Glacier Canyon Trail

Glacier Canyon Trail climbs out of the Tioga Pass corridor to Dana Lake, a stark alpine tarn set beneath Mount Dana's glacier-carved east face. The trailhead is a paved turnout at Tioga Lake, just east of Yosemite's Tioga Pass entrance on Highway 120 — the route itself stays in Inyo National Forest's Ansel Adams Wilderness rather than crossing into the park, but the scenery holds up against anything inside the boundary.

Getting There

Park at the Tioga Lake Overlook turnout on Highway 120, a short drive east of the Tioga Pass entrance station. The trail begins on a signed path across a meadow before crossing to the south side of Tioga Canyon and entering Glacier Canyon proper.

What to Expect

The first mile and a half follows an established trail. After that, the route turns to talus and loose rock, with hikers navigating cross-country past a series of small lakes to reach Dana Lake at 11,132 feet, roughly two miles from the trailhead. Expect a steep, strenuous climb with thin air at this elevation — sturdy footwear and trekking poles help on the rock fields. Dana Plateau, above the lake, is a common extension for hikers with more time and energy.

Permits and Rules

• Day hikes require no permit.
• Overnight trips need a wilderness permit year-round, with daily entry quotas in effect May 1 through November 1.
• Group size is capped at 15 people.
• No campfires above 10,000 feet; bear-proof food storage is required for overnight stays.