July 24, 2014
Upper Cathedral Lake
Total distance: 7 miles
Years ago I was asked where my favorite place was in Yosemite National Park. Cathedral Lakes was my answer. Today’s hike was affirmation of that response.
In contrast to some of the trails that I have walked lately, the trail to Cathedral Lakes was the busiest. It is the route to both upper and lower Cathedral lakes, it is the way to the Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and it is the completion of section one of the John Muir Trail (JMT). I saw over one hundred hikers throughout the day.
It was a cold morning at 8,500 feet, but the steep ascent through the sandy forest warmed me quickly.
The trail was dusty and dry except for a dribbling stream of water that was easy to cross. Absent were the scourge of mosquitoes that plague hikers in this area.
Rocks of all shapes and sizes layered the path. I stepped carefully over contorted tree roots and manure from pack trains.
Backpackers heading downhill filed passed me. Two elderly gentlemen stopped to chat for a moment. They were brothers from New York taking their last big trip together by hiking the JMT. “What else is there to do in life but hike?” they asked. I agreed.
Through breaks in the forest I caught my first glimpse of Cathedral Peak. After climbing hills full of rocks and roots, I reached Cathedral Meadow at the lake.
A sign said that the trail was rerouted out of the meadow to allow it to regenerate; so I kept to the slender dirt path and headed down to the water.
Steep granite walls surrounded the lake. There was much to take in on this beautiful day as I gazed from one place to another. Surprisingly, while I was there, not a single person had decided to stop at Upper Cathedral Lake.
The crystal clear water rippled in the wind and lapped at the shore. The lake was warm, not ice-cold like I expected. Next time I’ll pack a swimsuit.
Standing majestically behind me was the distinctive Cathedral Peak.
Stubby trees were scattered throughout the meadow. Black birds snatched insects as they hopped through the fresh green grass.
Glacial erratic encompassed the area.
I know there are many things to do in life besides hike, but it ranks high on my list of favorites. Especially since I have been blessed time and again with extraordinary views and peaceful places to visit in the wilderness.
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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