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Dana Lake
A high alpine lake reached by cross-country scramble above Tioga Pass
About
Dana Lake sits at roughly 11,132 feet in Glacier Canyon, part of a chain of alpine lakes climbing toward the Dana Plateau just east of Tioga Pass. The route starts at the Tioga Lake Overlook turnout on Highway 120 and stays entirely within Inyo National Forest — it never crosses into Yosemite itself, though the park's eastern entrance is only a couple of miles down the road.
Getting There
From the Tioga Lake Overlook parking turnout, a use trail crosses a meadow and climbs into the canyon. It's about two miles to the first lake in the chain; Dana Lake lies further up, among a series of tarns below Dana Plateau. Past the initial stretch, the route becomes off-trail travel over talus and boulder fields rather than a signed, maintained path — this is a hike for people comfortable with cross-country navigation, not a casual stroll.
What to Know Before You Go
- Starting elevation above 9,900 feet at Tioga Lake — the thin air affects pace from the first step
- No maintained trail for the upper section; footing is loose talus and boulder
- Open, exposed alpine terrain with little shade and fast-changing mountain weather
- Tioga Road closes seasonally with snow, so access is limited to the warmer months
Bring a map or GPS track and start early — afternoon thunderstorms build quickly at this elevation, and there's no tree cover to duck under once you're above the meadow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dana Lake inside Yosemite National Park?
No. Dana Lake and the Glacier Canyon route sit in Inyo National Forest, just east of the Tioga Pass entrance station. The hike does not cross into the park, though the trailhead is only a couple of miles from the park boundary.
Is there a maintained trail to Dana Lake?
Only for the first stretch. Beyond roughly the first two miles the route turns into off-trail travel over talus and boulder fields, so cross-country hiking experience and basic navigation skills matter.
Where do I park for this hike?
At the Tioga Lake Overlook turnout on Highway 120, just east of Tioga Pass — the same paved pullout used for views of Tioga Lake.
When can you hike to Dana Lake?
Access depends on Tioga Road being open and clear of snow, which typically means the warmer months of the year. Check current road and trail conditions before you go, since snow can linger at this elevation.
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