Trip Planner:   USA  /  California  /  Yosemite National Park  /  Cathedral Lake Trail

Cathedral Lake Trail, Yosemite National Park

4.7
#11 of 17 in Trails in Yosemite National Park
Hiking Trail · Nature / Park
Create an itinerary including Cathedral Lake Trail
Cathedral Lake Trail is located in Yosemite National Park. A visit to Cathedral Lake Trail represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Yosemite National Park driving holiday planner to plot your vacation.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Cathedral Lake Trail reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
27 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • The hike to both Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake is a great way to spend time in Yosemite’s high country. The new length is about 10.5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain. The new Cathedral Lakes....  more
    The hike to both Upper and Lower Cathedral Lake is a great way to spend time in Yosemite’s high country. The new length is about 10.5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain. The new Cathedral Lakes....  more »
  • The climb to the lakes is long and pretty steep, but the forest is nice to walk in. Both lakes are beautiful, though I found the upper one to be more secluded and special. A walk around the lower... 
    The climb to the lakes is long and pretty steep, but the forest is nice to walk in. Both lakes are beautiful, though I found the upper one to be more secluded and special. A walk around the lower...  more »
  • The hike is a tedious average upward sloping hike through the woods (though pretty woods) and so it is the destination that makes this a five star hike. The first lake in particular is a beauty... 
    The hike is a tedious average upward sloping hike through the woods (though pretty woods) and so it is the destination that makes this a five star hike. The first lake in particular is a beauty...  more »
Google
  • In June 2022 the trailhead is permanently closed (road being repaved and no access). Instead you park at the Tuolumne Visitor Center and hike the new trail (just next to the road) or the old trail.. they intersect. Take the old one. Note this adds just under 2 miles roundtrip but the visitor station is cool and the rangers are friendly. We hiked this with two kids in upper elementary/middle school. It was fun and a fair amount of climbing. Also snow, nearby glaciers and otherworldly views. We underdressed and cut short the lake stay shorter than planned. Round trip was 4.5 hours for us, not including lake time. Enjoy!
  • I spent two lazy, blissful hours sitting by this lake all by myself on a sunny October day. It was the last day of my three day backpacking trip in the Tuolumne Meadows wilderness area. The shimmering blue lake surrounded by the granite peaks of the Sierra range makes for a gorgeous setting in which to enjoy a quiet, reflective afternoon.
  • This was a nice, moderate hike. The steep upward grade at the very beginning was probably the most challenging part. I would say the payoff of being spit out into the Cathedral Peak Basin was well worth it! The boulders, the lakes, and the haunting view of Cathedral Peak towering over everything was surreal.
  • Great trail. Not very long but all the way is up the hill. I spent 3.5 hours both ways but I met people that spent 6 hours both ways. Up to your shape
  • Nature around is beautyful

Plan your trip to Yosemite National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.