Cathedral Lakes Trailhead

The Cathedral Lakes Trailhead sits along Tioga Road in Yosemite's high country, near Tuolumne Meadows, and delivers one of the park's best returns for a moderate day's effort: two subalpine lakes tucked beneath the granite spire of Cathedral Peak. It's a steady climb through lodgepole forest before the trees open onto meadow and lake views, and the route shares its first miles with the John Muir Trail.

Trail Details

The National Park Service lists the hike to Lower Cathedral Lake at 7.6 miles round trip with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, estimating 6-7 hours for the full round trip. Many hikers continue past the Lower Lake junction to Upper Cathedral Lake, adding distance and gain in exchange for a quieter shoreline and a closer look at the peak. Beyond the lakes, the trail climbs to Cathedral Pass and ties into the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail corridor toward Tuolumne Meadows or Yosemite Valley.

Getting There and Permits

• The trailhead is reachable by car only when Tioga Road is open — typically early summer into mid-fall — and overnight parking at the trailhead ends October 15.
• Parking is limited to roadside pullouts along Tioga Road; arrive early on summer weekends.
• No permit is needed for a day hike. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.