Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park

Name: Mirror Lake
Address: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, United States
Telephone: +1 209-372-0200

#9 among attractions in Yosemite National Park

Natural attraction, Lake, Body of water, Park

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake is a serene and picturesque body of water that offers a tranquil retreat from the bustle of city life. This small, seasonal lake is known for its crystal-clear reflections of the surrounding cliffs, including the iconic Half Dome, which towers majestically over the landscape.

Situated in California, Mirror Lake is a popular destination for tourists seeking the beauty and tranquility of nature. The lake is most full in the spring and early summer, fed by the melting snow from the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. As summer progresses, the lake often dries out, leaving a meadow in its place.

Visitors to Mirror Lake can enjoy a leisurely hike on the well-maintained trail that loops around the lake. The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible for hikers of all levels, and it provides numerous opportunities for photography, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The total distance of the loop is about 5 miles, but the lake can be reached with a shorter, 2-mile round trip hike from the trailhead.

For those looking to extend their adventure, Mirror Lake is also a gateway to other trails that lead deeper into the Yosemite wilderness. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax, Mirror Lake is a must-see destination within Yosemite National Park.

While swimming and wading in the lake are allowed, visitors should be aware of the cold water temperatures and swift currents that can occur during the snowmelt period. Additionally, as with all natural areas, it's important to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty and health of the environment for future generations.

Alternative names: Elevation: 4098 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°44'56"N, 119°32'56"W

Address

Yosemite ValleyYosemite National Park United States

Contact

+1 209-372-0200

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Yosemite National Park

Day trips

Mirror Lake – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Half Dome, John Muir Trail, Curry Village, Royal Arch Cascade.

0.9 miE
Yosemite's iconic dome and climbing spot
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
23 min walk • Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
1.3 miSW
Hiking, John Muir, Hiking trail
John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park
34 min walk • The John Muir Trail is a breathtaking trek through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, primarily within the wilderness of Yosemite National Park, United States. Named in honor of the naturalist John Muir, the trail is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
1.5 miSW
Park, Rustic architecture
Curry Village, Yosemite National Park
39 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park, Curry Village is a charming and historic settlement that has been welcoming visitors for over a century. Known for its picturesque canvas tent cabins and rustic wooden lodges, Curry Village offers guests a unique...
1.2 miW
Natural attraction, Waterfall
Royal Arch Cascade, Yosemite West
31 min walk • Royal Arch Cascade is a waterfall located on the north wall of Yosemite Valley and the Yosemite National Park, United States, within walking distance from the Ahwahnee Hotel. The falls are 1,250 feet high and are usually dry by June.
0.6 miSW
Natural attraction, Nature, Canyon
Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park
15 min walk • Tenaya Canyon is a dramatic and dangerous canyon in Yosemite National Park, California, USA, that runs from the outlet of Tenaya Lake 10 miles down to Yosemite Valley, carrying water in Tenaya Creek through a series of spectacular cascades and pools and thence into a deep canyon...
1.4 miNE
Natural attraction, Nature, Waterfall
Snow Creek Falls, Yosemite National Park
36 min walk • Snow Creek Falls is a long series of cascades located in Yosemite National Park toward the eastern extent of Yosemite Valley. It descends a steep gorge on a sizeable stream that originates in May Lake to the north, dropping east of the trail that leaves the Valley above Mirror Lake en route to North Dome and other north-rim destinations.
0.8 miNW
Natural attraction, Nature, Hill
North Dome, Yosemite National Park
21 min walk • North Dome is a granite dome in Yosemite National Park, California. It is the southernmost summit of Indian Ridge, 0.6 miles north of Washington Column and the Royal Arches on the northeastern wall of Yosemite Valley.
0.6 miW
Rock
Washington Column, Yosemite National Park
16 min walk • Washington Column is a roughly 1800-foot high rock formation, arising from Yosemite Valley. It is east of the Royal Arches, behind the Ahwahnee Hotel. North Dome is above it. Washington Column can be viewed from many points in Yosemite Valley, including the trail to Mirror Lake.
1.1 miW
Climbing
Royal Arches, Yosemite National Park
30 min walk • The Royal Arches refers to a cliff containing natural occurring granite exfoliation arches, located below North Dome and rising above Yosemite Valley, in Yosemite National Park, California.
1.1 miW
Climbing
Royal Arches Route, Yosemite National Park
28 min walk • The Royal Arches Route is a technical climbing route in California's Yosemite Valley on the Royal Arches wall. The route is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America.
0.8 miE
Climbing
Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
21 min walk • The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome was the first Grade VI climb in the United States. It was first climbed in 1957 by a team consisting of Royal Robbins, Mike Sherrick, and Jerry Gallwas. Its current aid climbing rating is VI 5.9 A1 or 5.12 for the free climbing variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Mirror Lake?

Nearby attractions include Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park (15 min walk), Washington Column, Yosemite National Park (16 min walk), North Dome, Yosemite National Park (21 min walk).

How to get to Mirror Lake by public transport?

The nearest stations to Mirror Lake:

Bus

Valley Shuttle Stop #17 • Lines: Yosemite Valley Shuttle (23 min walk)