July 24, 2014
Upper Cathedral Lake, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked: 7 miles
Cathedral Lakes has always been a treasure for me in Yosemite National Park, and today’s hike reaffirmed that feeling. There’s just something timeless and enchanting about that place.
Unlike some of the quieter trails I’ve hiked recently, the trail to Cathedral Lakes was bustling with activity. It’s the gateway to both upper and lower Cathedral Lakes, the path to the Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and the end of section one of the John Muir Trail. Throughout the day, I encountered over one hundred fellow hikers.
At 8,500 feet, the morning was cold, but the steep climb through the sandy forest soon warmed me up. The trail wound uphill through the trees, gaining 1,100 feet in elevation.
The trail was dry and dusty, with only a small trickle of water that was easy to cross. Thankfully, the usual onslaught of mosquitoes was nowhere to be found. I remembered swatting away hundreds of them while hiking here three years ago.
The trail was strewn with rocks of all shapes and sizes. I navigated carefully over twisted tree roots and the manure left by pack trains. Throughout the day, two pack trains passed by, kicking up dust as they went.
As I made my way uphill, groups of backpackers descended past me. Two elderly gentlemen from New York paused for a chat. They were brothers, embarking on their final grand adventure together by hiking the John Muir Trail. “What else is there to do in life but hike?” they mused. I couldn’t agree more.
After ascending hills scattered with rocks and roots, I finally arrived at Cathedral Meadow by the lake.
I followed the narrow dirt path, making my way down to the water.
Steep granite walls encircled the lake, offering a stunning backdrop. There was so much beauty to absorb as I took in the view. Surprisingly, despite the number of hikers, not a single person had chosen to stop at Upper Cathedral Lake while I was there.
The crystal-clear water rippled gently in the wind, lapping at the shore. To my surprise, the lake was warm instead of ice-cold. Next time, I’ll definitely pack a swimsuit!
With lake behind me, I stood gazing at the majestic Cathedral Peak.
Scattered stubby trees dotted the meadow, while black birds darted about, snatching insects from the fresh green grass. A slender path wound around the lake, weaving its way through the meadow.
The area was scattered with glacial erratic, adding to the unique landscape. On my way back, I chose my own route, traversing slabs of colorful granite before eventually rejoining the main trail.
I understand there are countless activities in life, but hiking remains one of my top favorites. I’ve been blessed to experience incredible views and find tranquil spots in the wilderness time and time again.
Each trek offers a new adventure and a chance to reconnect with nature. I can’t wait for the next one.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Easy to see why it is your favorite. Looking forward to our next trip.
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Thanks, me too!
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Sounds like a beautiful experience! You just can’t beat the high country of the Sierra!
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You’re right!
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Gorgeous place–thanks for taking me along!
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Thanks for the comment, Patti. 🙂
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It’s high on my list of too, of course! What a wonderful spot – and no mosquitoes? Can’t get better than that.
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That’s right, no mosquitoes at all–not on the trail, not near the lake, none at all that day. I was suprised and glad for that. 🙂
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I love your title! There is a picture in my book of Chris and his partner on top of Cathedral Peak, which he climbed while on his senior trip from High school. I would like to visit it someday and hike this trail.
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You’re right, Carol…I just looked up the photo. I had a group here last weekend who climbed it as well. I hope you can make it back to Yosemite. There’s a great view of the peak from the lake. You can even take the climber’s trail a ways before having to actually climb the peak.
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Thanks for sharing! I haven’t hiked anything besides half dome in Yosemite.
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🙂 And Half Dome is one place I don’t think I’ll ever reach…maybe to the subdome (or as far as you can go without a permit) but never to the top. Too scary.
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Adding this to my bucket list! Thanks for the Tuesday morning inspiration!
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It’s a great place to visit. Hope you make it there soon.
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Janet, I so admire your ‘hiking fever’. This looks like a great hike. Although have never personally walked more than five miles in a hike thus far. If I’m ever visiting Yosemite again, will remember this hike. Hey! I just thought–my son is going there soon. Will send him this blog post. Thank you!
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I hope if you come out to Yosemite you’d contact me. 🙂 Yes, definitely tell your son to do this hike. It’s worth it. Thanks for reading.
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I always try to push people to cathedral lake when they ask “Where should I go with only one weekend in the park?” I have yet to swim in it though!
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This year was great without the mosquitoes. 🙂
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Janet,
Have you ever done the Lundy Canyon hike and if so what would you consider the optimum the for wildflowers? Last time I went, I ran out of battery charge just as the wildflowers got incredible
Dan
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Hi Dan. No, I haven’t been to Lundy Canyon. I do hear that the fall colors in the area are nice. One day I will get there. I hope you make it back too with a full battery. 🙂 Janet
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