As one of the few hikes that are flat in Yosemite, the Mirror Lake Trail takes you on a scenic loop around the popular swimming hole and Tenaya Creek. Mirror Lake is very popular, and you can expect crowds at the beginning of the hike. But after that, you should have most of the trail to yourself as you meander through Tenaya Valley, gazing up at views of Half Dome, North Dome, and Mt Watkins. This guide has a short 2 mile option to Mirror Lake and back, and also a very doable 5 mile loop up peaceful Tenaya Valley.
- Video & Turn by Turn Directions for the Mirror Lake Loop Trail
- How to Get to the Mirror Lake Trail
- Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike
- Short 2 Mile Option to Mirror Lake and Back
As one of the few hikes that are flat in Yosemite, the Mirror Lake Trail takes you on a scenic loop around the popular swimming hole and Tenaya Creek. Mirror Lake is very popular, and you can expect crowds at the beginning of the hike. But after that, you should have most of the trail to yourself as you meander through Tenaya Valley, gazing up at views of Half Dome, North Dome, and Mt Watkins. This guide has a short 2 mile option to Mirror Lake and back, and also a very doable 5 mile loop up peaceful Tenaya Valley.
Where Is the Mirror Lake Trail?
The Mirror Lake Trailhead is in the eastern part of Yosemite Valley. You can walk there from Curry Village and the parking lots around it, but your best bet is to take the free green shuttle bus to stop 17, Mirror Lake Trailhead, which will take you right to the start of the hike.
Use this trailhead address:
Mirror Lake Trailhead (#17), Yosemite Valley, CA, 95389
Gear For the Hike
I recommend hiking gear for the loop hike, but you can get away with fitness clothing too. If you're doing the short hike, casual clothing is fine. The trail is easy to follow but has rocky sections; hiking boots or shoes will serve you well on the loop hike. If you do the loop hike, bring at least 1L of water.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Mirror Lake Trail Maps
The first part of the hike to the lake is easy to follow, and there is a paved and unpaved option. The loop hike takes the Valley Loop Trail and heads into a much more tranquil area of the park. All of the trails on the hike are easy to follow and relatively flat. There are some small ups and downs along the way, but no hills or climbs.
How Will You Navigate?
Using the Apple Watch for Hiking
Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers
How To Read a Topographic Map
Garmin GPSMAP 67i ReviewHike Brief
- Mirror Lake is not actually a lake, it's just a wider part of Tenaya Creek, which comes all the way down from Tenaya Lake. In the spring, fresh snowmelt can make it unsafe. Late spring and early summer are the best times for a dip; the water is calm and peaceful. In the late summer and fall the water (and lake) disappear and it becomes known as "Mirror Meadow."
- The hike brings you in between Half Dome and North Dome. Artists and photographers often come to Mirror Lake to capture the reflections of the domes on the water.
- The famous photographer Ansel Adams was hired in 1931 by the park to create photos used to sell to tourists and promote the park. But that relationship ended in 1938 when his photo of Mirror Lake (above) came out in a book called The Four Seasons in Yosemite National Park, which Adams did not know about and was not paid royalties for. Adams successfully sued and recovered damages.
- In the 1860s when Yosemite first gained popularity, the whole area around Mirror Lake was developed. There was a boa house, a dance hall, a toll road, and an artificial dam to make the lake bigger. Over the years, the park service removed these humanmade structures to restore Mirror Lake to its natural state.
Mirror Lake Trail Hike Directions
If you are just doing the short hike to the lake, turn around and go back the way you came. Otherwise, go back to the trail and continue in the same direction that you were going before.
The Ahwiyah Point rockfall was believed to happen from temperature extremes. Hot days after a cold stretch heated and expanded the rock quickly. It's thought that the rapid heating expands the granite and spontaneously breaks it apart. This video shows it happening; go to 0:35 for the major action.
Need More Info?
- Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
- When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Related Guides
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Upper Yosemite Falls Hike
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Hike Guide
Yosemite Hiking Tips
Yosemite HikesPopular Guides
Best Hiking Gear 2024
Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?
When to Hit SOS on inReachThis Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.