Hike to Yosemite's Mirror Lake
Details
Distance
2.4 miles
Elevation Gain
100 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Mariya Dondonyan
Mirror Lake is a big pool in Tenaya Creek. There are great photo opportunities as you can get to 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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Reviews
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January in Yosemite
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
Very photogenic!
Love this location. Bring your camera!
5.0
Straightforward and Beautiful
Great hike!
5.0
Nice Short Hike
Good view of half doom
4.0
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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
