Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is a pretty easy route if you’re not looking for anything too strenuous. You can take the shuttle bus here (purple route), which will save you some time. It’s worth noting that the lake will not be full if you go in late summer. The lake is filled from the melting snow caps on the mountains, so if you go too late in the summer then the lake itself isn’t very full at all. We went late August and this was the case for us.

The lake was dry when we were there but, in my opinion, still worth the trip out on the paved walking path. Parking was challenging; end of August, as this trail starts close to the end of the park's roadways.

Mirror lake shares the same trailhead with Mist Trail. There are 3 ways to get to the trail head: * Take the free shuttle to the trailhead (Shuttle Stop 17) * From happy isles, follow the paved road to the trailhead (about 0.5 mile) * From happy isles, take the trail along the paved road to the trailhead. From the trailhead to the lake, it is about one mile paved service road with little elevation. It is an really easy hike ( total 2 mile round trip, 100 feet elevation). If you want more challenge, you can continue the hike passed the lake, and there is a loop trail following the Tenaya Creek. After crossing two bridges, you can return to the lake with snow creek trail. Mirror lake is dry most of the year. The best time to visit is when there are a lot of water in the lake, otherwise, you will never understand why it gets the name of mirror lake. The reflection of surrounding cliffs is breath-taking.

Came in the middle of September and a lot of the lake water level has receded so the mirror effect was much less prominent. It's still an easy hike up on a paved path and there are some nice views of half dome as you make your way up.

We enjoyed the mirror lake loop walk - a couple of hours walk up and around the lake from the free shuttle stop at number 17. It’s an easy walk, much more mirror puddle than mirror lake at this (late October) time of year. Lots of beautiful changing autumnal leaves, with several butterflies and birds to look out for.

An easy walk through the woods takes you to mirror lake. It is a breathtaking place. Be sure you are there at the right moment in the morning to see the perfect reflections on the lake.

Nice little walk to get to the lake. Very fast, and very accessible. The charm is crazy but from April the level is quite low, after that I fear that the lake will dry up quickly…

Definitely one of my favorite sights in Yosemite. The view of the lake is just breathtaking with the majestic half dome standing in the distance! Easy hike - about 45 min each way from Yosemite Village. The incline gets slightly steep toward the end of the hike but it’s mostly flat. The entire trail is paved so it’s good for beginner hikers and families, however the old dirt trail runs alongside the paved route for much of the way, so you can get some variety in scenery. There are several patches of ice along the way, though most can be avoided. Many people slip on the ice in the parking lot so watch your steps there, in particular.

Finding a place to park for this hike was a struggle! We failed the last time we visited but managed to figure it out this time. We parked at Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking, took a short walk to Happy Isles and where the restrooms were, then took the free shuttle, got off after one stop at Mirror lake! And going back to the parking lot, we took the shuttle one stop again and it was a short walk back to the parking lot. This hike reminds me of the Little Yosemite hike in Sunol, CA in the Bay Area! It's paved for most of it and there's restrooms at the beginning and about midpoint of the hike. The fall foliage was beautiful, but the lake wasn't full since its fall. There was still some water in it since it rained and snowed not too long ago.

I had not done my research and was taken aback that mirror lake was completely empty when we came in late September 2025. I was hoping to show my husband the lake for the first time to get the beautiful reflection but not this time. It was still fun to walk around in the lake bed and hike the surrounding trail and picnic here, but a real bummer not to get the reflection.

You can walk here from Curry Village (1 mile) or take the shuttle. If you have a handicap sign then there are a few parking areas. It's mostly flat but there's a part where you go uphill. Some might find it a bit challenging but I didn't think it was too bad. I saw bikes and strollers go up but unless you brought your own bike, the rented ones aren't allowed and need to stay at the bottom. It's a loop so you can go one of two ways or only go up and down the same way. It was very beautiful, water is freezing but there were a few people in it.

Mirror Lake is best experienced in the fall or winter time, when the water is abundant in the lake. Otherwise, it is very dry during the summer, and you can't see the beautiful reflections of half dome in the lake.

