Matthes Lake

Matthes Lake sits at roughly 9,600 feet in a granite basin east of Matthes Crest, the long, knife-edge fin of rock that dominates the skyline south of Tuolumne Meadows. There's no maintained trail to the lake itself — getting there means leaving the trail system for a stretch of cross-country travel, which is exactly why its shoreline stays quiet even at the height of summer.

Getting There

The standard approach starts at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows, about a mile west of the visitor center, following the John Muir Trail south toward Cathedral Pass. From the pass, hikers drop off-trail down-canyon past Echo Lake, then climb a short notch into the basin holding Matthes Lake. Expect route-finding over granite and talus rather than a signed path — this trip suits hikers comfortable navigating without one.

Permits and Camping

• Day hikes do not require a permit.
• Overnight camping requires a wilderness permit, and the Cathedral Lakes trailhead quota fills quickly — arrive at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center when it opens for the best shot.
• Fires are not permitted at Matthes Lake.
• Camping is banned within four miles of Tuolumne Meadows trailheads, so the nearest legal campsite is well south of Cathedral Pass.

What to Expect

The reward is the setting itself: clear water backed by the sheer wall of Matthes Crest, with views back toward Cathedral Peak and the Echo Peaks along the way in. Because it takes real effort to reach, Matthes Lake stays far less crowded than the trail-accessible lakes nearby.