Elizabeth Lake

Elizabeth Lake sits in a glacier-carved bowl at the foot of Unicorn Peak, reached by a steady climb out of Tuolumne Meadows. This is a genuine day-hike commitment rather than a quick stroll, but it rewards you with one of the calmer alpine lakes in this part of the park.

Distance and Difficulty

The National Park Service lists this as a 4.8-mile round trip from the Tuolumne Meadows area, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a 4-6 hour time estimate — plan for a good chunk of the day, not a quick afternoon add-on. The climb is steepest in the first couple of miles as the trail leaves the meadow floor, then eases as you approach the lake. Once there, a mile-long trail circles the shoreline if you want to see the lake from every angle.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trail begins near Tuolumne Meadows, off Tioga Road, with the marked trailhead at the back of the campground's horse camp area. Access depends entirely on Tioga Road being open, which typically runs from late spring into fall depending on snowpack, so check current road status before you commit to the drive.

What to Expect

Elizabeth Lake has an irregular, almost puzzle-piece shape, framed by Unicorn Peak and Johnson Peak rising directly behind it. Near the lake you'll cross a creek that can run deep and fast during peak snowmelt, so expect a trickier crossing earlier in the season. The trail is rocky underfoot in stretches, so wear real hiking shoes, carry enough water for a long day, and start early.