Take the Lake Smallish eight-acre seasonal lake located in Yosemite National Park that's approximately a two mile round-trip hike from the main park area and back. The hike has an easy 100' elevation gain and can be stretched to as much as seven miles if one includes the five mile loop around the lake itself. As stated before, the lake is seasonal, and during the dry season, visitors can hike out to the middle of the lake and take in some glorious views of the surrounding mountains. Highly recommended hike for when visiting Yosemite. The reason this is four and not five stars is the actual hike to get to the lake is a bit boring, but once you arrive it's def #worthit.

Pros: * Trail is good for beginners. It is tough in a few spots, but manageable. Great for a light challenge * Lots of picture worthy spots * Very shady trail Cons: * You have to hike quite a bit to go around the lake; recommend to the lake and then back. Extra: * Water is cold, but people still like to jump in * Do not recommend strollers

They should rename this lake to pit lake instead of mirror lake since it's all dried up! Easy 1 mile hike from Curry Village. You can either take the pave trail or the non-paved trail. The hike smells like pines, but was disappointed at the end when all I get to see if a large pit filled with sand and rocks.

Beautiful short hike. You can also bike here as well. The lake is situated near the end of the loop not too far from half dome. We went in the middle of the summer, the air temperature was over 100. Yet the water in the lake was freezing. I only put my feet in the water and that was enough to give me a brain freeze headache. The lake was absolutely beautiful and the the risk formations makes for great photos. The hike took as about 2 hours from the parking lot. The trail was very flat, lots of families with children. Definitely recommend.

Mirror Lake is an brisk uphill walk from the shuttle stop and mostly on a paved road. You'll likely find yourself stopping at some of the smaller lakes and waterfalls in the way up the trail to Mirror Lake. The Lake itself is somewhat seasonal so don't be surprised if you find it low in summer or fall. A sign will let you know that you reached the main shore of the lake. It's worth going into for a swim or cool down if there's water in it.

Mirror Lake is known for it's reflections of Half Dome and Mount Watkins and is one of the few lakes that are easily accessible in Yosemite National Park. Accessible via the Happy isles trail starting from stop 17. It is around a 3.5 mile round trip hike with little elevation. The trail crosses the Merced River a couple of times then travels though a pine forest with a small portion though granite rocks. The entire time you get views of the valley rimmed by the granite mountains above. I would say afternoon is probably better for the sun and pictures of Half Dome. Private vehicles are not permitted along the Happy Isles Loop unless displaying a disability placard.

Soooooo it's not a lake... now it's a meadow and the busses will no longer drop you off at the trailhead. The trail is shaded and handicapped placard owners can pull down the road making it accessible. Just not quite as lovely as long ago.

This is so beautiful and relaxing location in Yosemite National Park. Also, it is one of the easiest visitor points in Yosemite too. The lake is not very far from Curry Village. It is about 45 minutes walking or 15 minutes if you have a bicycle. The lake is not very big, but it looks like a mirror. The mountains' reflection on the lake is very clear. It is a very beautiful view! The National Park is blocked off the road to the lake unless your car has a handicapped license plate or placard. You will find Mirror Lake is very relaxing except on the weekend. The lake became a family paradise on the weekend with so many kids there playing in the water. This is one of the best and famous spots in Yosemite. I have found the best view is in the late afternoon when the sunlight from the west. I hope you will enjoy your visit next time.

We hiked up the Mirror Lake trail from the base of the trail. We parked near the kennels since they are closed, and found the trail head where it forks off from Happy Isles. Some people bike or walk up the paved road to Mirror Lake, and we could see them from the trail (the road is to the left of the water, the trail to the right). I'm glad we took the trail since it's mostly shaded. You are constantly headed uphill - it's not steep, but it's dirt or rocks and you are moving up for 1 mile. We found some great beachy entrances where my husband and son played in the water, and I easily found shade for myself. After they played in the water we hiked a bit further and found the Mirror Lake sign - with a meadow behind it - the water level must be low because it's July?

What are people reviewing here: the lake or the hike to get to the lake? How about a bit of both? The "hiking Yosemite Valley map", obtained from the Visitor Center (or information station), described the hike to Mirror Lake as "easy (flat and short)" and "2 miles round trip... about 1 hour". The devil is in the details, the things the "hiking Yosemite Valley" map fails to explain. You can thank me later. Many trails will get you to Mirror Lake. Some are longer and more difficult than others. A paved trail can be reached via the free park shuttle but if you're near the Visitor Center you're already quite close. The hike from there is easy and impossible to lose, culminating in a manageable hill near the end that leads you to the lower part of the lake. The Valley Loop Trail provides an alternate, longer and harder (though not "hard") hike there but first you have to find and follow the Valley Loop Trail and that can be a challenge. You can bike the entirety of the paved path to the lake though rental bikes are supposed to be left at the bottom of that hill. Cars can also get up here though the available parking may have only been for those with disabilities (I'm uncertain). The lake itself is ice cold (in June) but fun to wade through nonetheless. The lower section is shallow, enabling one to wade across for a place in the shade. Want to see the whole lake? I didn't, but you can: the map says the loop around the lake is 5 miles, takes 2 hours, and is moderately difficult, flat, and long. Mirror Lake is a good destination for those looking to do a relatively short and easy hike. Unlike Bridalveil or Lower Yosemite Falls, this one will actually require you to walk though not for too long or far. It's a good introduction to Yosemite Valley and a good place to enjoy for an hour or so once you get there.

Mirror Lake is an easy trail in Yosemite Park! Super flat and quick thats suited for beginners or low-energy. It took us about 40 mins driving from Curry Village campsite to get there. Along the drive, there's a lot of gorgeous views to take in. Yosemite is currently in a drought, so the lake did not have any water. It was all dried up but was still fun going up the rocks and being so close to where the water would normally be.

Coming here 4th of July weekend - there wasn't much lake to the Mirror Lake. We were able to cross to the other side of the lake. We entered through the forest pathway but since we were able to cross over, we ended it going back on the smooth road pavement. We parked near a campsite & walked towards the signs. From the campsite, the total hike is about 1.2 miles one way. There is no way you can park at the 1 mile start mark. But the entire hike was pretty easy. Children & pets could hike this easily. But be sure to put on bug spray! I got bit almost 5 times on my legs :( The water was refreshing & we saw ducks! It was beautiful but I'd recommend coming here in the spring when there is more water in the lake. It was a bit underwhelming when we got to the spot but luckily since it was only 1 mile, it wasn't too much work.

Stunning, the water is so clear and still. We were lucky to be there on a nice clear day! Would like to go back and hike around. It's a pretty long walk, but paved all the way. The only vehicle access is for cars with handicap tags.

We took the bike from Half Dome village and rode to Mirror lake. We parked the bike nearby, and walked a short distance to mirror lake. The beautiful green lake is in between mountains, and you can walk the loop and bring back to where you started. It is a great place to have lunch before continuing the bike ride to Yosemite village.

Great easy stroll to one of Yosemite's most iconic locations. Would be perfect for a young family, as the "trail" is mostly a small asphalt walking path with very little elevation climb. Takes you along Tenaya Creek, and at different points, you reach forks in the trail, but not to worry, they all lead to Mirror Lake, just with different vantage points. Walked this trail with the family, but earlier in the morning, rode my bike on it, which was also pretty nice. Just before the lake there is a great little beach area along Tenaya Creek. We stopped here for a little swim in the cool waters under the shadow of Half Dome. Refreshing, to say the least. The lake itself is best seen in the Spring when there is plenty of water. And you quickly realize why it's called Mirror Lake. Fun to explore the shoreline, the kids had a blast. Great place for some photos. Saw a skink among the rocks. Very peaceful in early morning. And absolutely beautiful. Can be crowded, but still worth it.

"These beautiful days must enrich all my life. They do not exist as mere pictures...but they saturate themselves into every part of the body live always" - John Muir. A very chill and relaxing hike to do. Not difficult at all. I recommend you start at the south side (and early in the morning) of the trail loop and bring a camera. Chances are great that you will encounter some wild life or at the very least you'll have gnats buzzing around you. Its part of the experience ya know. Don't rush it either and do try to stay as quiet as possible so you can enjoy the sounds. The entire loop is about 4 miles and yes there is a bathroom at the beginning/end of the official trail. This last trip was the 1st time we encountered a rattle snake sunning itself on the trail. It saw us and it slithered away to hide. I was okay with its "don't mess with me, I won't mess with you" attitude. Its about mutual respect when coming out here. Don't let a snake sighting deter you though. We saw plenty of deer and their fawns too. So pack a light snack, some water and take the free shuttle bus to stop 17 and go have an adventure!

The best time to visit Mirror Lake is after a big storm. Since there is plenty of snow covering everything, the Yosemite Shuttles will not stop at stops #15 through #18. We took a short shuttle ride from Curry Village to stop #19. From there we had to trek back to stop #18 and then stop #17, the Mirror Lake trailhead. This can be done in regular shoes. We were wearing snowshoes, which I highly recommend. A sign along the way said it was 1.2 miles to Mirror Lake. I don't know how far along it was, but I'll round up a bit and said it was a 3 mile trek round trip. Mirror Lake was beautiful as it always is. The water was not frozen over, but it was very cold. It wasn't crowded at the top, but we weren't along either. Then we had to trek back down. I was very glad to be wearing snowshoes. Everyone else around us was walking downhill a little gingerly as not to face plant in the snow.

1. We hiked from the Ahwahnee Hotel on the trail behind the valet's parking lot. This is a dirt trail going around huge boulders, and eventually merging with the bike trail leading to the paved Mirror lake trail. 2. There is a restroom at the junction of these two trails, but the lock on one of the bathrooms didn't lock, so knock before entering! 3. You can also get to the Mirror Lake trail head using the free Valley shuttle stopping at the #17 stop just after the #16 stop at the Mist trail. 4. From the trail head to the Lake is no more than a mile on an very wide paved road. Cars with handicap plates may drive up to edge of the Lake. The paved road has a very gradual upward incline until the last curve before the lake. 5. Here the paved road becomes very steep. Not wheelchair accessible here, but I've seen many a strollers pushed up to the Lake. There is a sign about 200 yards short of Lake, requiring rental bicycles to be stop at the bike rack. 6. At the lake edge is another set of restrooms. There is a sign prohibiting all bicycles and dogs from entering the dirt trail. Walk another 100 yards, and you reach the site where everyone takes pictures of people on top of the square stone at the waters edge. 7. Today, Monday March 17,2014 at 10am, the whole area is in the shade, with little or no reflection from the mountain walls on the lake. 8. We decide to hike around the lake. The hike is pretty easy as it is level. At the half way mark, one will come to a bridge crossing the fast moving stream. Afterwards the trail disintegrates into a watery swampy area, full of fallen trees, before reaching the landslide region. 9. The landslide region is a stark contrast to the surrounding forests. The entire area is filled with huge boulders and stones. However the trail has been cleared of obstacles. 10. Continuing on wards, and you come to the lake again. However you can't cross the lake, as the water is flowing too rapidly in this day in March. 11. We hike completely around the lake to the roadway, and then hike back up to the picture site with the single boulder. By 1pm the setting is in the sun. Everyone crowds around waiting in line to take shots of their friends clowning on the boulder. 12. This year the lake level is definitely shallower than in the past years, when water surrounded the solitary rock. Come back in late June, and the lake will become a pond full of waterplants. And by late July you will be able to walk on the lake bed. 13. We hike back to the walking trail next to the bike trail, and hike back to the Ahwahnee. The entire hike was 7.5 miles, taking 3.5 hours. 14. I have been told that in past years, the park service dredged the Lake of silt. However there has now been a change of policy, deciding to let nature take it's course, and let the silt accumulate year after year. Eventually the water level will decrease with each successive year, with the Lake become shallower and shallower. So you should definitely see the lake while it is still a mirror lake .

