Hiking & Backpacking The Cathedral Lakes Trail In Yosemite

Yosemite is that magical place in California where dramatic mountains, granite peaks, and alpine mountain lakes all exist within the same wilderness.

Yosemite is a bucket list destination that offers incredible hiking trails and many overnight backpacking experiences as well.

Trail Description

Cathedral Lakes Trail is one of the easiest and most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park. This is a straightforward trail that visits two stunning alpine lakes with an option for overnight camping at both of them.

Dashed Trail

The trailhead is easy to spot off Tioga Road and follows a narrow path directly into the forest. The beginning section of this hike is very rocky and has multiple side trails so I recommend using an offline hiking map like Maps.

Dashed Trail

The first two miles of the Cathedral Lakes Trail are the hardest and gain nearly 1000 feet in elevation. But once you make it up this steep section, the trail flattens out for a bit giving hikers a much-needed break.

Dashed Trail

The trail to Cathedral Lakes is around 7 miles long round trip. There is an option to go on a loop around the Lower Cathedral Lake so you end up doing around 9+ miles altogether.

Dashed Trail

Although the beginning of the Cathedral Lakes Trail is not very exciting and travels through a forest, you will start seeing granite domes halfway in. 

Dashed Trail

Tap the link below for more on Hiking & Backpacking Cathedral Lakes Trail In Yosemite!

Arrow
Dashed Trail
Dashed Trail

FOR MORE POSTS LIKE THIS VISIT: