We saw one couple on the trail. An 8-mile round-trip hike visits the shores of both Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes and passes through splendid alpine scenery including the shapely granite pinnacles that form Cathedral Peak. Cathedral Pass is 0.5mi/0.8km past the second lake and features a wonderful meadow with a view of the impressive Matthes Crest. For this trip, I just wanted to camp at Lower Cathedral Lake and do Upper Cathedral Lake another day. Cathedral Lakes One of the most iconic destination outside of Yosemite Valley is Cathedral Lakes. Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip. Although this lake doesn’t have the stunning turquoise color of those in the Canadian Rockies, we think it’s one of the best lake hikes in Yosemite. Soon after leaving the trailhead the route begins to climb. You can book a return Jeep trip through Cathedral Lakes Lodge, the owners of the singular private road to the top. Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, 3½ miles The trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Cathedral Lakes is heavily traveled and easy to follow. At the Cathedral Lake Trail Junction under Cathedral Peak, the .5 mile trail out to the lower lake. Fortunately we got permits for Saturday itself. Once you get permit for one day, you can choose to stay in the wilderness how ever long you want. Only 10 walk-in permits are available to Cathedral lakes per day. The Cathedral Lakes are two lakes located South of tuolumne meadow the lower lake is located at elevation 9,288 feet, while the upper lake is located at elevation 9,585 feet. Upper Cathedral Lake is located in the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite National Park. 12 reviews of Yosemite Cathedral Lakes "Magnificent. Follow the Boundary trail west many miles to Cathedral Pass and lakes, then drop down the Chewack River. Cathedral Lake Trail #1984 is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. A classic Yosemite Hike, located at around 9,000 feet that takes you through a beautiful forest and up to an open meadows of Cathedral Lakes. Camp at Cathedral lakes on Sunday night and get back to trail head by Monday afternoon and drive back home. We are located near Quiniscoe Lake, 2000 metres (6800 ft.) above sea level in the heart of Cathedral Provincial Park and Protected Area. About 2 hours into the trail, I took a break near a fork off the path where the famed JMT (John Muir Trail) merges. The extraordinary Cathedral Provincial Park owes its name to sensational mountain peaks that reach over 2600m/8,500 ft around a bowl in the Cascade Mountains just north of the U.S.A. border. One of the busiest trails in the Tuloumne Meadows area, the hike to Cathedral Lakes is a gorgeous 7 mile walk to the perfect place to rest and recuperate. Backpack through Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park, one of the most beautiful, best keep secret, alpine regions of British Columbia. #YosemiteHiddenGem #YosemiteHiking Scenery: ★★★★★ Difficulty: ★★ I took different route than usual Cathedral lakes trail. Whitney, but instead, we did a 3-night backpacking trip to Cathedral… July 29, 2020 The Rim Trail is located in the core recreation area of Cathedral Provincial Park near Keremeos, British Columbia, Canada. From our lodge, you have access to more than 60 km of well-maintained alpine hiking trails. It is not crowded at all. The trailhead does not scream at you here I am like others, so be watchful after Tenaya Lake. Lower Cathedral Lake is also along the way, about a half mile off of the main trail. This was a challenging hike. She looked like the Indy Car driver Danica Patrick. Wildlife abounds in and around the park, from large mammals such as deer, mountain goat Spectacular. It was hot and sunny when I did the hike, but interestingly, about a third of the trail was still covered in snow. August 30, 2014 Distance: 10 Miles Traveled: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead to Lower Cathedral Lake “The grand Sierra Cathedral, a building of one stone, sewn from the living rock, with sides, roof, gable, spire and ornamental pinnacles, fashioned and finished symmetrically like a work of art, and set on a well-graded plateau about 9000 feet high, as if Nature in making so fine a building … 'This hike will take you backpacking into Cathedral Lakes, then continue an 18 mile loop to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and then onto Tenaya Lake. The thing is, getting up there is a bit tricky. Highlights: Lakes. It sure felt good to put my achy feet in the ice cold water of the lake! Cathedral Lakes provincial park lies in the transition zone between the rainforests of the Cascade mountains and the dryer, arid landscape of the Okanagan Valley.This mountainous park presents a wealth of variety in its terrain, flora and fauna, as well as excellent hiking options both on and off trail. Simply go to Adventure-Crew**** and fill in the A-C eNews box. It is about an hour’s drive from the town of Penticton to the edge of Cathedral. We did this 12.6 mile thru hike over 3 days/ 2 nights with plenty of time to take in the scenery, relax, and do some day hike exploring. Here is the map. Easy access, beautiful scenery and tempting peaks make this a popular spot for backpackers, day hikers and climbers. But going off trail in Yosemite National Park brings an euphoria of emotions. One of the most popular day hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows area, Cathedral Lakes explores some of the grandest glacially-carved terrain in the Yosemite high country. The majority of people visit