Echo Lake

Echo Lake sits in Yosemite's high Cathedral Range, tucked into a mossy meadow below Echo Peaks and across from the granite wall of Matthes Crest. There's no maintained trail to it — this is an off-trail backpacking destination reached by leaving the John Muir Trail past Upper Cathedral Lake and cutting cross-country through open meadow, which makes it a popular first objective for hikers ready to move beyond signed trails.

Getting There

The route follows the John Muir Trail south from the Tuolumne Meadows area past Upper Cathedral Lake, then leaves the trail to head southeast along the base of Echo Peaks — roughly 1.5 miles of cross-country travel from Upper Cathedral Lake. Because there's no signed path, a map, compass or GPS and basic off-trail navigation skills are essential. Overnight trips require a Cathedral Lakes Trail Wilderness Permit from Yosemite's wilderness permit system.

What You'll Find

Echo Lake itself is small and shallow — pretty to look at, with some fishing, but not a place to plan on swimming. The surrounding meadow has established campsites and enough tree cover for hammock camping, and since the basin sits below 9,600 feet in elevation, campfires are allowed in existing fire rings. Many backpackers time their trip to sleep here specifically for sunrise over Echo Peaks.

Good to Know

• No maintained trail — this is a cross-country route for backpackers comfortable navigating off-trail
• Rock climbers also use the area for routes on Echo Peaks and Matthes Crest
• A wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay