Cathedral Lakes Trail Guide: Yosemite’s High Sierra Icon
Cathedral Lakes is one of those hikes that almost everyone does in Yosemite High country—and almost everyone experiences differently. This is the hike that I recommend to friends that want to experience Yosemite, but might not want a full back country commitment. This was my first hike in Yosemite and after listening to a few old timer hiker tips, my perspective on these great Yosemite lakes might be a bit different than yours.
Most hikers stop at Lower Cathedral Lake, take a few photos, and have an internal battle before heading back, if hiking up to Upper Cathedral is worth it. But if you keep going—or better yet, spend a night out here—the entire experience changes.
After multiple trips into this area, I’ve found that the real story of Cathedral Lakes isn’t just the hike… it’s what happens when you go a little farther than most people are willing to. To be an explorer of Cathedral Lakes, changes the views and special hidden features of the park that Cathedral holds close. I am personally not a granite climber, so if you are looking to climb Cathedral peaks, there are better resources out there. However if like me you like to scramble off trail around the granite, find great fishing and swimming holes and view stunning locations at different angles and elevations then this Cathedral trip is one you might remember for a lifetime.
If you’re looking for trail details like distance, elevation, and how to get there, read our complete Cathedral Lakes hiking guide here.
Why Hike to Cathedral Lakes?
Because, in my opinion, it might be the most beautiful hike you can do in a single afternoon in the Yosemite High Country.
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. This is where most people stop. It’s iconic, reflective, and easy to access—but it also sees the most traffic. Great for a quick experience, less ideal if you’re looking for solitude. 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. This is where the hike starts to feel like the Sierra again. More space, fewer people, better camping, and better fishing. If you have the time or energy, this is the lake that changes the experience. 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, and should be seen first, then travel down to the Lower lake in the afternoon. 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 – Roughly 2.5 miles beyond Upper Cathedral, Echo Lake sits tucked beneath Matthes Crest. It’s quieter, less visited, and one of those places that still feels wild even in peak season.
- Matthes Lake – For more experienced backcountry hikers, Matthes Lake offers solitude and dramatic scenery. This is where the crowds fully disappear.
- Sunrise Lakes High Camp – You can extend your route toward Sunrise Lakes or even build a loop that connects back toward Tenaya Lake or Yosemite Valley with the right planning and shuttle setup.
- Cathedral Lakes to Yosemite Valley Routes: The Cathedral Lakes trailhead also provides two main travel routes for those wishing to go from Yosemite Valley to the Valley. First you can plan a route past Sunrise Lakes High Camp to Clouds rest and down to Half dome, (Permits available with this route) then into Little Yosemite Valley and down the Nevada and Vernal falls trails on the JMT. Second you can connect to the route into Merced High Camp and Echo valley, traveling the Bunnell Canyon into Little Yosemite Valley. We personally Love this route and think it provides a very unique Yosemite Experience if you are not chasing peaks.
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. Lower Cathedral look to the North Side of the lake. For Upper Cathedral stay on the Northside ridge or on the West side of the lake up in the granite for the best views.
- Fishing: Upper Cathedral Lake is known for decent fishing—bring your ultralight rod and a good book. The fishing hole on the backside of the lake near where the granite slab slides into the lake has some huge trout, from our experience.
- Water Access: Plentiful around the lakes, but treat or filter. Also not on the Southside of Upper Cathedral and the East Side of Lower Cathedral, these are pristine sensitive meadows and we need avoid trampling.
- 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: Go a Little Farther
Cathedral Lakes is Yosemite in full voice—granite, water, light, and elevation all working together in one place.
But like a lot of places in the Sierra, the real experience starts just beyond where most people stop.
Whether you turn around at Lower Cathedral or push deeper into the Cathedral Range, this is one of those hikes that stays with you long after you leave.
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