Mirror Lake

Yosemite Valley, California

4.6/5

based on 13 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.56 miles

Elevation Gain

190 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mariya Dondonyan

Mirror Lake is a big pool in Tenaya Creek. There are great photo opportunities as you can access the base of Half Dome.

Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over.

The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far east end of Yosemite Valley. You have the option to take a shuttle to the trailhead or hike the extra 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip from Curry Village or the Ahwahnee Hotel.

The trailhead walk to the lake is really beautiful as you dive deeper into this sea of trees and enter through the woods. Total travel distance is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) round trip from the trailhead to Mirror Lake; 4 miles (6.4 km) to go all the way to the end of the trail in Tenaya Canyon and loop around. There's not a lot of climbing, and much of the trail is paved - you can even ride your bike most of the way to Mirror Lake. Elevation at trailhead is 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) and elevation gain is only 100 feet (30 meters.)

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Lake

Scenic

Mirror Lake Reviews

Angela Dair

Mirror Lake

02/21/23

I have been to Mirror Lake 2 times in the Winter season and it was just ok. It is scenic but not as majestic as other places in Yosemite.

4.0

Dena Mitchell

Mirror Lake

06/17/20

Camping in Yosemite Jan 2, cold and and beautiful, no crowds. For those who prefer peace and quiet, aren't fair weather tent campers, this was a serene time to be in Yosemite. Mirror lake views nice and a very easy hike in.

5.0

Noah Crider

Mirror Lake

06/17/20

Love this location. Bring your camera!

5.0

Trent Windes

Mirror Lake

08/13/19

Great hike!

5.0

Jennifer Nuñez

Mirror Lake

08/31/17

Good view of half doom

4.0

Kayla Blalock

Mirror Lake

12/17/16

easy beautiful hike

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Snow Creek Trail

This is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. Once you reach the top, you can take a dip in the water which is about 200 yards from the campgrounds. Beware though, it isn't ...

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. To get there, start at the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17, or park at Curry Village and walk up the...

Hike to Basket Dome

Getting There Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. Start the hike early in the morning, since it gets pretty hot in the summer and the last part of the hike is in the sun. The Trail You'll hike more than 140 switchbacks to reach the top of Basket Dome and get epic views of Half Dome. There are plenty of spots to camp, but if you're with mor...

Snowshoe to Snow Creek

Take the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike. After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next. This steep climb will reward you with beautiful views of Tenaya Canyon and give you a different perspective on the classic Half Dome view. Once you reach the top of the switchbacks, snow will w...

Half Dome via the Mist Trail

Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just day hiking, you'll still need a day hike permit. About 5 minutes in you will start your ascent. Soon ...

Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

This popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Trail 0.5 miles up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps directly to the top of Vernal Fall. Use c...

Mirror Lake

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Mirror Lake Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Snow Creek Trail

Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

Hike to Basket Dome

Snowshoe to Snow Creek

Half Dome via the Mist Trail

Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

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