| Yosemite National Park, California |
 Trail Name:Gaylor-Granite Lakes Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| This trail climbs steeply to a series of sparkling alpine lakes. The middle Gaylor Lake is reached after 1 mile, followed by Upper Gaylor Lake to your right and two Granite Lakes to your left. The trail ends at the remains of the Great Sierra Mine, a reminder of the mining activity that flourished in the Yosemite area in the 19th century. There are great view of the lakes and surrounding granite peaks from this high vantage point.
Other day hikes are easily accessible from Tioga Pass. A little further west along the Tioga Road is a parking area and trailhead for the 8 mile, out and back trail to Mono Pass. The trail passes further relics from the mining days as it climbs 1,000 ft/305 m, with views of 12,764-ft Mount Gibbs and Mono Lake. Just outside the National Park boundary east of Tioga Pass, a spur road to the left heads to Saddlebag Lake. There are various trails in this area, including one to Greenstone, Wasco and Steelhead Lakes, and another to Hummingbird, Odell and Helen Lakes. A boat-taxi runs across Saddlebag Lake from the resort at the south shore, giving easier access to these high alpine trails. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Tioga Pass, in the high country of Yosemite National Park, central California. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: The most direct routes to Tioga Pass are via the east and west entrances of the National Park along Tioga Road (Hwy 120 – closed in winter). It is 7 miles east of Tuolumne Meadows visitor center and 62 miles from Yosemite Valley. Trailhead: Just west of the National Park entrance station at Tioga Pass. Length: 6 miles / 9.6 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,000 ft / 305 m Duration: 4 hours Trail Condition: Defined. Features: Alpine lakes, meadows. Climate: Summer-only trail – June to end September. Accommodation: Limited lodging and cabins near Tioga Pass just outside the National Park. Camping available on first come-first served basis. Similar facilities available in Tuolumne Meadows. Trail Notes: Tioga Road is only guaranteed to be open in summer. The trail reaches an elevation of 10,760 ft. Trail maps available from Tuolumne Meadows visitor center. |
Popularity: 11% [?]
