tenaya lake

The approach to Tenaya Lake along the Tioga Pass Road is breathtaking enough as you wind through gorgeous granite-covered mountains. But the lake itself, nestled between the granite outcroppings is really spectacular. It's a place for great picnics, wonderful photographs, peaceful contemplation, or a nice camp out in the hike-in campsites nearby. I try to visit every time I'm in Yosemite for the awe that it strikes in me. A visual treat! There are many trails around the lake but some are for longer hikes rather just than quick trips. Still you can walk quite a distance around it on flat terrain, so that's a plus for older people. It's a Yosemite site that is not to be missed.

Great area to park and hike around for an hour or two.The famous rock climb "great white book" is opposite the lake on the road and you can easily watch roped climbers.Not too many trails , but if you can read a map and compass, this is a beautiful area. Parking lot was at the N. end of the lake in the past.

Don't miss out when your driving on the Tioga Pass, nice place to have a little outdoor lunch. Loved it!

This was our favorite part of the park. The lake is at a very high elevation almost in the middle of nowhere and is a very pretty sight. The parking lot is small but we found plenty of empty spots and the beach is within a short walk from the lot. The lake/ beach was pretty deserted even though the other parts of the park were very crowded. This is a good place to find some solitude in the park and the sights are spectacular. The water is very clear and the lake overall is very scenic.

If you are travelling the TIOGA road and want to stretch your legs, stroll around Tenaye Lake. There is a parking lot, pretty sized beach, and nice walk around the lake that takes about an hour.

Having just finished the hike to and from Clouds rest, when our guide asked if we wanted to see Tenaya Lake, all I wanted to do was take off my boots and rest, but it seemed a shame not to see it as we were close by. I am so glad that we did, this place is so beautiful and calm I just stood and stared at it. There is a beach and picnic area. One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

The lake was so clear and beautiful. It was warm, 77 degrees I believe, and snow still one the ground. We stopped and had a picnic here. I can't wait to get back and bring my kayaks!

Tenaya Lake is high in the mountains overlooking Yosemite Valley. A good hour's drive from either side of the mountains.Easy access to the shoreline and a fair amount of parking.Good spot for kayaks, but be prepared for cold water.Lavatory facilities, but that's about it. No fee.

We arrived much later in the afternoon than we had planned, and so we decided to briefly stop here to rest with the sunset. It was a great idea. We were "enchanted" to relish the calm waters and the peaceful sunset before we got a chance to capture anything on a photograph. Definitely worth the stop, especially in the very early morning (or very late afternoon).

Tenaya Lake is along Tioga Pass. Great place to stop for a picnic lunch. Views of the surrounding hills are stunning, especially the beautiful reflections on the still water. Water is crystal clear. There are beaches in various areas that I assume are great for swimming during hot weather.

Our visit to Yosemite National park can be described by just that; WOW!We hiked to the North Dome and Rock Arches, then drove to Tenaya lake and dipped our tired toes in the frigid waters...The surrounding peaks, the clear waters, everything just filled us with the beauty and peace of the place. The phrase "bucket list" was made to include this national treasure.Access and parking are very easy, the lake is right of the road. September is a great time to visit Yosemite, not crowded at all.

We stopped for a picnic lunch on this beautiful lake. One end has a great beach with nice clean sand. We saw several young families with kids enjoying the water and sand. Gorgeous place.

A great place even if you only have time for a quick stop. The lake is beautifully nestled between two huge peaks. We took a short walk on the boardwalk through the marshy area and along the sandy beach. Also got to observe some rock climbers nearby.

On our visit to Yosemite the grounds man for the cabin we were staying at recommended going to Tenaya Lake and he wasn't wrong.The lake was beautiful, it was quite and peaceful. There were a few people fishing and various families chilling out. The water is crystal clear, a bit rocky when walking out so go careful but totally worth it to be swimming in such a special place.There were a number of birds of pray around which was nice to watch.We stayed there for 4 hours just taking it all in and relaxing. A must visit stop in Yosemite.Note: There are no facilities at the lake so take some food and drink with you.

Even on a crowded Labor Day weekend, we still found parking along side the road and a spot on one of the several beaches. We brought a picnic and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and even waded in the water. Even though the water was shallow, it was still pretty cold. Most people just stood there cooling off with the water up to their knees. Others were kayaking and paddle boarding, which looked like fun!