Ten Lakes Trailhead

Ten Lakes Trailhead sits on the north side of Tioga Road, the starting point for one of Yosemite's better high-country treks. From the unpaved trailhead lot, a 12.6-mile round-trip route climbs through conifer forest and open granite before dropping into a basin scattered with alpine lakes below Ten Lakes Pass — a full-day undertaking that most hikers turn into an overnight trip.

What to Expect on the Trail

The route gains roughly 2,200 feet overall, crossing a tributary of Yosemite Creek early on before climbing steadily to Ten Lakes Pass. From the pass, the trail descends about 693 feet into the Ten Lakes Basin, where the views open up over the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and the Sierra Crest. Hikers wanting a shorter day can turn around at the pass; a one-mile spur also branches off to Grant Lakes. Budget 7 to 9 hours for the full round trip in a single day.

Permits, Access, and Safety

• Day hikes don't require a permit, but any overnight stay in the basin needs a Yosemite wilderness permit, required year-round for backcountry camping.
• The route has unbridged stream crossings — water runs high, cold, and fast early in the season, so use caution before wading in.
• Pets and bicycles are not allowed on this trail.
• The trailhead is only reachable when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June through October or November, with overnight parking ending October 15.