East Beach Trail

East Beach sits at the east end of Tenaya Lake, the largest lake in Yosemite's frontcountry, right off Tioga Road in the park's high country. Unlike most lake access in Yosemite, this one is genuinely easy: a paved, wheelchair-accessible path runs from the parking area straight to the shoreline, no granite scrambling required.

A Restored Route Through Wetland

The current path replaced an older route that cut straight across a fragile lakeside wetland and had eroded badly over the years. Yosemite Conservancy funded a rebuild that reroutes foot traffic around the wet meadow on a series of boardwalks and a small bridge, designed to minimize ground disturbance. Crews replanted willows and sedges along the old scars, and interpretive signage at the trailhead explains both the restoration and the larger Tenaya Lake trail system it connects to.

Getting There and What to Expect

• Access: Tioga Road only, which closes with the first heavy snow and typically reopens late May or June through October or November
• Parking: designated accessible spaces at the east-end lot
• Facilities: an accessible vault toilet at the trailhead
• On the beach: picnicking, swimming, and non-motorized boating — kayaks and paddleboards are welcome, motors are not

Safety Note

Tenaya Lake sits above 8,000 feet, so the water stays snowmelt-cold well into summer, and there's no lifeguard on duty. Personal flotation devices must be available for everyone on a boat, and are required for children under 13. Stay close to shore if you're not used to cold-water swimming.