About
Length (round trip)3 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain500 ft up
Typical time1 hr 45 min
TrailheadTioga Pass entrance station
SurfaceSteep initial climb then open alpine basin
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🏛️ Historic site

This short but steep hike offers spectacular high-country views, wildflowers in the summer, and lake views. From the trailhead, located right next to Tioga Pass, climb steadily to a ridge with views of the high Sierra including Mt. Dana and Dana Meadows. At the ridge crest, the trail drops 200 feet to Middle Gaylor Lake. Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 500 ft (152 m) Time estimate: 2-3 hours Route variation: if desired, continue along the trail to Upper Gaylor Lake for a slightly longer hike. This adds about 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip as well as a small amount of additional elevation gain. Tips & Seasonal Information Vault toilets are available at this trailhead. Parking is limited. Although this trail is short, it begins at nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 km) above sea level. You may become tired more quickly than expected or even feel sick. Take breaks, drink plenty of water, and adjust plans if needed. This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).

Tips
Starts at 9,945 feet, so the first climb feels harder than it is. The stone cabin ruins of the Great Sierra Mine sit above the upper lake.
Location

Tioga Pass entrance station

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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