About this Trail
This hike is a loop trail around a very pretty lake. Part of the time you're in the forest, part of the time you're in meadow, and part of the time you're crossing granite. The lake is right on the Tioga Pass Road (Hwy. 120), and it's got a great beach, so sometimes it's crowded, but I've never seen very m any people on the trail itself. Most folks are hanging out on the beach at the east end of the lake.
The hike around the lake takes between 1 and 2 hours -- however long it takes you to walk 2.5 miles. It's well-maintained. The only challenge can be crossing the lake's outlet at the west end. You might have to take off your shoes and socks to cross.
Be sure, as you hike, to look north across the lake to the big granite rock slabs, where rock-climbers can often be seen right off the road. And after your hike, take a dip in the lake! The temperature is often quite pleasant, particularly for a high-altitude lake!
Directions to Trailhead (or put-in on water trails)
From the west entrance to the park, drive to where the road splits to the Valley or Tioga Pass, and follow Tioga Pass about 31 miles to Tenaya Lake. From the east side of Tioga Pass, it's about 15 miles to the lake from the Tioga ranger station.
Notes on Difficulty Rating
It's a 2.5 mile trail around a lake, so it's fairly short and mostly level. The most challenging part is crossing the outlet at the west end, but that's not usually too daunting unless the water is very high.
