A Top 10 must see destination in Yosemite National Park – Tenaya Lake
Yosemite National Park – Places to See – Tenaya Lake elevation of 8,150 feet is located off HWY 120 (Tioga Pass) in Yosemite’s high country. The lake at its natural level is approx. 114 feet deep with crystal clear and cool snow melt waters. The West shore outlet of Tenaya creek eventually meets up with Mirror Lake and the Yosemite Valley.
Tenaya Lake was created by the Tenaya Glacier, which flowed out of the vast Tuolumne Ice Sheet and down to Yosemite Valley. This same glacier created Half Dome.
- Hiking is a popular activity. Trailheads that start at Tenaya Lake lead to Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, the Yosemite Valley floor, May Lake and Murphy’s Creek. Popular day hikes from Tenaya include: Clouds rest or Sunrise Lakes, May Lake, Mt. Watkin, Glen Aulin high Camp and White Cascade
- Fishing is permitted year-round at Yosemite National Park. Visitors over 16 require a valid California fishing license. Various species of trout can be caught in the lake.
- Visitors can kayak, canoe, or sail on the lake. No formal launch facilities or docks are available, and motorized boats are not permitted. Swimming is permitted.
Our Tenaya Recommendation
We have been visiting Yosemite routinely since 2012 and Tenaya lake has become the must see stop on each visit. The crowds have grown over the years but a cool refreshing dip in the lake is a requirement after a long hot day of hiking in Yosemite’s high country.
When asked by first time visitors on the must see or do items in Yosemite, we always include Tenaya lake if you have the time from the Valley floor or as a must see stop if traveling Hwy 120 Tioga Pass through Yosemite. Its waters are purer then Lake Tahoe and just as crystal clear.
A Locals Choice Recommendation: We personally like parking on the West side and swimming off the rock shores, giving you a great view of the Cathedral range to the east. Kayaking or Stand-up Boards are great way to enjoy Tenaya Lake.
For those able to stay later, Tenaya Lake is a great location to watch the stars come out in Yosemite National Park, Set up on the West Shore and watch the night sky come to life over the Cathedral range. Visitors can stay in the Park until 11pm on their day use permit. (Note: Bear activity increases after dark)
Travel
Tenaya lake is located along the Route 120 through the park. It is roughly 15 miles from the East gate on top of Tioga Pass or 50 miles / 1.5hr drive from Yosemite Valley. In 2022 Yosemite national park added a parking curb on much of the HWY 120 Corridor through the park. Parking areas around Tenaya lake have become more difficult as they try to direct traffic away from lake side parking. Lots for parting can be found on each side of the lake as well in the center near Murphy’s creek trailhead.
Bear Vaults are found at the trailheads. This is active bear country so make certain not to leave food in your car when parking at the lake on a backpacking excursion or long day trip hike.
Timeline of Glacier Retreat in Yosemite:
- 20,000 years ago:
- Yosemite Valley was covered by massive glaciers during the peak of the last Ice Age. The glaciers extended their icy fingers, shaping the landscape and carving out the terrain.
- 15,000 years ago:
- As the climate warmed, the glaciers began to retreat. This marked the initial stages of the formation of what is now known as Tenaya Lake.
- 10,000 years ago:
- Glacial retreat continued, and the basin that would eventually hold Tenaya Lake began to take shape. The melting ice left behind a depression in the landscape.
- 5,000 years ago:
- The glacial retreat intensified, and the depression left by the receding ice filled with meltwater, forming the pristine alpine lake we now call Tenaya.
- Present Day:
- Tenaya Lake stands as a picturesque result of the geological forces at play over thousands of years. The surrounding granite peaks and lush forests bear witness to the transformative impact of glacial activity.
Trails that Start or End at Tenaya Lake
The trail network near Tenaya will lead you to so many great locations. Here is a list of the marked trail systems that are near Tenaya for those who want to use Tenaya as a base camp or ending point on their journey.
- Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest (Hard) – By far the most popular trail in the the Tenaya network, the trail to Clouds Rest leaves from the parking area just West of the Lake shores and requires a forge across the river outlet of Tenaya lake during high water and early season hiking. Sunrise Lakes and sunrise Lake high Camp are also alternatives for a those looking for a quiet lake experience
- Murphy Creek Trailhead – Heading North from the Lake the Murphy Creek trail leads to Polly Dome Lakes, Glen Aulin high camp and provides access to several domes and an alternative route up to May Lake.
- May lake and Mt. Hoffman (Moderate to Hard) – on the West edge of Tenaya Lake, just past the Parking area is the Horse Trail up to May Lake and Mt Hoffman. This trail follows the old highway route and will deposit you into the parking area below May Lake.
- Olmsted Point Nature Trail. (Easy) – One of the great views of Yosemite National Park is found at Olmsted Point, Walk there from the lake and enjoy a nice stretch of forested Yosemite below the highway.
- Mount Watkins. (Moderate) – Just past Olmsted Point is a roadside parking area to MT Watkins. (No signage, but bear boxes available) this is a great hike and special place to visit. We recommend this as a half day adventure. Also can walk from Tenaya but will add four plus miles round trip.
- Tenaya Lake Trail. (Easy) – the Loop from the West Shore around the backside of Tenaya to the Eastside is a fun and enjoyable hike on any day long visit to the lake.
- Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest and Yosemite Valley. – Of course the Trek to the valley or as a starting point to the high country loop to all the high camps makes Tenaya an option for more serious adventures. Consider a shuttle drop off so to save parking for visitors if you are planning a multiple day trip.
