About
Length (round trip)7 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain1,000 ft up
Typical time4 hr
TrailheadTioga Road, Tuolumne Meadows
SurfaceForest and granite slab
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🌼 Wildflowers

Cathedral Lakes are nestled at the foot of Cathedral Peak. In addition to the lakes themselves, hikers will enjoy views of Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak. The trail through this area is part of the John Muir Trail, which sees high traffic all season. The area is also popular with rock climbers. Beginning from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center parking, the trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the top of the climb, a spur trail leads to Lower Cathedral Lake (0.7 mile one-way to the lake). Distance: 7.6 miles (12 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 1,000 ft (300 m) Time estimate: 6-7 hours Tips & Seasonal Information Pets and bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. 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
Lower Cathedral Lake with the peak reflected in it is one of the best-known views in the Sierra. Mosquitoes in July are ferocious. Parking on the Tioga Road fills by 8am.
Location

Tioga Road, Tuolumne Meadows

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
Your Hikes

🔒 Login or create an account to record the trails you've done, rate them, and tie them to a trip.

Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.