Cathedral Lakes might just be the ultimate High Sierra day hike in Yosemite National Park. With two lakes, completely different in personality and experience, this trail offers both the postcard-worthy alpine scenes that define Yosemite and quieter corners for those who wander a little farther.
Whether you’re day hiking, backpacking, or staging an adventure into the Cathedral Range, this trail delivers a truly spiritual Sierra experience—especially when you take time to look beyond the crowds.
Trail Snapshot
- Trailhead: Cathedral Lakes Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows / John Muir Trail)
- Distance: ~7 miles round trip (Lower), ~8.5 miles round trip (Upper)
- Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (mostly due to elevation)
- Time to Hike: 4–6 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Season: July–October
- Family Friendly: Yes (for adventurous families with experience)
- Permit Required: Only for overnight trips
Why Hike to Cathedral Lakes?
Because it might be the most beautiful hike you can do in a single afternoon.
Start on the John Muir Trail and climb steadily through lodgepole forests, granite shelves, and alpine meadows. After 2 miles, a fork offers you two options:
- Lower Cathedral Lake – Often described as “spiritual” by visitors, this lake reflects Cathedral Peak like a mirror. Gentle granite slabs offer picnic and rest spots, especially beautiful in the morning or golden hour. Hidden tip is to climb over the West shore for a great cliff side view of Tenaya lake and Mt Hoffman
- Upper Cathedral Lake – For backpackers and solitude seekers, this lake is the real gem. With great fishing, regular deer sightings, and wide-open high country views, it’s quieter and more spacious. Hidden Tip: As you approach the Lake area, there will be a dry creek bed that crosses the trail, follow that trail bed to loop the lake to the backside easier and save the meadow on the Southside.
🎒 Charlie’s Take: “I personally think Upper Cathedral is the better experience, especially for backpackers. The ridge between both lakes is a perfect spot to pitch camp.”
Backpacking Tips & Side Adventures
If you’re carrying a permit, Cathedral Lakes is a favorite for short backpacking trips, especially for families or first-time wilderness campers. But if you’re like me—and seeking something a bit more remote—I’d recommend continuing past Upper Cathedral for even more pristine options:
- Echo Lake – About 2.5 miles further, just off-trail, tucked in below Matthes Crest. Wild, peaceful, and perfect for a second night.
- Matthes Lake – For experienced backcountry hikers, it offers true solitude and striking views.
- Sunrise Lakes High Camp – Additional Options to proceed to Sunrise Lake high Camp and loop to the valley or to Tenaya lake with shuttle services.
You can also use Cathedral Lakes as a base to explore or climb:
- Cathedral Peak – Scramble up this granite fin for insane 360° views (for confident climbers or with a guide).
- Tresidder Peak – A quieter climb with great views back toward Tuolumne.
Camping & Fishing
- Best Campsites: The ridge between Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes offers space and amazing views.
- Fishing: Upper Cathedral Lake is known for decent fishing—bring your ultralight rod and a good book.
- Water Access: Plentiful around the lakes, but treat or filter.
- Bear Safety: Required—use a bear canister.
What to Bring
- Water filter or purifier
- Fishing gear (optional but worth it)
- Bug spray (essential early season)
- Layers for alpine chill
- Bear canister (overnight)
- GPS or map if heading to Echo/Matthes Lakes
Trail Logistics
- Parking: Park at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead – Now is a paved parking area located just before the Tuolumne visitors Center.
- Trailhead Elevation: ~8,500 feet
- Bathrooms: Vault toilet at the trailhead
- Cell Signal: None—download maps or GPX before arriving
- Permit Info: Required for overnight; reserve via Yosemite Wilderness Permits
Trail Tips from Charlie
- Start early to beat the crowds and catch still reflections on Lower Cathedral Lake
- Stay at Upper Cathedral if backpacking—it’s quieter and better for overnight
- If you’re comfortable exploring off-trail, Echo and Matthes are unforgettable
- The granite slab between the lakes? My favorite secret spot for sunset and stars
- Bring a camera. Or don’t. But either way, the views will stay with you
Final Thoughts
Cathedral Lakes is Yosemite in full voice—cathedrals of stone, silent lakes, dramatic peaks, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into something timeless. Whether you turn around at Lower Cathedral or wander far beyond into Matthes country, this trail is one of the most rewarding journeys in the Sierra.
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