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California
1,200 ft
Gain
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
Gaylor Lakes Trailhead
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
<p>This short but steep hike offers spectacular high-country views, wildflowers in the summer, and lake views. From the trailhead, located right next to Tioga Pass, climb steadily to a ridge with views of the high Sierra including Mt. Dana and Dana Meadows. At the ridge crest, the trail drops 200 feet to Middle Gaylor Lake.<br /> <br /> <strong>Distance: </strong>2.6 miles (4.2 km) round-trip<br /> <strong>Elevation gain: </strong>500 ft (152 m)<br /> <strong>Time estimate: </strong>2-3 hours<br /> <br /> <strong>Route variation: </strong>if desired, continue along the trail to Upper Gaylor Lake for a slightly longer hike. This adds about 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip as well as a small amount of additional elevation gain.</p> <h2>Tips & Seasonal Information</h2> <p>Vault toilets are available at this trailhead. Parking is limited.<br /> <br /> Although this trail is short, it begins at nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 km) above sea level. You may become tired more quickly than expected or even feel sick. Take breaks, drink plenty of water, and adjust plans if needed.<br /> <br /> This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November.<br /> <br /> Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).</p>
Mono Pass Trailhead
~2 min drive
<p>This historic trans-Sierra trail climbs gradually through lodgepole pines and past wet meadows. In mid-summer, look for red mountain heather blooming trailside. After the Spillway Lake junction, the trail climbs steadily and more steeply to Mono Pass (elevation 10,600 feet)…
Elizabeth Lake Trailhead
~10 min drive
<p>The trail climbs steadily to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak in the heart of the Cathedral Range. A one-mile trail circles the lake. The trail begins at the back of the B loop in the Tuolumne Meadows Campground.<br /> <br /> <strong>Distance: </strong>4.8…
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
~12 min drive
<p>Cathedral Lakes are nestled at the foot of Cathedral Peak. In addition to the lakes themselves, hikers will enjoy views of Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak. The trail through this area is part of the John Muir Trail, which sees high traffic all season. The area is also popular…
Sunrise Lakes Trailhead
~22 min drive
<h2>Sunrise Lakes</h2> <p>Indeed, a beautiful place to see sunrise, the lakes at Sunrise reflect the colors in the sky as well as the domed peaks that surround it. A short distance from the lakes, the Sunrise High Sierra Camp faces east for sunrise views. Reservations are requ…
Shell Lake
~3 min drive
Easy alpine lake hike with minimal elevation gain and scenic water views.
Gardisky Lake
~6 min drive
Ultra-short walk to an alpine lake with minimal elevation change.
Saddlebag Lake Loop
~7 min drive
Easy alpine lake loop with minimal elevation gain and spectacular Sierra views.
Gibbs Lake
~9 min drive
Short alpine lake hike with steady elevation gain and scenic rewards.
Bloody Canyon
~9 min drive
Steep alpine climb with 2,080 ft gain offering dramatic Sierra views.
Shepherd Crest
~10 min drive
Easy alpine walk with scenic ridge views near Shepherd Crest.