The 4stars are for what it would be if there was water. We came during fall break (oct 11th) and it was absolutely dry. Not checking out if there was water or not, we did the hike, thinking how could a lake dry up? It was a fairly easy hike and I wore sneakers. I've seen pictures of when there is water and it seems to be in the spring when the frost melts. It also seems more of a creek or river when full, not a lake. There are definite awesome picture taking moments and it being dry, allowed us to cross over and walk back to the village on a paved path. That paved path also afforded us a surprise visit from a small bear. I'd love to visit when the water is in and having read the monuments, seems like it was normal for it to dry up at this time and remain sandy (used to use the sand on icy roads way back when).

Came to Yosemite with the intention of doing minimal hiking. We found this hike that was shorter than ones we've done at Yosemite before. It is 1.2 miles to get here so total 2.4 round trip. Very little incline if any at all. You have two paths to get there, one that is a paved concrete road and the other is muddy and rocky terrain. We took the muddy rocky terrain and it was a blast. Just beware, once you pick a path there is no way to cross over unless you want to cross the fast flowing river (not recommended). There are so many photo opportunities here and the landscape is breathtaking. We even saw someone get proposed to here! The water is gorgeous and so is the rock formations. You get a view of Half Dome at the end as well.

Nice Little Spot To Cool Off In Chilly Water! A leisurely hike from the shuttle bus stop will bring you to this little gem where chilly water can be played in and there is even a rock to jump from towards the back, but make sure the water is deep enough before you jump. There is lots of pyrite or chalcopyrite (fools gold) in the sand beneath the water making you think you have found the next gold rush spot... Lol... The water here is pretty clean so it's a nice spot to cool off and make the feet cleaner and happier after a long day or week of hiking and camping.

In the spring, Mirror Lake is beautiful. In the late summer, Mirror Lake is a pile of dust. During my annual camping trips to the Valley, I've made it a daily ritual to take a run up to the Lake and back - it's a very easy 2-mile trip, easier if you're on a bike. The free shuttle will even get you to the trailhead, so you can really recreate the John Muir experience. ;-) The most interesting part of Mirror Lake is its history - it's the remaining remnant of the large glacial lake that used to fill the entire Valley, and is slowly disappearing as sediment fills it in. Back in the early tourism days of Yosemite, there used to be a large lodge that people would come out in party in. Gone are those days, but it's still the best place to stand and wondrously stare up the face of Half Dome. If you're bringing your bikini, you're gonna be bummed because the water is COLD. Snow melt, actually, so no wonder. It's still a good place for the kids to splash around, and there are interesting historical placards set up around an easy loop along the Lake. If you head deeper in toward the Snow Creek Trail, you'll see what the 2009 Ahwiyah Point rockfall left behind - huge piles of boulders and crushed trees. Pretty neat. Definitely worth the stroll if you're there in winter, spring, and early summer. If you're hard to please, late summer and autumn are probably a pass, but it's pretty cool to see how the park changes through each season. Just go.

Prior to coming here, I totally thought it was just a lake that SORTA looked like a mirror. But to my surprise, when they say it's a mirror lake, it really did look like a mirror. It was so fascinating. The lake was so calm, no ripples, it was like as it was photoshopped. Also there are two trails to reaching mirror lake, one that's paved that allows bikers and dogs on leash and another that goes through a forest.

Though barely a lake (most of this "lake" is knee high at deepest), Mirror Lake is surrounded by huge rocks, pretty meadows, and nice views of Half Dome and other huge cliffs at the end of Yosemite Valley - thus, it's a nice place to visit and chill for a bit. Even though it's easily accessible by road, Mirror Lake is also EASILY accessible by foot through a hiking route...the distance to the lake is a little more than a mile so there's no reason to wimp out.

About 1.2 miles to get to Mirror Lake hiking. 2.4 miles round trip. You can also drive here as well. The parking is limited. Crystal clear water. Just know that the water is freezing cold!! Felt nice to dip in and cool off, but you will definitely feel it in your joints! You can take the shuttle here (Shuttle #17) then hike to get to the lake.

