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California
820 ft
Gain
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Why you'll love it
Yosemite Creek and Ten Lakes Trailhead
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<p>On the north side of Tioga Road, an unpaved parking lot sits next to the Ten Lakes trailhead. Directly across the street, on the south side of Tioga Road, there is a paved parking area as well as the Yosemite Creek trailhead.</p> <h2>Ten Lakes</h2> <p>To reach the lakes, follow this trail through conifers and across granite to cross a tributary of Yosemite Creek. Continue on the trail to Ten Lakes Pass, the headwaters of Yosemite Creek, overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and the Sierra Crest. Descend 693 feet (211 m) into the Ten Lakes Basin, returning the way you came.</p> <p><strong>Distance: </strong>12.6 mi (20.3 km) round-trip<br /> <strong>Elevation gain: </strong>2,200 ft (671 m)<br /> <strong>Time estimate: </strong>7-9 hours<br /> <br /> <strong>Route variations: </strong>For a shorter hike with slightly less elevation change, turn around at the view at Ten Lakes Pass instead. To see even more lakes, take a side trip to Grant Lakes via a 1-mile spur (each way) below Ten Lakes Pass.</p> <h2>Tips & Seasonal Information</h2> <p>Both trails include unbridged stream crossings. Early in the season, when water can be very high, cold, and swift, use caution when crossing streams or turn back when crossing is not safe.<br /> <br /> Bicycles and pets are not permitted on hiking trails. Vault toilets are available at the Yosemite Creek trailhead parking area.<br /> <br /> Both trailheads are 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>
Sunrise Lakes Trailhead
~10 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…
Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead
~13 min drive
<p>This short, easy walk rewards visitors with spectacular views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. This paved loop trail offers different vantage points of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Creek. Numerous exhibits along the trail discuss the natural and cultural history of th…
Cook's Meadow Loop Trailhead
~13 min drive
<p>This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock as well as a vibrant example of the rich biodiversity in Yosemite's meadows. From Yosemite Village, walk west along the bicycle path toward Lower Yosemite Fall or take the Valleywide…
Valley Shuttle Stop 11: Four Mile Trailhead
~14 min drive
<p>This shuttle stop is served by the <strong>Valleywide Shuttle </strong>route only. There is no covered shelter or benches at this shuttle stop.<br /> <br /> <strong>Yosemite Valley shuttles are free and operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily. </strong>During hours of operation, t…
Four Mile Trailhead
~14 min drive
<p>The Four Mile Trail features remarkable, panoramic views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Half Dome, and Tenaya Canyon. This steep trail is challenging, all-day hike. The Four Mile Trail leads to Glacier Point, where restrooms and a snack stand are available in…
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead
~17 min drive
<h2>Sentinel Dome</h2> <p>This wide trail leads mostly across open granite with little shade. Scramble up Sentinel Dome's granite slope to enjoy 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley and the high Sierra. Consider taking this hike at sunset or during a full moon, but remember to…
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
~19 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…
Elizabeth Lake Trailhead
~21 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…
Mono Meadow Trailhead
~21 min drive
<p>Enjoy magnificent views of the Clark Range, Mount Starr King, and Half Dome from this trail. The trail descends steeply to Mono Meadow. Follow the trail from the east end of the meadow for a half mile (0.8 km) to an unmarked clearing. From here, the views will open up to th…
McGurk Meadow Trailhead
~22 min drive
<h2>McGurk Meadow</h2> <p>The trail leads downhill to McGurk Meadow and the site of an old cabin that belonged to sheepherder John McGurk. During early summer, look for a tremendous show of wildflowers.</p> <p><strong>Distance: </strong>1.6 miles (2.5 km) round-trip<br /> <str…
