Hike Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake Trail

2.4 miles round trip

Tenaya makes everybody’s Top Ten High Sierra Lakes list. Tucked in a basin of polished granite, the lake sparkles in the Sierra sun. No wonder they call this the Range of Light!

Tenaya is not only a real looker, it’s hard to overlook. It’s that big beauty you see right by Tioga Pass Road as you motor to Tuolomne Meadows. While you can see Tenaya from the highway, and can survey the lake from Olmsted Point, you’ll appreciate it even more while walking Tenaya Trail.

Most visitors to the lake named for the chief of the native Awahneeche head for the picnic area or the white sand strand and seem pretty well oblivious that a trail follows the lakeshore.

Directions to trailhead: From its junction with Big Oak Flat Road, follow Highway 120 (Tioga Road) 32 miles to the east end of Tenaya Lake and park in the picnic area.

The hike: Walk along the sandy beach, then join the path along the lake’s southeast shore, contouring through pine forest. Watch for rock-climbers practicing their craft on 9,810-foot Polly Dome to the north. The path continues to Olmsted Point, but you can turn back whenever you feel so inclined.

Another option is to continue on the trail past its junction with the trail leading to Sunrise Lakes and back up to parking area by Tioga Road. You loop-lovers can complete a loop around the lake by walking along the lake’s northwest shore; however, much of this not-very-tranquil path travels right next to Tioga Road.