If you are looking for an easy pleasant hike on a wide unobstructed road head over to Mirror Lake. It's basically 2 miles of peaceful walking and you can even bring your baby in the stroller to enjoy the views. The lake is quite dry despite a rainy season in California but the pictures here are amazing and no filter is needed. Great hike for the entire family.

Really enjoyed this hike! The trail is pretty easy so it's a good hike to start your day. You pass by such pretty sceneries. The ending is such a reward because Mirror Lake is definitely so breathtaking! Went during the winter so it was definitely cold but there were times where I had to take my jacket off because it got warm haha (layer people!) The hike itself is pretty, with lots of trees and waterfalls you can take a break and have a photosesh. Reaching mirror lake definitely felt like a reward because of how beautiful it looks. A quick tip, have a little picnic when you reach mirror lake, definitely feels very rewarding!

You could park the car on Curry Village #15 and take the shuttle to #17 for Mirror Lake. It's about 1.25 mile if you want to walk This trail is easy paved trail along the water steam. Trail is between tall big trees which give nice cool shade. This in and out hike A lot of bikers so watch out for them Dog could be on the trail w/ leash. But Dog and bike are not allow on trail at Mirror Lake A lot of water on lake at end of April, when the ice / snow melted 2 bathrooms stop Take shuttle and get off at #20 back to Curry Village Parking a lot. If you parking trail head parking a lot (between #15 to 16), get off at #19 shuttle stop and walk about 5 min to parking a lot

Perhaps I was woefully unprepared, but I was not expecting Mirror Lake to be an almost entirely receded lake in May. I would love to come back sometime when Mirror Lake is full of water and very mirror-y. The hike to Mirror Lake is not difficult at all, and it about 1 mile from shuttle stop #17 to the lake itself, and then another mile back (if you choose to go around the lake, I believe it's around 5 miles total). It's not very steep, but the entire trail had horse poop and the smell got pretty bad at some points. We did see several horseback riding groups along the way compared to in other areas of the park so we knew this must be a popular route for them. Besides the horse poop, the hike to Mirror Lake was fairly pleasant -- some running water, nice views of the granite mountains, and peacefulness all around. When we got to Mirror Lake, there was a sign, and I was thinking to myself, "this is it?" There are ponds that are bigger than what was left of Mirror Lake. When I was there, you could walk across a small fallen tree and get to the other side of the lake, hop down, and then walk by foot across a field that was the remnant of the rest of the lake. It seemed like the lake had been dry for quite awhile, because there were many worn paths where other hikers also did some exploring. The small section that was left of Mirror Lake did live up its name of shining and reflecting just like a mirror.

I went towards the end of June, so I wasn't surprised that the water was low. However, there was enough water for the kids to swim around in. The lack of water made it look more like a low river rather than lake, but it's fine. I was glad to be able to relax there without crowds of people since the park is requiring reservations during this pandemic. I also love the view of the mountains, especially the view of Half Dome from its base. As for the hike, we parked at Curry Village and took the short route, so the hike was an easy stroll. You walk on a paved road all the way to the lake with a small incline as you get closer to the lake. Nothing difficult. I rated it 4 stars since the water was low, so we didn't get to see the mountains mirrored in the lake. However, you should still stop by here just because it's a nice place to relax and take in the view.

Very easy hike...maybe approximately 2 miles, there and back? Visited in the fall, which was insanely beautiful but also cold and wet at the time but worth it! Obviously it's not much of a mirror when it's raining but still a nice little stroll through the woods! I think there may be two paths to lake, one paved and on the other side more of a trail next to the river.

I've been to mirror lake a couple of times, and compared to the rest of the park, the lake itself is pretty mediocre, but you do have great views of half dome and north dome from here. The trail is a mile so it tends to be a little less crowded than other spots in the valley.

