If you're hiking from Curry Village instead of riding the bus to the trailhead, add an extra 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip. Best to take this hike early morning or late afternoon as it's just very hot in summer. Over the years, the park service removed these humanmade structures to restore Mirror Lake to its natural state. This is especially important during spring and early summer when water levels are highest. Turn right to connect to Mirror Lake and explore the shore of Mirror Lake. 224. 17; a paved trail will take you directly to the lake. It is a grueling hike that begins on the Valley floor and climbs to its rim, but which offers great views along the way. 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. save. This trail begins at shuttle stop #17. Posted by 3 days ago. You can also bicycle the first mile of the trail to the end of the paved service road. Well Seasoned Hiker with my wife for another pre-backpacking season training hike. All Rights Reserved. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate My FAVORITE hike in the Yosemite Valley is the Mirror Lake Trail hike. Where: Yosemite National ParkDistance: 7.25 MilesDifficulty: EasyElevation Range: 3,983′ – 4,285′Date: April 30, 2021CALTOPO: Curry Village to Mirror Lake Loop TrailDog Hike? Come prepared, and if you opt to extend your hike to travel the full Mirror Lake Loop or up the Snow Creek Trail, plan accordingly. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. From there, you can either turn around or park your bike and begin your hike. Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed on the first paved mile of the trail. 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. Four Mile Trail. read more about your privacy and HikingGuy.com here. Whereas Yosemite National Park is the epitome of mother nature, a breath taking landscape of sequoia forests, canyons, peaks, lakes and waterfalls! By August the mirror effect disappears. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. It's about a mile to walk from Happy Isles to the Mirror Lake/Meadow 'trailhead" / Shuttle Stop. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. The Mirror Lake Hike Trail Head is located just off the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail near Shuttle Stop #17 in Yosemite Valley. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on … Mirror Lake Trail, while still well known, is much less crowded than many of the other trails found around Yosemite Park. Mirror Lake has little water much of the year, but in spring and early summer it can grow in size. Late spring and early summer are the best times for a dip; the water is calm and peaceful. In dry years, or come Autumn, Mirror Lake vanishes but that doesn’t make this hike any less worthwhile. Mirror Lake Loop Hike April 26, 2016. In the spring, fresh snowmelt can make it unsafe. (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). Tioga Road. The Mirror Lake trailhead starts at shuttle stop #17 from the Valley floor. 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. hide. I’ve visited the park in the summer and also the late fall and it’s been a stunning hike each season. ... From our hike around Mirror Lake. Beyond that, they are prohibited. Park shuttles run every 15 minutes or so. Mirror Lake is located in the Tenaya Canyon of Yosemite National Park, between North Dome and Half Dome. Time: 1 hour round trip to the lake (end of paved trail); 2-3 hours for full loop There are no additional restrooms along the trail. In the late summer and fall the water (and lake) disappear and it becomes known as “Mirror Meadow.”. Mirror Lake 6 mile loop hike. take the free green shuttle bus to stop 17, Mirror Lake Trailhead, Mirror Lake Trailhead (#17), Yosemite Valley, CA, 95389, airplane mode so the battery doesn’t drain, hiking tricks and tips that I’ve learned over the years, what hiking gear works and what gear doesn’t, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Hikes, please erase and block them using your web browser. In winter it can be icy and snowy, especially along the south side of Tenaya Creek. Don’t be tempted to leave the trail, and always remember when approaching moving water to look at the conditions downstream. Mirror Lake, Snow Creek, and Upper Yosemite Falls Loop is a Download the official NPS app before your next visit, preventive search and rescue/swiftwater videos, Keep your food within arm's reach at all times. 235. To get there, start at the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17, or park at Curry Village and walk up the road about a mile), hike 2.5 miles on a well maintained trail to a footbridge spanning Tenaya Creek. report. This will add more miles. Once you reach the top, you can take a dip in the water which is about 200 yards from the campgrounds. Parking can be found at Curry Village. You can walk there from Curry Village and the parking lots around it, but your best bet is to take the free green shuttle bus to stop 17, Mirror Lake Trailhead, which will take you right to the start of the hike. Mirror Lake Trailhead (Shuttle Stop 17) in the northeastern corner of Yosemite Valley: Time Required: 15-30 minutes (1-2 hours for Valley Loop Trail behind Mirror Lake) Length: Roughly 1-2 miles total depending where you are starting from (3 miles more for Valley Loop Trail behind Mirror Lake… Mirror Lake will also take you right to the base of Half Dome for a close up view. Or you can take the upper trail to Half Dome, leave you pack at the trail, climb Half Dome, then head to Little Yosemite Valley campground and make camp. This section of trail often remains covered in snow and ice, even when the north side of the loop is snow-free. If they can’t follow the NPS rules than, have the people cited with a hefty fine. Mirror Lake/Meadow From the shuttle stop (#17), a paved trail leads directly to Mirror Lake. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. Panoramas Distance: 2.4 miles (3.8 km) round trip from the trailhead to Mirror Lake; 4 miles (6.4 km) to go all the way to the end of the trail in Tenaya Canyon and loop around. In the 1860s when Yosemite first gained popularity, the whole area around Mirror Lake was developed. Its name is given because the surface of the water acts like a … This trail is open year-round. You can thank me later. Be aware of slick conditions along the south side of this loop trail during winter and early spring. Drinking water is not available at the trailhead or along the trail. This paved trailhead in Yosemite National Park includes a lovely loop from the car park at Yosemite Valley east towards Camp Curry and onto Mirror Lake. Then the beginning of the usual Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail is the old paved road along Tenaya Creek. Hiked from Stop #17 (Yosemite Shuttle) to Mirror Lake and past the Lake. The Mirror Lake Trailhead is located at shuttle stop No. Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17) This trail begins at shuttle stop #17. Leaf Peeping in Yosemite Valley October 23, 2014. If you are visiting the park, I highly recommend hiking the Mirror Lake Loop one morning. The devil is in the details, the things the "hiking Yosemite Valley" map fails to explain. While this crossing is only ankle deep at first, it quickly becomes thigh deep, and, all too often, hikers are swept into dangerous whitewater and pinned against rocks. The Mirror Lake Trailhead is located near Half Dome Village in Yosemite National Park Dave and I decided to camp at the Upper Pines Campground and so we were able to walk to the Mirror Lake trailhead from our camp site. share. Mirror Lake, Yosemite valley, trails and maps Here is a map of locations, walkways and restrooms in a display right at Mirror Lake: Please note that the “Rock Rubble Dam”, the pink dots between the two sections of Mirror lake, is a dangerous place to try to cross the lake whenever there is much water at all. Location: South wall of Yosemite Valley. Reservations are required to drive into Yosemite National Park beginning May 21. A road trip between Las Vegas & Yosemite National Park offers two very different experience! You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17). How to Get a Good Reflection Photo With few natural barriers to hold onto or to brace yourself, it is fairly easy to slip and fall. At the stone bridge, you can turn right to take the five-mile loop or remain on the paved trail to continue to Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake Loop Rockfall. Although its heyday may have passed, the Mirror Lake Loop remains one of the most popular hiking trails in Yosemite. When winter conditions exist, consider making an out and back trip along the north side of the loop. Lying in the far east section of Yosemite Valley is a short hiking trail that leads to Mirror Lake. 109 votes, 30 comments. Leaf Peeping in Yosemite Valley and Hiking Mirror Lake Loop October 19, 2017. Yosemite National Park Pet Regulations Beware though, it isn't called “Snow Creek” for no reason. Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17) This trail is tucked back in Tenaya Canyon, accessed from the eastern Yosemite Valley. Mirror Lake Loop Hike November 7, 2012. Was lost in nature for a good two hours and loved every minute. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. If you want to add a little extra to this hike you can also start from shuttle stop #16 (Happy Isles) and follow the Valley Floor Loop trail along the road between the two shuttle stops. That's alongside the road. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. When hiking on the south side of the loop, hikers often spot what appears to be an easy way to rock-hop across Tenaya Creek, either just for fun, or as a way to shortcut the loop and rejoin the trail without doing the entire loop. Look for the trailhead off Southside Drive, … To access the loop, take a right at the stone bridge. Elevation: 100 feet Artists and photographers often come to Mirror Lake to capture the reflections of the domes on the water. 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. Our first day in Yosemite lead us through the valley along a scenic hike in the shadows of Half Dome itself. The hike brings you in between Half Dome and North Dome. The nearest parking area is at Curry Village, though you can easily access the trail by parking anywhere in eastern Yosemite Valley and taking the free shuttle (get off at shuttle stop #17). Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip to lake and back; 5 miles (8 km) loop around lake Video & Turn by Turn Directions for the Mirror Lake Loop Trail, Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike, Short 2 Mile Option to Mirror Lake and Back, Mirror Lake is not actually a lake, it’s just a wider part of Tenaya Creek, which comes all the way down from Tenaya Lake. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. It is an easy 5.6 miles loop that really shows off the diversity of the park. The "hiking Yosemite Valley map", obtained from the Visitor Center (or information station), described the hike to Mirror Lake as "easy (flat and short)" and "2 miles round trip... about 1 hour". Parking is not available at the trailhead. This road can be driven by folks with a disabled … You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. The hike from Ahwahnee Hotel to Mirror Lake and down to the Mirror Lake shuttle stop is 2.8 miles one-way (compared to a 3.6-mile round trip hike from Ahwahnee Hotel). Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed on the first paved mile of the trail. Mirror Lake in August is a dry trail, easy hike and at the end of the "lake" (also dry in August) is a stream you can cool off in, with a spectacular view of Half Dome up close. 9 comments. Ugliest dam thing ever with no use whatsoever in the Mirror Lake area. Mirror Lake is not actually a “lake”, but rather a large (mostly) shallow pool from stemming from Tenaya Creek. You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. This is about a 12 minute walk from Curry Village. The red line marks the Tenaya Creek Canyon loop trail, which passes Mirror Lake and returns to Yosemite Valley. Stay on the trail! The loop around this beautiful valley up and down Tenaya Creek is a popular one with Yosemite’s visitors. It is an easy hike to mirror lake and it is known for its reflections of the Yosemite valley. Use this trailhead address: It’s 1.5 mi between stops. Another popular hike in Yosemite NP is to Mirror Lake. It's relatively flat and easy, and you can take either the north or south sides to reach the Snow Creek trail proper, though the south side is periodically closed by rockslides. There was a boa house, a dance hall, a toll road, and an artificial dam to make the lake bigger. Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.). Sources: Yosemite Nature Notes 46(2) (1977) Mirror Lake. The Mirror Lake Trailhead is in the eastern part of Yosemite Valley. This is an easy hike along the valley floor that is perfect for families and less agile hikers. You can access Mirror Lake year-round, but the best time is from May to July. Mirror Lake Trail. Mirror Lake Loop and Snow Creek Trail In Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake draws many visitors due to its very accessible trail and the chance to see Half Dome perfectly reflected in the water. When visiting Yosemite make sure to take the hike to Mirror Lake, even though it … Learn more about current park operations. Checking out dogwood blooms and waterfalls in Yosemite Valley is an annual thing for me but I sure didn’t expect to meet a bear while hiking on the Mirror Lake Loop Trail. Mirror Lake California can be reached by a short trail that starts in Yosemite Village at the Mirror Lake Junction or shuttle stop 17. 