Upper Cathedral Lake

Upper Cathedral Lake sits in a granite basin below Cathedral Peak, reached by a steady climb out of Tuolumne Meadows along a stretch of the John Muir Trail. It's one of the classic day hikes in Yosemite's high country — quieter than the Valley-floor trails, with views that open up fast once you clear the trees.

Trail Details

The hike starts at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and covers 7.6 miles round-trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain, a trip most hikers plan for 6 to 7 hours. The climb is steady rather than steep, with most of the elevation gained before the trail levels out near the lake basin. Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak stay in view for much of the ascent.

Near the top, a spur trail splits off toward Lower Cathedral Lake, adding about 0.7 mile one-way if you want to see both lakes in a single trip.

Access and Season

This trail is only reachable while Tioga Road is open — typically late May or early June through October or November, depending on snowpack. Overnight parking at the trailhead ends October 15. Pets and bicycles are not permitted.

Good to Know

• The route runs along the John Muir Trail corridor, so you'll likely cross paths with backpackers headed into Tuolumne's high country.
• Cathedral Peak above the lake is a popular rock-climbing objective — expect to see climbers branching off-trail toward its base.