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Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite is full to bursting of scenic trails. For us, the deciding variable was crowds. Cathedral Lake Trail is a relatively popular hiking trail in Tuolumne Meadows but far enough away from the crowded valley floor to allow for a bit more privacy. Our timing could not have been better.

Tuolumne Meadows & the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead

We arrive in Yosemite at dawn. Having read about crowded trails and challenging parking, we are determined to beat the crowds, which we certainly do. We were the first vehicle to park along the Cathedral Lake Trailhead and the second hiking party to start down the trail. While maps indicate a visitor center and visitor center parking lot, it appears that both are closed for the season, so we resort to parallel parking along the side of the road.

Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Sunrise at the trailhead.
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Colorful trees along the trail.

Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail

The 8.6-mile in-out Cathedral Hakes trails winds along a heavily forested slope with occasional glimpses of towering granite monoliths. On the 3.5-mile hike in, the trail gains over 1,000-feet at a fairly steady incline. Even hiking in the fall as we were, it is important to bring lots of water to stay hydrated and a few snacks as well. The elevation level can cause the unacclimated to tire easily. Don’t be afraid to take the occasional breather. Be sure to wear some sturdy and preferably waterproof shoes. The final stretch of trail to the lake is marshy and your feet could get wet.

Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
The trail is dotted with views of monoliths.
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Beautiful bare branches.
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Exploring the marsh land below Tresidder Peaks.

Wildlife along Cathedral Lakes Trail

While the ascent is challenging, arriving early means that we have the opportunity to encounter a lot of wildlife. A Steller’s Jay follows us along an early stretch of trail, hoping for a few crumbs. (Remember, feeding wild animals in a National Park is illegal but years of bad actors has many of these animals anticipating something.) Further along, a chipmunck and ground squirrel take turns snooping around the trail.

Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Alpine chipmunk
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Steller’s Jay
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Exploring Lower Cathedral Lake

Lower Cathedral Lake is flanked by Tresidder and Cathedral Peaks. These monoliths stand out against across the water and framed by towering pines. We pause for a breakfast snack while gazing at Tresidder Peak. By the time we head back down the trail, others hikers are arriving. They spread out along a long lip of rock, finding their own quiet spot to take in the amazing views.

Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Pausing for the view of Tresidder Peak over Cathedral Lake.
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Hiking towards Cathedral Peak.
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Cathedral Peak reflected in the lake
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Looking out over Tenaya Lake.
Hiking Cathedral Lakes Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Lower Cathedral Lake, surrounded by Cathedral, Echo, and Tresidder Peaks in Yosemite National Park.
Fall colors

Lexi lives in a truck camper down by the river.

Comments:

  • Curt Hagen

    February 27, 2020

    We have been traveling in a 1984 Airstream Motorhome while our family of 5 has been growing up (up to 13,000 mile trips), but we started out as Backpackers, then truck campers as the kids started piling up. Our family is now shrinking due to the kids moving on to there own adventures. we have been looking for an Avion Truck camper for several years and are in the process of buying a C-11. I own a F550 Dump truck that will be used as the mule, so I will be doing extensive work retrofitting the Avion, I have drawn lots of inspiration from the work you have done on your Avion. What Software did you use to model your rig? Can you share any pictures showing how the wings attach to the aluminum side walls?

    Thank you,
    Curt

    reply...

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