Outbound Collective logo

Explore Tenaya Lake, Yosemite NP

Mariposa County, California

4.6/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2.5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sarah Giek

Tenaya Lake is one of the most picturesque and easily-accessible lakes in Yosemite National Park, making it a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and exploring.

Tenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others prefer to find a sunny spot along the shore to relax and enjoy the views and the clear waters.

Parking is available at small lots at both ends of the lake, but feel free to park on the shoulder of Tioga Road to begin your adventure anywhere along the shore. The most scenic views, in my opinion, can be find near the west end of the lake, where the reflections of the granite domes provide the perfect photo opportunity.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Chillin
Photography
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Reviews

This lake is absolutely beautiful! My friend and I hung out for a while after our sunrise hike to clouds rest. It is a busy lake but worth checking out.

Lake Tenaya is one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen! One of the beaches is pretty narrow and crowded but if you're willing to do just a tiny bit of walking to get some personal space, it's well worth it.

Tenaya Lake is a great spot in Yosemite, but it seems a shame to only stop on the side of the highway. Take some time and hike into the backcountry. Cathedral Lakes and Sunrise Lakes are two destinations near to the trailhead at Tenaya Lake and they are definitely worth visiting.

Weekends at Tenaya Lake can be very crowded, but it's my personal favorite spot to swim after climbing in Tuolumne. Weekdays provide a little more solitude on the beaches. Awesome way to spend the day with kiddos!

Tenaya Lake is so quiet and beautiful. I felt like I was on top of the world in the high sierra.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

Half Dome & Clouds Rest Loop

Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake

Clouds Rest to Half Dome

Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park

Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau