Tenaya Lake

A high mountain lake about 2,485 m above sea level beside Tioga Road, with clear water, a sandy beach on the east shore, and granite domes all around.

The lake lies about 13 km west of Tuolumne Meadows. The road hugs its north shore, with several pullouts. The sandy east end is good for picnics and brief dips (the water is very cold), and you can also go kayaking or paddleboarding. The trail around the lake is about 4 km. The lake is named after Tenaya, a chief of the local Ahwahneechee people. Wind often ruffles the surface, but on calm early mornings you can see reflections.

Opening hours

While Tioga Road is open

Alpine lake · Sandy beach · Road trip

Nearby sights

• Olmsted Point
• Half Dome
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Yosemite National Park
• Mirror Lake
• Mist Trail: Vernal & Nevada Falls
• The Ahwahnee
• Glacier Point

Places to eat nearby

• The Ahwahnee Dining Room
• Curry Village Pizza Deck
• The Mountain Room
• Jackalopes Bar and Grill
• Evergreen Lodge Restaurant

More in Yosemite National Park