Near Ten Lakes Trail
View of Ten Lakes region after starting the descent from Ten Lakes Pass
Near Ten Lakes Trail
Wildlife abound at Yosemite.
Near Ten Lakes Trail
Ten Lakes campsite.
Near Ten Lakes Trail
Hiking on the Ten Lakes Trail!

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Ten Lakes Trail

4.2 (13 Ratings)
A worthy trail to a cluster of secluded High Sierra lakes.
6.1
mi
Distance
2,189
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
LakeLess CrowdedViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.07mi
Distance
2,189ft
Elevation Gain
753ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
9,655ft
High Point
7,494ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Despite the name, there are only seven lakes at Ten Lakes (three bodies of water are now technically considered ponds). But that's no reason to avoid this trail. Yes, there are plenty of trails in Yosemite far more famous than Ten Lakes, but among those in the know, Ten Lakes is considered an overlooked gem. The trailhead is located off Tioga Road, 20 miles east of Crane Flat. The trail climbs gradually to Half Moon Meadow, then ascends steeply to 9,500-foot Ten Lakes Pass. Enjoy the great views of the High Sierra, then descend 500 feet into Ten Lakes Basin, and explore the beautiful lakes. Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. If youre interested in learning more details about great day hikes, weather, camping / lodging, and geology, check out his book: Guide to Acadia National Park.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
A bit tough on the way in but easy on the way out, due to the mostly uphill the whole hike until the last mile, then it goes downhill. So the reverse of a short hike uphill at the beginning and then the rest downhill is nice and easy. The mosquitos are out and about but not terrible.
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Contributors
James Kaiser