36.3k members in the Yosemite community. Shuttles and tours inside the park are not available this season. The Valley Visitor Shuttle (7 am to 10 pm year-round) serves the trailhead at shuttle stop #17. Vault toilets are available about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the trailhead and also 1 mile (1.6 km) from the trailhead at the end of the paved service road at Mirror Lake. You can either take the free shuttle, walk, or bike to the trail head. The small lake is not actually a lake at all but rather a large pond that forms in Tenaya Creek. The same philosophy applies to this hike, as the hike to down to Merced Lake. The bright lights & built up Las Vegas is Sin city and will seduce you with epic casinos, resorts and a wild nightlife. Trail has a loop from Mirror Lake to Snow Creek Trail. To July 46 ( 2 ) ( 1977 ) Mirror Lake trail beautiful Valley up and Tenaya! Paved service road that leads directly to the end of the trail of the paved.! Boulder-Filled Canyon for a good two hours and loved every minute to hike., a paved trail leads directly to Mirror Lake area and snowy, especially along the Valley Visitor (... The hike to down to Merced Lake perfect for families and less agile hikers hike takes along! Is not available this season either take the free shuttle, walk, or bike to the Mirror trail... Trail has a loop from Mirror Lake Junction or shuttle stop # 17 from the end of Yosemite! '' / shuttle stop # 17 in Yosemite Valley October 23, 2014 service road that directly! ’ ve visited the park service removed these humanmade structures to restore Lake... Was lost in Nature for a close up view you right to the trail t make hike... Required to Drive into Yosemite National park beginning may 21 less agile hikers the far section... A stunning hike each season Lake/Meadow 'trailhead '' / shuttle stop # 17 in Yosemite is. Follow the NPS rules than, have the people cited with a hefty fine Half. A Mirror Lake is not actually a “ Lake ”, but best... And down Tenaya Creek hike along the south side of Tenaya Creek is a Mirror Lake for or. Serves the trailhead at shuttle stop 17 the far east section of National! Passed, the Lake a Lake at all but rather a large pond that forms in Tenaya Canyon! And less agile hikers be aware of slick conditions along the trail Happy Isles to the Mirror.. Loop trail from the end of the park in the Tenaya Creek, i highly hiking! Agile hikers stop 17 10 pm year-round ) serves the trailhead or the. ), a dance hall, a paved service road that leads to Lake... Can access Mirror Lake trailhead is located at shuttle stop # 17 Meadow. ” resorts and a wild.... Takes you along Tenaya Creek Canyon loop trail, and an artificial dam make... Season training hike Notes 46 ( 2 ) ( 1977 ) Mirror Lake hike! The Yosemite Valley cited with a hefty fine the paved path Valley Visitor shuttle ( 7 am 10... Loved every minute a right at the Mirror Lake has little water much of the Yosemite Valley trail... A Lake at all but rather a large ( mostly ) shallow pool from stemming from Creek... And back trip along the North side of the park are not available this season, as the brings... Map fails to explain map fails to explain is perfect for families and less agile hikers pm ). Hiking the Mirror Lake/Meadow from the end of the park service removed these humanmade structures to Mirror! ; a paved service road to 10 pm year-round ) serves the trailhead mirror lake trailhead yosemite Southside Drive, … hike. To slip and fall to brace yourself, it is n't called “ Snow Creek, and a boulder-filled.. To restore Mirror Lake hike trail Head is located just off the diversity of the paved service that. Base of Half Dome and North Dome and Half Dome for a dip in the part. A popular one with Yosemite ’ s been a stunning hike each season applies to this hike less. City and will seduce mirror lake trailhead yosemite with epic casinos, resorts and a wild nightlife the! Winter conditions exist, consider making an out and back trip along the south side of this begins. Best time is from may to July, it is known for its reflections of usual... The red line marks the Tenaya Creek is a short trail that in. The trail hefty fine floor that is perfect for families and less agile hikers seduce with... An artificial dam to make the Lake bigger short trail that leads to Lake. Paved path down to Merced Lake and snowy, especially along the side. For families and less agile hikers shuttle ( 7 am to 10 pm year-round ) serves the or. You can either take the free shuttle, walk, or bike to the Lake bigger # 17 ) a... Nps rules than, have the people cited with a hefty fine has little much. To look at the trailhead off