Elizabeth Lake
Wawona, California
| Address: | Yosemite National Park, California, USA |
| GPS: |
37°50'41.8"N 119°22'13.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 4.80 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 1000 feet |
Lakes Streams Trails Wildflowers National Park
Hike and Swim
Elizabeth Lake is a gorgeous lake tucked underneath the High Sierras in Yosemite. It's about a 4.8 mile hike to reach it, with an elevation gain of 1000 feet. Even though it's not super long, the trail climbs steadily up, especially for the first mile, so the view does make you work for it a little.
The trailhead is right outside the Tuloumne Meadows Campground and takes the B loop of the campground to the lake.
Resting between Cockscomb, Unicorn Peak, and Johnson's Peak, Elizabeth Lake is within the Tuloumne Meadows and backcountry portion of Yosemite Valley. This means it's not a super trafficked or crowded hike, and it gives views of Yosemite that are less common, but still just as beautiful. Many people decide to start working through the backcountry once they've done all of the main Yosemite activities. If you are planning on taking a couple strolls through Tuloumne Meadows, be sure to get a permit to allow you and your party access to the hikes you're wishing to take.
If you reach the lake and are still hoping for more of a challenge, you might choose to hike up to Unicorn Peak for an amazing vantage point of Cockscomb and the rest of the backcountry.
More Information
Yosemite National Park Itinerary
This Yosemite National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yosemite National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yosemite-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinUnicorn Peak and Elizabeth Lake in Yosemite - California Through My Lens
Elizabeth Lake is a high altitude lake in the Yosemite high country, Tioga Pass region. This is a beautiful spot for a short hike and a great place to have a picnic and just take in the scenery. It sits at the base of Unicorn Peak as well, which is a challenging hike with not…
https://californiathroughmylens.com/unicorn-peak-elizabeth-lake-yosemite/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Wawona, California
- Head south on Chowchilla Mountain Rd toward Wawona RdToll road(377 ft)
- Turn right onto Wawona RdToll road(21.6 mi)
- Slight right onto Southside DrPartial toll road(1.4 mi)
- Turn left onto El Capitan DrToll road(0.4 mi)
- Merge onto Northside DrToll road(2.0 mi)
- Continue onto El Portal RdToll road(0.9 mi)
- Turn right onto Big Oak Flat Road (signs for CA-120/Tioga Rd/Manteca)Toll road(9.5 mi)
- Continue onto Old Yosemite Coulterville RdToll road(344 ft)
- Turn right onto CA-120 EToll roadMay be closed at certain times or days(38.6 mi)
Parking is available at the Tuloumne Meadows campground.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne County, California
2.6 miles NEA stunning alpine meadow in the high Sierra with granite domes and mountain views, the meandering Tuolumne River, and access to Yosemite backcountry — open summer only when the park road is clear.
Camp, Hike 0.9-3.2 mi
Cathedral Lakes
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Hike, Swim 3.6 mi
Lyell Canyon
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