Lakes Canyon Trail

Lakes Canyon Trail branches off the Lundy Canyon Trail in the Hoover Wilderness, just north of Lee Vining. The path is steep and narrow, climbing past enormous beaver ponds, cascading waterfalls, and meadows that fill with wildflowers in early summer. Along the way you'll pass the crumbling remains of old mining structures left over from a 19th-century gold rush push into this canyon. It's a quieter option than the trails inside Yosemite itself, though the canyon sits right at the park's eastern edge near Tioga Pass.

Getting There

The trailhead sits off Lundy Lake Road, reached by turning off Highway 395 about seven miles north of Lee Vining at the signed Lundy Canyon turnoff. Pass Lundy Lake Resort and continue about 1.5 miles on dirt road to the parking area. The main hike runs roughly 3 miles and climbs steadily up the canyon floor.

What to Expect

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous — the trail is steep and narrow in stretches.
• Season: Best hiked spring through fall; lingering snow and stream crossings can make early-season trips harder.
• Beyond the beaver ponds: a talus-covered route continues toward Twenty Lakes Basin, but it's exposed and demanding — treat it as a high-risk scramble for experienced hikers only, not a casual extension.
• Permits: No permit is needed for a day hike. Overnight camping in the Hoover Wilderness requires a wilderness permit.