the park by either camping or booking a room at the Cathedral Lakes … Backpacking to Cathedral Lakes 2020 was supposed to be the year that Sally and I hiked Mt. This is a 2.8 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Ashcroft, CO. To get to the trailhead, from the Aspen roundabout turn right onto Castle Creek Road and drive 12 miles. Cathedral Park is a pristine wilderness environment comprised of flowering alpine meadows, emerald colored lakes, and jagged peaks. Who doesn’t like the outdoors? The Yosemite Wilderness has over 750 miles of trail … This hike also joins a famous John Muir Trail, which is the beginning point of 210 mi (338km) journey that ends at the top of Mt.Whitney located in Sequoia National Park. It was a bit tricky following the muddy boot prints over a couple of the snow packs, but things seem to be melting fast so it gets easier everyday. Polly Dome Lakes. And a little mountain sickness. It is an 8 mile round-trip hike with ~1,700 ft of elevation gain total, most occurring during the 4 miles to the lake. Glorious. TL:DR. You don’t have to go very far to see some pristine high sierra lakes and epic sunsets. The hike to Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite National Park allows you to savor what may be the most perfect lake we have ever been to. And, since you’re watching this video, we know that you’ll enjoy the benefits of receiving our free National Park Outdoor eNewsletter. You will either have to shuttle cars, hitchhike, or catch the Tioga Rd Shuttle to do this On April 2, 2017 March 2, 2019 By l2ik0 In Backpacking, Hiking, Journey to 59, Summer. Follow signs that direct you towards Cathedral Lakes Lodge Base Camp … National Topographic Series Maps Sheet 092H/01 (Ashnola) at a scale of 1:50,000 covers the Cathedral Lakes area. There is also a small stream crossing which can easily be done without getting wet. The lakes, hiking trails, campsites and private lodge accommodation are all located in the park’s core area, 2000m above sea level. Beginning in beautiful Tuolumne Meadows, the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada, the path ascends a thousand feet in three miles to a side trail to Lower Cathedral Lake. In a mile or two, you'll reach another junction with the Remmel Lake cutoff trail. Elevation Gain: 600 feet … A connecter trail leaves the Chewack and climbs back up to the Cathedral Driveway Trailhead completing the route. Going off trail on any adventure can be exciting for many explorers. Trailhead: Park along the Tioga Road at the signed trailhead for Cathedral Lakes in Tuolumne Meadows. We explored Lower Cathedral Lake on the last guide page to our North. Cathedral Lakes Lodge Ltd. operates a lodge and cabins on Quiniscoe Lake and provides transportation by four-wheel-drive from Ashnola River to Quiniscoe Lake (for a fee). Whether you're a novice or semi-experienced backcountry traveller, you'll have the opportunity to develop your backpacking skills with a professional ACMG Guide. If you want to head to Remmel Lake for a quick swim and didn't take the Chewuch River trail, take the cutoff trail 1/4 mile to the lake. The upper and more scenic Cathedral Lake is reached after another half mile. Introduction. TL:DR You don’t have to go very far to see some pristine high sierra lakes and epic sunsets. Can a wilderness ranger plan this trip for me? No one. Adventure Review of 3 day backpacking adventure to Nelson, Matthes, Echo and Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite National Park. There are many terrific parks and regions to visit in BC, but for the alpine hiking lover, this is a must do. To get to the core area, you must either hike in (16km minimum) or take the Cathedral Lodge shuttle from the parking lot on Ewart Creek Rd. The Lower Cathedral Lake is located at an elevation of 9288′ and an easy 3.5 miles from the trailhead located along Tioga Road. Cathedral Lakes Lodge is Canada’s highest full service hiking and fishing wilderness lodge. Its about 6 miles round trip and there aren't many signs to cheer you on and up to the lake. Secluded and remote. Lower Cathedral is at the end of a sweet half-mile spur trail. Hike up Windy Creek almost to the summit of Windy Mountain; take the trail into Horseshoe Basin to Sunny Pass. Cathedral Lakes is a great hike, mostly for the beauty of the lake area at the end. Hiking around the Cathedral lakes Journey to the top Your journey begins by taking Ashnola Road, just outside of Keremeos. There is roughly around a 1,000 ft. of elevation gain if you were to go all the way to Upper Cathedral Lake. If your destination is Cathedral Lakes, continue on the Lesamiz trail. While there are several High Sierra lakes, the Cathedral lakes are arguably the most popular because this hike was part of the John Muir trail. One of the most popular of Yosemite’s high country destinations has to be Cathedral Lakes. Elevation Gain: 1,300ft / 390m – Elevation Loss: 1,300ft / 390m <-Back to Day Hiking in Yosemite National Park After a mile the trail levels out for a while as views of surrounding domes and peaks begin to appear among the trees. Cathedral Lakes Backpacking. The stiff climb, ascending 2,000-ft. up beautiful Pine Creek canyon, traverses aspen groves, spruce-fir forests and pretty meadows on its way to Cathedral Lake, an alpine jewel cradled in a stunning cirque of jagged granite summits and rugged ridges, anchored by Cathedral Peak (13,943-ft.). Cathedral Lake is deservedly one of the most popular day hikes in the Aspen area. There are lovely alpine views all the way. 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