Day Hike to Cathedral Lakes

The Day Hike to Cathedral Lakes is challenging for the average hiker, but the views and serenity of these two lakes is well worth the trek. 8 miles round trip with a hefty climb in the first half of the hike. After the first 2 miles however the hike is pretty nice. I have seen little kids make this hike, so most can do it if they just focus on pace an keep plenty of water on hand for the climb.

Suggest going to Upper Cathedral Lake first as most who visit the lower lake first find the climb out makes them too tired to go on to Upper Lake.

Once you reach Upper lake hike around the North side of the lake and climb the side of the mountain a bit for view of both lakes at same time and a little seclusion away from the trail.

The same exploration should be done at the lower lake as on the back side of the lake are the remnants of a season waterfall and great view of Tenaya Lake.

Upper Cathedral best viewing locations are on the backside where you can see the peak while looking at the lake.  At Lower Cathedral most people just line the granite and chill at the water edge with the peak behind them.