Near Tenaya Lake Trail
Clouds Rest Trail.
Near Tenaya Lake Trail
The trail crossing the outlet of Tenaya Lake.
Near Tenaya Lake Trail
Looking across Tuolumne Meadows from Pothole Dome!
Near Tenaya Lake Trail
Looking up at Pothole Dome.
Near Tenaya Lake Trail
View of Half-Dome from Olmstead Point

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Tenaya Lake Trail

3.5 (4 Ratings)
This long distance route through Tuolumne's heart skirts Tenaya Lake then approaches the Valley rim
13
mi
Distance
1,216
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
12.98mi
Distance
1,216ft
Elevation Gain
2,161ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
8,714ft
High Point
7,637ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Starting from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead, head west paralleling Tioga Road past all the famous domes: Pothole, Fariview, Medlicott, Polly and Pywiack. Join up with Tenaya Creek and follow it to the east end of Tenaya Lake. The trail skirts the southern shoreline and continues over level ground until about the 9 mile mark. Climb up to Olmstead Point and take in the huge panoramic views. After an bit more ascending over more granite slabs, leave Tioga Road behind. Descend a more wooded canyon, then climb back up to a saddle formed by the shoulder of Mount Watkins. From here it is downhill to a forested flat spot where the trail ends at an intersection with the Snow Creek Canyon Trail.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Brian Smith