1.7 hr
Overview
The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. (There is no safe access to the north side of Mirror Lake directly from the south side of the loop, except via bridges at the west and east ends of the trail).<br><br>Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of year, it is fullest in spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh snowmelt. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of Mirror Lake's lake-to-meadow succession, and also highlight some of the cultural history of the area. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water and the influx of grasses and sandy areas.
Trail Stats
6.4 km
76 m
1267 m
1218 m
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Photos
The damage done by the Ahwiyah Point Rock Fall. The trail was closed for several years, but has been reopened thanks to the work done by crews to create a trail through it.
The damage done by the Ahwiyah Point Rock Fall. The trail was closed for several years, but has been reopened thanks to the work done by crews to create a trail through it.
Heading to Mirror Lake.
Heading to Mirror Lake.
A beautiful walk back
A beautiful walk back
Tenaya Creek.
Tenaya Creek.
Sierra Nevada 209 Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail
Sierra Nevada 209 Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail
Meeting the deer in Yosemite Valley
Meeting the deer in Yosemite Valley
Valley walls reflection in Mirror Lake
Valley walls reflection in Mirror Lake
A beautiful rainy day at Mirror Lake, as seen from the Mirror Lake Access Road.
A beautiful rainy day at Mirror Lake, as seen from the Mirror Lake Access Road.
Mirror Lake Loop in the summer
Mirror Lake Loop in the summer
Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail
Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail
Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail
Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail
Half Dome towering above Mirror Lake/Meadow
Half Dome towering above Mirror Lake/Meadow