Gallery photos coming soon
Tenaya Peak
A class 2-3 granite scramble above Tenaya Lake to a 10,306-foot summit.
About
Tenaya Peak is the smooth granite dome standing above Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road, and it's one of the more approachable off-trail scrambles in Yosemite's high country. There's no maintained trail to the 10,306-foot summit — the standard route is a class 2-3 scramble up open granite slabs, less than a couple of miles from the road but entirely off-trail.
Reaching the Summit
Most parties start from the Tenaya Lake area and work up the peak's lower-angle slabs, gaining roughly 2,000 feet before reaching the top. There's no signed trailhead or marked path — you pick your own line across granite and talus, so route-finding matters as much as fitness. Given the short distance, it's commonly done as a half-day trip, up and down in just a few hours.
A Climber's Mountain, Too
Tenaya Peak's north side holds one of Yosemite's most popular moderate multi-pitch climbs, the Northwest Buttress — fourteen pitches of low-angle granite rated around 5.4 to 5.5, typically climbed in two to three hours. That's separate, technical terrain from the class 2-3 scramble route and requires a rope, rack, and multi-pitch experience.
Before You Go
- Tenaya Lake sits at about 8,150 feet, so altitude affects your pace even before the scrambling starts.
- Nothing marks the route — carry a map, compass or GPS, and the skills to use them on featureless granite.
- Slabs turn slick when wet or dusted with loose grit, so give the descent your full attention even after an easy climb up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maintained trail to the top of Tenaya Peak?
No. Tenaya Peak has no built or maintained trail. Hikers travel off-trail across granite slabs from the Tenaya Lake area on what's rated a class 2-3 scramble.
How difficult is the Tenaya Peak scramble?
It's rated class 2-3, meaning you'll use your hands on some sections and need to be comfortable with route-finding and exposure on open granite. It's harder than a maintained trail but well short of technical rock climbing.
Can you rock climb on Tenaya Peak?
Yes. The peak's north side holds the Northwest Buttress, a fourteen-pitch granite slab climb rated around 5.4 to 5.5 that's popular with intermediate climbers. It's separate, roped terrain from the class 2-3 hiking scramble.
Where do you start for Tenaya Peak?
Most people begin near Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road, at roughly 8,150 feet elevation, and pick their own line up the slabs since there's no marked trailhead.
Reviews
See all on GoogleNo reviews yet for this listing.