Hiking Yosemite's Cathedral Lakes Trail
Yosemite National Park - Day 1
A Legendary Path Through Granite Giants
We spent a magnificent day conquering the Cathedral Lakes Trail in Yosemite National Park’s Tuolumne Meadows. The hike followed a section of the John Muir Trail, a legendary long-distance path that crosses the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
Our hike began with a steady climb through subalpine forests, gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation to reach the granite-rimmed jewel of Upper Cathedral Lake at 9,605 ft. The crisp air vitalized us as we continued, enjoying breathtaking panoramas of the imposing Cathedral Peak and the surrounding granite giants.
A Serene Detour and a Rewarding Journey
A short detour led us to the equally stunning Lower Cathedral Lake, nestled amidst a serene meadow. Thanks to the captivating scenery, it felt like we had hiked less than 5 hours by the time we completed the 10.61-mile (17km) round trip. Spending days in a fantastic wilderness like this can be challenging, but those days are always energizing and worthwhile.
More Visits to Yosemite National Park
Date
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Distance
10.61 miles
Moving Time
4:49:14 hours
WEATHER
70 °F, sunny, moderate breeze