Tenaya Lake
Lake Alpine lake in Yosemite National Park near granite peaks
High‑elevation lake in Yosemite National Park along Tioga Road; visitors swim, kayak, picnic on granite shores and use it as a base for nearby hiking and climbing routes.
Tenaya Lake is a glacial lake in Yosemite National Park, California, located along Tioga Road between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. It is named after Chief Tenaya of the Ahwahneechee people.
The lake is popular for day-use activities such as swimming, kayaking, shoreline walks and short hikes, set against granite slopes and with views of nearby peaks including features of the Cathedral Range and nearby Mount Dana. Access is direct from Tioga Road when that mountain pass road is open.
The lake was carved by glacial activity and later named in reference to local native history. It functions today as a scenic high-elevation recreation site within Yosemite National Park.
Tenaya Lake lies on Tioga Road in eastern Yosemite, accessible from the park’s western areas when the high-elevation road is open seasonally.
- Elevation and seasonality: The lake sits at high elevation - about 8,150 feet (approximately 2,484 metres) above sea level - so conditions are cooler and the season for road access and swimming is limited.
How to Get to Tenaya Lake #
Tenaya Lake lies along Tioga Road (California State Route 120) inside Yosemite National Park. When Tioga Road is open (seasonal), drive from Yosemite Valley eastbound along Tioga Road - the lake is a 30-60 minute drive from Yosemite Valley depending on starting point and traffic - or drive west from Lee Vining on US‑395, typically a 20-30 minute drive to the lake. There is limited public transit access to Tioga Road; the lake is roadside with small pullouts/parking and short walks from parking to the shore.
Tips for Visiting Tenaya Lake #
- Access Tenaya Lake via Tioga Road (Highway 120) and check the status of the road before you go-Tioga Road is seasonally closed in winter and after heavy snow.
- Visit at sunrise or early morning for calm water reflections and far fewer visitors; the parking area at the lake fills early on summer weekends.
- Allow extra travel time if coming from Yosemite Valley-Tioga Road is a high-altitude route with slower speeds and limited services en route.
Best Time to Visit Tenaya Lake #
Best time: mid-summer (late June-September) when Tioga Road is open and Tenaya Lake is accessible - always verify seasonal road opening dates before planning.
Weather & Climate near Tenaya Lake #
Tenaya Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (689 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (120 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
