About This Route
The Cathedral Lakes backpacking route from Tuolumne Meadows is an accessible 7-mile round-trip with 1,000 feet gain, ideal for basecamping near Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes. Start at the Cathedral Lakes trailhead off Tioga Road, wind through lodgepole pines to alpine lakes perfect for swimming and fishing. Permits needed; quotas are less competitive than valley trails. Extend to Clouds Rest or Long Valley for multi-days. Adhere to Leave No Trace: camp 100 feet from water, use bear boxes or canisters.
Safety Considerations
High water in early summer floods meadows; scout shallow crossings upstream of currents. Lightning risk on open approaches; seek low forest cover by early afternoon, per NPS. Snow patches create post-holing; gaiters prevent wet boots leading to blisters. Bears frequent lakes; hang food 12 feet high if no canister. Altitude sickness possible above 9,000 feet; acclimate in Tuolumne first and hydrate aggressively.
Essential Gear
Bear canister, Katadyn Hiker Pro filter, UTM grid map, bug spray, camp shoes. REI Half Dome 2 tent for lakeside pitches. Wool socks, sun sleeves, emergency blanket.
Emergency Tips
For water crossings, link arms in groups. Tuolumne clinic nearby; call 209-372-0292. Use PLB for off-trail issues near lakes.