| Yosemite Valley, California |
 Trail Name:Mirror Lake Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| In spring, with Mirror Lake at its fullest with snow melt-off and rainwater, the surrounding peaks are indeed mirrored in its still surface. But Mirror Lake is silting up, gradually turning to meadow in the natural process of succession. Do not expect to see a lot of water as summer progresses – the lake can be completely dry by August or September. The meadow, however, remains very scenic, surrounded by trees and majestic cliffs, including the instantly recognizable shape of Half Dome.
From the shuttle bus stop, follow the cycle/foot path the short distance towards Tenaya Creek. At Tanaya Bridge, a number of paths converge; turn left to follow the south bank of the creek. After 0.75 mile, you reach a bridge crossing the creek. Either cross here to loop clockwise around the lake and meadow, or continue ahead to follow the trail anti-clockwise. The trail passes along the edge of Mirror Lake and then on through meadow, looping back to return to the lake after a couple of miles. If the lake is full, the reflection in the water of Half Dome and other granite peaks is a beautiful sight. At this point, a choice of paths leads through woods to the north of the creek, turning left after about 0.5 mile to return to Tenaya Bridge. This trail is very popular, and we would certainly recommend it outside of the main summer season when there are fewer crowds. Wildflowers, and the lake itself, are at their peak in June. At any time of year, however, it is a relief just to get away from the traffic that blights the beauty of Yosemite Valley. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Yosemite National Park, within the Sierra Nevada in central California. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: The most direct routes to Yosemite Valley are via the south and west entrances of the Park. For the south entrance, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; for the west entrances, Hwy 140 east from Merced, or 132 and 120 from Modesto. The valley can also be reached from the east via the 395 and 120 (Tioga Road – closed in winter). Trailhead: Accessed from shuttle bus stop 17. Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m Duration: 2 hours Trail Condition: Well defined. Features: Meadow and lake (may be dry by end of summer), granite cliffs. Climate: Valley is hot in summer. Best out of the busy season – daytime temperatures warm in spring and fall, and mild in winter, with minimal snow on valley floor. Accommodation: Yosemite Valley has lodges, cabins and crowded campgrounds – reservations usually essential. Lodging and camping also available in other areas of the Park and outside the Park entrances, but this may leave a long drive to reach the valley. Trail Notes: Valley gets very crowded and entrance may be restricted at busy times of year. Arrive early, park, and walk or take a shuttle bus to the trailhead. |
Popularity: 10% [?]