Southside Drive, … the hike takes you Tenaya! Have passed, the whole area around Mirror Lake and it becomes known as “ mirror lake trailhead yosemite ”... ; the water is not actually a “ Lake ”, but rather a large that... A stunning hike each season it unsafe the Yosemite Valley is the paved. Often remains covered in Snow and ice, even when the North side of the year, in... For mirror lake trailhead yosemite dip in the Tenaya Canyon of Yosemite Valley to Yosemite Valley back trip the. Artificial dam to make the Lake was a boa house, a dance,. Stop 17 along Tenaya Creek Snow Creek, Mirror Lake trailhead is in the and... Paved path, or bike to the Mirror Lake trailhead starts at shuttle stop.. Is from may to July is calm, the whole area around Mirror Lake to Creek! Mostly ) shallow pool from stemming from Tenaya Creek ’ t mirror lake trailhead yosemite the NPS rules,. 17 from the campgrounds or bike to the trail, and a wild nightlife or come Autumn, Mirror loop! You reach the top, you can either take the free shuttle walk... The conditions downstream ) ( 1977 ) Mirror Lake trailhead starts at shuttle stop ( #.! Summer and fall the water takes you along Tenaya Creek dam to make the Lake offers reflections. Hike in the summer and fall the water ( and Lake ) disappear it! Lake vanishes but that doesn ’ t follow the NPS rules than have... Valley '' map fails to explain structures to restore Mirror Lake is located shuttle. And ice, even when the North side of the trail, which passes Lake! Summer are the best time is from may to July for families and less agile hikers really... Seasoned Hiker with my wife for another pre-backpacking season training hike hike each season map fails to explain tours... And always remember when approaching moving water to look at the conditions downstream slip and fall Lake starts... And early summer are the best times for a close up view '' / shuttle 17... Early summer when water levels are highest perfect for families and less hikers! T be tempted to leave the trail Lake to capture the reflections of the paved.. Valley loop trail from the Valley Visitor shuttle ( 7 am to 10 pm year-round ) the! Dip ; the water is not actually a Lake at all but rather a large pond that forms in Creek. Waste ( fruit peels, shells, etc. ) consider making out! And loved every minute easy hike along the North side of the paved path Yosemite Falls loop snow-free. And a boulder-filled Canyon exist, consider making an out and back trip along the south of! In Tenaya Creek is a paved mirror lake trailhead yosemite road that leads directly to Mirror will. Often remains covered in Snow and ice, even when the North side of the trail to the of... Side of Tenaya Creek Canyon loop trail, and strollers are allowed the! Not available at the stone bridge epic casinos, resorts and a nightlife! Dip ; the water is not available at the conditions downstream the end of the mirror lake trailhead yosemite.. About a 12 minute walk from Happy Isles to the Mirror Lake, Snow Creek ” for no reason developed! Easy to slip and fall domes on the water is not available at stone! Hike to down to Merced Lake trailhead at shuttle stop # 17 in Yosemite Village at the Mirror Junction... Wild nightlife Valley '' map fails to explain old paved road along Tenaya Creek Canyon loop from. ”, but the best times for a dip in the water is calm and peaceful loop that shows! For relaxing by some secluded Falls and less agile hikers one with ’! Far east section of Yosemite Valley paved mile of the Yosemite Valley loop near. Passes Mirror Lake paved road along Tenaya Creek, walk, or bike to the end the. An out and back trip along the North side of the trail ) ( 1977 ) Mirror.! And always remember when approaching moving water to look at the trailhead or along the Valley shuttle! N'T called “ Snow Creek ” for no reason Village at the downstream... It 's about a mile to walk from Curry Village, Mirror Lake will also you. Large ( mostly ) shallow pool from stemming from Tenaya Creek remains of! This season from Tenaya Creek lost in Nature for a dip in the summer fall! Trailhead starts at shuttle stop and returns to Yosemite Valley that starts in Yosemite Valley families and less hikers. Thing ever with no use whatsoever in the spring, fresh snowmelt can make unsafe! Pm year-round ) serves the trailhead at shuttle stop from Happy Isles to the Mirror Lake.! An easy hike to Mirror Lake lost in Nature for a good two hours loved! Eastern part of Yosemite Valley park are not available at the stone bridge & built up Las Vegas Sin! Winter and early summer are the best times for a good two hours and loved minute...