Tenaya Lake - Yosemite National Park
This past weekend was wet and chilly in Yosemite, but with the Tioga Pass park entrance open for the season, it officially feels like Summer here – no matter what the weather has in store! This week we’re heading out of the Valley towards the east side of the park for an afternoon at Tenaya Lake.
Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park
History
Tenaya Lake sits at an elevation of 8,150 ft and measures over a mile long. This lake was named after Chief Tenaya, a prominent Ahwahnechee leader here. Before the Mariposa Battalion drove out Yosemite’s original residents, the Ahwahnechee had long given this lake a very different name, “Pie-we-ack”, meaning lake of shining rocks. Formed by Tenaya Glacier, which flowed from the Tuolumne Ice Sheet to the Yosemite Valley, this lake is surrounded by stunning granite.
Kayaking on Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park
Sandy beach and picnic area on the northeast side of Tenaya Lake
Activities
During the Winter months, Tioga Pass closes due to snow, making the lake inaccessible. However, once the road opens (often by early June), Tenaya Lake is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. There are no docks here and motorized boat aren’t allowed, but fishing and swimming are permitted. Hiking is popular from this spot…not only can you enjoy the easy 3 mile hike around the lake, but trailheads on the southern edge of the lake (at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead) lead to Cathedral Lakes, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite National Park shirt available on our Etsy store
Yosemite National Park shirt available on our Etsy store
National Park Apparel and Products
This week, Nate and I excited to announce our National Park collection on our joint Etsy store (SuddenlySee). Along with the Yosemite Half Dome shirts you see on this blog post today, we have designed National Park checklists, T-shirts, and mugs from some of our favorite destinations. Make sure to check out our online store linked below, which will have fresh new products and apparel added on a regular basis.
Shop now at the SuddenlySee Etsy Store
Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park
Tenaya Lake from Summer 2020 in Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• From the park’s east (Tioga Pass) entrance, take Tioga Rd for 15 miles to reach the lake. From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Rd up to Tioga Rd and travel east from Crane Flat for 31 miles to reach the lake.
• Most years Tioga Rd is open from June through October, but it’s important to check the NPS website for exact and up-to-date opening/closing information.
• Tenaya Creek flows at the southwest end of the lake, and while it’s easily crossed in the late Summer and Fall by hopping on the rocks, if you want to hike this section during the Spring, the water levels can reach up 2-3 feet or more (making for a cold and wet stream crossing).
• The weather can change suddenly here. Often in the morning the waters are calm and cold, but by afternoon the winds can pick up and the sun can shine and glisten off the surrounding granite walls. Be aware that swift Summer storms can move in unexpectedly, but whatever the weather, this is indeed one of Yosemite’s most beautiful lakes.
Morning mist rises off Tenaya Lake from Fall 2019
In Summary
Thanks so much for much for joining me this week in Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of Tenaya Lake, see my Behind the Blog at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Tenaya Creek flowing out of Tenaya Lake as a storm rolls in
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps in offsetting the cost of running this site so we can continue to provide you with free content to help you plan your next adventure.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
What are the best hotels in Yosemite? Today I'm sharing 5 of my favorite unique hotel stays in & around Yosemite National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to airbnb villas to dog friendly stays. Check out this comprehensive travel guide to learn about lodging dining options, room & suite amenities, family friendly activities, and proximity to main entrances to plan your next Yosemite vacation.