Cathedral Lakes Hike
9,585 ft | California
7.6 mi round trip
1,000 ft
6.5 hr
Hard
Cathedral Lakes Hike at a Glance
The Cathedral Lakes hike via the Cathedral Lakes via John Muir Trail is 7.6 mi round trip with 1,000 ft of elevation gain, about 6.5 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 9,585 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Cathedral Lakes via John Muir Trail |
| Distance | 7.6 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 1,000 ft |
| Hiking time | About 6.5 hr |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 3 h of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 3 h 50 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 1,720 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 7.6 mi distance and 1,000 ft of gain for this hike are verified (nps.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Cathedral Lakes
Cathedral Lakes is a 9,585-foot destination in California. The Cathedral Lakes via John Muir Trail covers 7.6 miles round trip (out-and-back) with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain — gentle grades, but the mileage is what makes it a Hard outing.
Getting There
It's roughly 120 miles south of Reno, Nevada. Parking: Cathedral Lakes Trailhead. Fee: $35 park entrance. Cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
Late May through October is the main season. Snow and ice linger into spring and return early in fall at this latitude and elevation; in winter this becomes a different, more serious undertaking requiring traction devices and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
The Hard rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 6 to 7 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — a saved route works offline in any GPS app, and cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from National Park Service - Yosemite.
Nearby summits with their own guides on this site: Clouds Rest (5.4 mi away), Half Dome (9.5 mi away) and May Lake (6.8 mi away).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Cathedral Lakes?
The Cathedral Lakes via John Muir Trail is 7.6 miles round trip with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 6 to 7 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Cathedral Lakes hike?
It's rated Hard using the National Park Service difficulty formula (7.6 miles round trip, 1,000 ft of gain — about 130 ft of climbing per mile).
Are dogs allowed on the Cathedral Lakes trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Cathedral Lakes?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Cathedral Lakes?
Cathedral Lakes stands at 9,585 feet (2,922 meters) in California.
Best Time to Visit
spring
March - May
Muddy trails, snow at higher elevations, stream crossings high
summer
June - August
Best hiking conditions, afternoon thunderstorms possible
fall
September - November
Peak foliage mid-September to mid-October, cooler temperatures
winter
December - February
Severe alpine conditions, high winds, extreme cold
Fall Gear Checklist
- Layers
- Headlamp
- Warm hat/gloves
- Rain gear
Tip: Parking lots fill early during foliage season. Arrive before 7am on weekends.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Cathedral Lakes Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Cathedral Lakes. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Peak Bagging Tip
Clouds Rest is only 5.4 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!