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Reymann Lake
A secluded high-country lake with no trail in — map and compass only.
About
Reymann Lake is a secluded alpine lake in Yosemite's high country, sitting at roughly 10,000 feet near Nelson Lake. It's named for William M. Reymann, a longtime Yosemite park ranger, and it stays quiet for one simple reason: there's no maintained trail to it. This is a cross-country destination, not a day-hike-from-the-parking-lot spot.
Getting there
There's no built trail to Reymann Lake — every account of reaching it goes by way of Nelson Lake, then continues cross-country from there. Expect off-trail travel over open granite and talus, with route-finding done by topo map and compass (or GPS) rather than by following any marked path. This isn't terrain to improvise on; know your bearings before you leave the last maintained trail behind.
Permits and planning
Overnight travel here requires a wilderness permit from a Yosemite wilderness center, and rangers treat this as true backcountry cross-country terrain, not a backpacker's freeway. Because it demands genuine navigation ability, traffic stays light even in peak season. Plan on this being reachable only once the high country is snow-free, typically mid-summer through early fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maintained trail to Reymann Lake?
No. Reymann Lake has no built trail. It's a cross-country destination reached off-trail, with most accounts of the approach going by way of Nelson Lake.
Do I need a permit to visit?
Yes, for overnight trips. This cross-country zone requires a wilderness permit from a Yosemite wilderness center, the same as other backcountry travel in the park.
How difficult is the route?
It requires real map-and-compass or GPS navigation skill, since there's no continuous marked path to follow. It's not a route for hikers without off-trail experience.
When is Reymann Lake accessible?
Like most of Yosemite's high country, it's typically only reachable once snow clears, generally mid-summer through early fall.
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