Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the Cathedral Lakes trailhead (8,630 feet), follow the John Muir Trail
(JMT) southwest away from Tioga Road. The trail designations can be tricky here,
sometimes marked as the JMT, sometimes marked as Cathedral Lakes, and some-
times marked as Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Follow the trail up the initially dusty
path away from the highway, and encounter a series of shaded switchbacks beneath
fir and lodgepole pine trees that rise sharply for half a mile out of the meadow. Des-
pite the initial shade, this is still best attempted before the midday heat.
As you gain altitude, the scenery changes from hemlock-strewn meadows and
thatches of wood to broader expanses with views of granite giants. After a slight
plateau, encounter a second push of moderate to steep grade. Cross Cathedral Creek
and several springs while following the west flank of Cathedral Peak. The Cathedral
Range separates the Tuolumne and Merced rivers. The range is named for its celeb-
rated peak, as glacial activity has given the mountain a distinctive double pinnacle
outline reminiscent of a grand cathedral. As the horizontal view increases, look for
the appropriately named Sawtooth Ridge with jagged spires and Matterhorn Peak.
Not surprisingly, this trail sees a lot of use, as it's a major thoroughfare for back-
packers and day-trippers alike making their way into the backwoods via Tuolumne.
Watch the trail to avoid horse manure, as this is the resupply route for pack trains
traveling to Sunrise High Sierra Camp.
After 3 miles and just under 1,000 feet of climbing, the first juncture points to
Upper Cathedral Lake to the right (west). A half-mile trail brings you through pine
woods and hemlock shading to follow a rippling inlet stream that bounces along a
meadow before reaching Lower Cathedral Lake (9,288 feet). Nestled snugly under
the watchful eye of Cathedral Peak (10,840 feet), the lake is a photographer's dream.
Lower Cathedral Lake tends to be the less crowded of the two, as many hikers and
backpackers stay on the main John Muir Trail to Upper Cathedral Lake. But this spur
trail is worth a detour to see this stunning subalpine beauty cradled in a granite bowl.
If you brave an icy dip, there are plenty of broad rocky expanses where you can sit
