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Lukens Lake
An easy, family-friendly walk to a quiet subalpine lake off Tioga Road.
About
Lukens Lake sits in a small meadow basin just off Tioga Road, and it's one of the easiest lake hikes in Yosemite's high country — a short climb through red fir and lodgepole pine that opens onto a quiet, tree-ringed lake without the crowds you'll find in the Valley. It's a solid pick for families or anyone who wants a real payoff without a long slog.
Two Trailheads, Two Different Hikes
Most hikers start from the Tioga Road trailhead, about 16 miles east of Crane Flat: a 1.6-mile round trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, taking most people 1 to 2 hours. It's rated easy and is the fastest way in.
A longer, quieter option starts at White Wolf, running about 4.6 miles round trip and crossing the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River along the way — a good choice if you want more trail time and fewer people at the trailhead.
Best Time to Visit
Snowmelt keeps the trail wet and muddy into early August most years, so plan for mud, not just dust. Early-season hikers are rewarded with a meadow full of wildflowers around the lake; by late summer the ground firms up but the bloom has faded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Lukens Lake hike?
From the main Tioga Road trailhead it's a 1.6-mile round trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers finish in 1 to 2 hours. A longer 4.6-mile round-trip route starts at White Wolf.
Is the Lukens Lake trail good for kids?
Yes — the Tioga Road route is rated easy and short enough for most families, though the trail can be wet and muddy through early summer.
When is the best time to hike to Lukens Lake?
Wildflowers peak in the meadow around the lake in early-to-mid summer, but expect mud until roughly early August; the trail dries out by late summer.
Where does the Lukens Lake trail start?
There are two trailheads: one on Tioga Road about 16 miles east of Crane Flat, and another at White Wolf, which adds distance and a river crossing but sees fewer hikers.
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