Tenaya Lake

Lake · Mariposa County

Tenaya Lake

Lake · Mariposa County

California

Highlights

Nestled between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, stunning Tenaya Lake boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and scenic non-motorized boating.

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@travelleisure

10 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the U.S.

"Yosemite’s rock climbing and hiking potential gets a lot of love, but this California national park also boasts spectacular swimming, kayaking, and rafting spots such as the alpine Tenaya Lake. Tucked between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, this beautiful glacial body of water sits at an elevation of 8,150 feet and is backed by granite boulders." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/places-with-the-bluest-water-in-the-united-states-7185526

View Postcard for Tenaya Lake

@afar

"Tenaya is not only one of the most beautiful lakes in Yosemite, it’s one of the most accessible—when Tioga Road (the only road in the high country) is open, usually May through October. The fact that it’s easy to get to makes it one of the most popular sites in Yosemite, but because it’s located 8,150 feet about the valley floor, it’s still a lot less crowded than other attractions. The sandy swimming beach on the east end of the clear alpine lake is a favorite spot for sunbathing, with granite domes surrounding three sides. There’s also a smaller, typically less busy beach on the west end, but you’ll have to do a little wading to get there. For landlubbers, there’s an easy 2.5-mile hike around the lake."

The Best Things to Do in Yosemite

View Postcard for Tenaya Lake

J'oni Smith

Google

Absolutely stunning! Walking into this the first time is breathtaking. The color of the water, the landscape beyond. It's breathtaking. Wish I would have gone for a dip or went floating in my tube. A must-see in your lifetime

Say

Google

So so pretty! We drove from Yosemite to see this beautiful lake! It was so worth it. Highly recommend! Bring a kayak or paddle board as well.

Oana Gusatu

Google

Awesome glacial lake attracting crowds that are looking to cool down with a swim during the hot summer days. The water is cold but by the beach is warmer and beautifully clear. Dogs are not allowed as it’s the case with all National Parks beaches and trails. It has several parking lots across the main road, some of which provide direct access to the white sand beaches formed along the lake. I went here at the end of August and found parking quite easily and a shaded spot on the beach. But I also went during a busy July weekend back in 2018 when it was impossible to find any parking so we ended up parking along the road. You have more chances of finding a spot if you come midweek or early September while the temperatures are still high but kids are back in school.

Jill

Google

Beautiful and serene. You kind of have to take turns to park if you arrive later. People seem to not stay to long, but I swim the lake so we are there a while. Bring your paddle board and swimsuit. Water is always super clear and beautiful. The views around are amazing. AND,,,look up on the big granite walls and you may see a rock climber or walker! Beautiful beautiful spot.

Emily Gaebel

Google

We drove further up and in specifically to see and take a dip in this lake on our way back home from camping in Yosemite Valley. The drive was stunning! I couldn't believe we got to witness such untouched beauty...and then Tenaya Lake. Wow. Breathtaking. Still brings a tear to my eye that we got to stand on her shore and take in her beauty. It was around the 90s when we left the valley and much colder (around high 60s) at the lake. It was also windy. Unexpected, first-timer experience, ha! My husband and I did eventually gather courage to jump in for a quick "I did it!" swim, though I wish I stayed in a bit longer (we didn't let our son go in, tho he wanted to, our wild child). You quickly adjust and it does feel warmer out of the water. Anyhow! A visit to Tenaya Lake is more than worth the drive! I can't attest to any crowd as we visited on Labor Day. Many visitors just stayed a bit to look at the lake or moved on for a hike around the lake. I think we and a couple others actually put a blanket down. Again, it was windy! Great memories from here, and looking forward to seeing her again.

Francesco Xodo

Google

Very nice lake, easily accessible because it's next to Tioga Road and therefore very popular for various activities. I just walked barefoot on the shore to enjoy the fresh water and the view of the surrounding mountains. The name comes from Chief Tenaya, last Chief of Yosemite Indians.

Florian M.

Google

A beautiful, calm lake with crystal clear water, Tenaya Lake is located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. It was formed by the Tuolumne Glacier and lies at an elevation of 2484m (8150 ft.) above sea level. Tenaya Lake is easily accessible by State Route 120 (Tioga Pass Road) and is a popular lake for both water activities and swimming. While driving from Yosemite Valley to Lee Vining, we stopped at this lake and went for a refreshing swim on the eastern beach which is accessible from the picnic area and parking lot. The view of the surrounding mountains is spectacular and swimming in the lake is a unique experience!

Andrea A

Google

If you see a spot to park do not hesitate. A beautiful lake surrounded by trees. Utterly stunning and even though I only saw a little bit of the lake it was very impressive. I would definitely come back.