#600. There are many roads that start at Happy Aisles trailhead... You can hike to Happy Aisles Trail; take Misty Trail to waterfalls and Half Dome or, as I decided in spur of the moment one beautiful sunny morning, Mirror Lake. It's the easiest hike ever, and please go early - by 11am there are way to many people there to enjoy the serenity and reflections. It is beautifully calm. Reflections are unbelievable and just as much, unforgettable. This is, by far, my favorite serenity spot in Yosemite. I sit on one of the fallen trees to change to lighter gear, switch lens in the camera, take few selfies, and after that just to enjoy peace and quiet, listening to birds and breathing fresh mountain air. I walk around for a bit, mesmerized by mirrors in the water, and I find a heart in the grass, made from fallen pine cones. Just like person who made it, I realized at that moment - I will leave part of my heart in those mountains, by the reflective waters of Mirror Lake.... Farewell, Mirror Lake, I am coming back, soon!

Not great. It's a far walk to get to and there really isn't a lake. I would skip it and do something else. The best part for me was the river you walk along to get to mirror lake.

If you park in Curry Village you can walk two routes to get to the trail head for Mirror Lake. The short route is a 0.8 mile walk and is a breeze in 30 degree freeze. Why? Because it's so f-ing cold you practically run to get the walk over with. There are sites are all along the walk, but Mirror Lake is what I wanted to see and I definitely stopped complaining about the cold once I reached my destination. Our party decided to be super men and women and trek the 2.1 mile route in the snow and slush to the start of the trail head. No stinking buses for us. From the trail head it's 1.1 mile gradual climb to Mirror Lake. I have never hiked any of the trails in the winter. We were cautioned against this hike do to the ice. This walk, however, was both and easy and rewarding hike. Easy because the most difficult aspect of walking this hike is trying to balance in the snow with a crazy little dog. Rewarding because I was able to see the beauty of Mirror Lake and the surrounding Yosemite Valley covered in a soft blanket of snow. It was truly beautiful. Cold, but beautiful. Since my mom's moon boots were falling apart, and I didn't think the crazy dog could ride the bus back to Curry Village, we walked the short route to the car. 2.1 + 1.1 + 1.1 + 0.8 = 5.1 mile walk in the cold will definitely keep you moving. I recommend this in the summer, but in the winter with hardly any other visitors and all the Valley covered in snow is an experience in itself.

Super easy, flat, relaxing hike in Yosemite. My son and I had just come down from Vernal Falls and figured we'd go explore near Mirror Lake. We took the shuttle from stop 16 to 17 as it was our first trip to Yosemite and we didn't realize just how close most things in the valley were since we hadn't explored during the day. Our shuttle driver mentioned "what's left of Mirror Lake" and I guess I missed this comment because my son mentioned a few minutes into our walk that we wouldn't be seeing much of a lake, I insisted sure we would and he told me what the driver had said. I told him he must have been saying we need to take a Left. Oh no! Mirror Lake was more of a puddle. In fact, we walked throughout where it would have been had there been water. It was definitely more of a sandy beach. It was still a lovely little walk and great for little ones since it's a short distance and flat. I look forward to returning during other seasons to see it in all it's glory ;)

Mirror Lake is a small, seasonal lake located on Tenaya Creek in Yosemite. It's located in Tenaya Canyon directly between North Dome and Half Dome, and is the last remnant of a large glacial lake that once filled most of Yosemite Valley at the end of the last Ice Age. It is also close to disappearing due to sediment accumulation. Every National Park has an easy hike that allows almost all to enjoy and the Mirror Lake hike is that opportunity (weather permitting). For me it's also been a good opportunity to get oriented to the Valley again, clear my head, and decide what else I'm going to do when I'm here. And so far that hasn't included risking my life on Half Dome. Yet the Mirror Lake hike is rewarding in the beauty and privilege of being here.

Make sure you have your hiking shoes on it's a long walk, but easy! it's all flat so don't worry about any hills. But to get to the lake I think it's almost 2 miles. Make sure to take a look at the stacking rocks! It's pretty cool! There's an area where there's a bunch of rocks stacked on top of each other! It looks like a whole garden of rocks! We went in August so there wasn't much water :( but the lake was still beautiful and you can still see the reflection of the mountains on the lake. Such an amazing picture to take. Even tho the lake was super shallow and there was tons of weeds (that definitely needed cutting) the view is still worth seeing! The picture I captured here is one of my favorites!

