Gaylor Lakes

The trailhead is located at Tioga Pass immediately past the entrance station on Highway 120. Parking can be limited, so you may need to find parking on the side of Tioga Road. Several bear boxes are provided at the trailhead to store food while you are gone. The trail immediately begins climbing through a subalpine forest toward Gaylor Peak. Climbing over 750 feet in a 1/2 mile via switchbacks, the trail offers views of Dana Meadows and the surrounding peaks as you climb toward the saddle. Leveling out at the top, you enter a metamorphic rock field with Middle Gaylor Lake in the alpine basin below. If you look back toward Mount Dana, you'll see Tioga Peak, Mount Gibbs, Kuna Peak, Mammoth Peak, Lyell Canyon, and the peaks of the Cathedral Range. From here, the trail drops steeply to the lake, where mosquitos will greet you in the summer months, so make sure you have bug spray. The cold snow-fed lake is great to hike around in the summer, with the Cathedral Range appearing to emerge from the lake itself. At this point, you can enjoy exploring this lake, or follow the trail on the north edge of the lake, and follow the trail to Upper Gaylor Lake. Following the stream drainage from Upper Gaylor Lake, you arrive at the other lake with more fantastic views of the Middle Gaylor Lake and the Cathedral Range. Follow the trail on the west side of the lake to climb another ridge to the park boundary where you'll find the old Great Sierra Mine. Take time to explore the old mines, demolished stone cabins, and spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. You can return to your car via the same path, taking in the views as you return.