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Elizabeth Lake Trail

Intermediate
 4.1 (8)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Yosemite National Park
  5. Tuolumne Meadows
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“A beautiful trail that ends with spectacular views of Elizabeth Lake and the base of Cathedral Peak. ”

Nate Porter
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Map Key

2.2

Miles

3.5

KM

Point to Point

9,511' 2,899 m

High

8,737' 2,663 m

Low

774' 236 m

Up

1' 0 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

17%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly This would be a great option for older kids as an introduction to backpacking or a longer day hike.

Description

To get to this trail, you must take portions of first the Pacific Crest Trail, followed by a small section of the John Muir Trail.

After the fork for the Elizabeth Lake Trail, the trail ascends toward the lake. Though strenuous, the trail is not technical.

The trail will eventually flatten out and open up into the serene landscape of Elizabeth Lake. Make sure to enjoy all the beauty that this Alpine lake has to offer before turning around for the 3-mile descent, back the way you came.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Nate Porter
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 8 votes

#16

in Tuolumne Meadows

#8349

Overall
  4.1 from 8 votes
5 Star
13%
4 Star
88%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#16

in Tuolumne Meadows

#785

in California

#8,349

Overall
4 Views Last Month
729 Since Aug 27, 2015
Intermediate
0%
0%
86%
0%
14%
0%
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Photos

Unicorn Peak above Elizabeth Lake
Aug 27, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
You have reached your destination!
Jul 10, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Unicorn Peak and Elizabeth Lake.
Jan 21, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Fishing in Elizabeth Lake, under Unicorn Peak.
Jan 21, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Crossing Unicorn Creek on the way to Elizabeth Lake.
Jan 21, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Clouds pass overhead as Elizabeth Lake sits below Unicorn Peak.
May 12, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Aug 7, 2019
Adi Dahiya
2h 15m
Jul 18, 2019
Mike Aspiras
4.4mi — 2h 40m
Jul 8, 2018
Mark T Mueller
Jun 22, 2018
Hannah JaeMyoung Chang
Sep 19, 2017
R C
Lots of forestation at first, opening to the lake. There was a strong, cold wind coming off the lake upon first approach, but clear spots on the sides 5mi
Aug 30, 2017
Shlomo Waser
Round trip plus a loop a round the lake. 5.3mi
Aug 8, 2017
Stephen Pack
Sep 23, 2016
Leslie Adams
Beautiful red foliage. Some snow remaining at altitude. Lunch at lake 5mi

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