views around the lakes made it worth the pain and suffering.

We had originally planned on hiking from Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest, but the weather had different plans for us. Had we hiked to Clouds Rest, we likely would have been caught in a really bad thunderstorm, so it’s safe to say we’re happy that didn’t happen!