We hiked from the Majestic hotel parking lot through the woods, not the paved path and so enjoyed it. It was so much quieter, fewer people and smells great! On the way back we saw 4 deer, 2 coyote and 2 guys saw a bear (we did not). We took video of the deer eating. Back to the hike. We did hike beyond Mirror Lake and got in just about 10 miles in half a day and stopped to take a ton of photos. The Lake is very drained and there are trees growing up in it but we still managed to get great photos, just take your time enjoying the quiet, the views and make your way around and you will find them. It was even overcast and a bit rainy at times and we still had fun. Enjoy it for the exercise, the beauty and do not be disappointed you are outside, getting the exercise you need, the family-time you want and a few photos you will never forget. I will never forget turning a corner and having coyotes (or wolves) sorry I do not know right in front of me! So many birds, chipmunks, deer and the smells of the trees! Go and enjoy!

Mirror Lake lived up to its name, providing reflections of the giant boulders that dwell in it, having fallen off from the towering mountains above. The water is perfectly still and the area silentl, unless you happen to find a few ducks wading and quacking through on their way to fly somewhere else and during mid-Spring it still had the feeling of winter-the water was truly like a sheet pulled taut, unmoving and not showing any signs of the rejuvenation and rebirth that the valley was about to undergo. No mosquitoes, no fish, nothing in the lake to keep you distracted from the serenity of nature or your thoughts. We were further reminded of this area as a more tranquil part of Yosemite (though hardly deserted of visitors) when walking from the lake we were confronted with 2 deer scouring for food. They were unmoved by our presence and actually got within 5 feet of us in their search for munchies. We'd seen lots of deer on the visit but none so unwilling to be distracted from everyday life as to not run away if we approached. I really felt I was in a different Yosemite here, one where the discoveries are your own private ones and where you can feel a bit what it was like for someone like John Muir traveling along and finding something like this that hasn't been seen by many humans and taking it in as your own for a few moments.

Brilliant colors of the Fall this time of the year. It's surreal , everywhere you turn there's autumn color . Mirror Lake loop trail is an easy 5 mile loop trail, flat , leveled and some parts paved. Absolutely gorgeous. Pictures and words don't do justice. You can park your car at Half Done Village parking lot and walk over to the TH ( trail head ). Water level is low this season but makes up for it with brilliant colors. Can't wait to go back in spring time to see the higher water level. Kids friendly. Of course, dogs are not allowed on trails in the National Park.

A chill hike in Yosemite Valley. I'd recommend this hike since it's pretty chill & the scenery is beautiful. Difficulty - easy/moderate. Distance - about 1.5-2 miles 1-way. double-back to get home. Loops - Nope Shade - about half-of it Scenery - Solid 4/5. Unfortunately we went around the end of August and the lake was dry, but still a great experience nonetheless. TIPS: -There's lots of horse poop on the hike. In some parts the smell was atrocious. -Trail is well maintained. There's also bathrooms on the trail.

Beautiful place with a moderate difficulty trail. It's not hard but you will have rocks and steps. In total, you might need 2-3 hours for the entire loop if you're taking a mild pace. The site of the landslide was amazing to see, and the views of Half Dome from the other side of the lake are spectacular even though you're on ground level. Side note for those of you with wifi addictions: The signal on this trail is strong than at the Lodge. Funny that. Words can't do this place justice, so I won't attempt any further.

Mirror lake is a must see in Yosemite. My family & I always visit this lake. It was quite dry this last year (2020) in July, but the reflection was still remarkable. The water was pretty chilly but worth it. Found a snake while crossing the rocks to the other side. Very beautiful

Literally, it's Mirror Lake. Really beautiful. I went there by running from the campsite on the first day of backpacking. I got up really early before my company woke up. So I went to Mirror Lake. Because it was super early morning, nobody on the trail or lake. So quiet and beautiful. I felt like I was only in the world.