Elizabeth and Cathedral Lakes Loop

This 33-mile loop from Tuolumne Meadows links up some of Yosemite’s most iconic alpine lakes with granite passes, wildflower-filled meadows, and a few peak bagging options if you’re feeling ambitious. You’ll trace sections of the John Muir Trail, explore the Cathedral Range, and wrap around the back of Tenaya Lake, getting a little of everything—lakes, peaks, meadows, and panoramic ridge views.

Start with a short warm-up: head south from Tuolumne Meadows on the Elizabeth Lake Trail for a mellow out-and-back to Elizabeth Lake. Walk the loop around the lake’s edge before retracing your steps to the JMT. From there, head south to Lower Cathedral Lake Trail and do a scenic loop around the lake. Return briefly to the JMT, pass Upper Cathedral Lake, and make your way over Cathedral Pass.

Continue south on the JMT and make your way to the Clouds Rest Trail. Take the Clouds Rest Trail north, which winds toward Tenaya Lake. Follow the Tenaya Lake Trail until it reconnects with the JMT and loops you back to Tuolumne Meadows. Optional side mission: summit Tenaya Peak for sweeping views.

TRAILS USED: Elizabeth Lake Trail → John Muir Trail (JMT) →  Lower Cathedral Lake Trail → Clouds Rest Trail → Tenaya Lake Trail → JMT (back to the start)

FLORA: In spring and early summer, meadows burst with wildflowers like lupine, Indian paintbrush, monkeyflower, and shooting stars. Lodgepole pine, red fir, and western white pine dominate the forests, while juniper and whitebark pine cling to the higher elevations near Cathedral Pass. Around lakes and streams, you’ll spot willows and sedges that attract pollinators and wildlife.

FAUNA: Keep an eye out for mule deer grazing in open meadows and along the lakeshores. Marmots and pikas are common among rocky outcrops. Black bears inhabit this area, so proper food storage is required. You may also hear the drumming of woodpeckers or the call of a Clark’s nutcracker echoing through the trees. If you’re lucky, you might spot a bobcat or the flash of a Sierra Nevada red fox, though sightings are rare.

PERMITS AND CAMPING

Permits are required for overnight trips. To make a permit reservation please visit www.recreation.gov. 

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

Parking is available near the trailhead, arrive early to secure a spot.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Option to leave out Elizabeth Lake to shorten the trip

• Option to leave out the out and back to Tenaya Peak to decrease the mileage. 

• Bears are active: bring a bear canister and follow food storage rules.

• Snow may linger through early summer at higher elevations.

• Popular area, start early to avoid crowds near Cathedral Lakes and Clouds Rest.