Cathedral Peak reflected in the lake is one of Yosemite's most iconic views, and you can do the whole thing as your first backpacking trip.
The Yosemite Conservancy runs intro-to-backpacking courses on this exact trail. That's how beginner-friendly it is. But "beginner-friendly" doesn't mean boring. Cathedral Peak reflected in the lake is one of the most iconic views in the park. Short enough for a Saturday morning start, stunning enough to make you understand why people get hooked on this.
Start: Cathedral Lakes TH (Tioga Road)
End: Cathedral Lakes TH (Tioga Road)
Water: Upper Cathedral Lake; Cathedral Creek at mile 1.5
The trail follows the JMT from the moment you leave Tioga Road. You'll climb steeply through conifers for the first half mile, then catch a brief flat stretch through open meadow before the trail pitches up again. At the fork at mile 3.3, stay right; left drops to Lower Cathedral Lake, which you can visit on the way out tomorrow. Upper Cathedral Lake is the destination: Cathedral Peak's twin spires reflect in the water and the camping is in a league of its own. The best sites are on the south shore. Follow the use trail through the meadow to sandy spots among the trees with direct lake access. Camp at least 300ft from water (Yosemite rule here, not the usual 200ft).
Water: Same as Day 1
Before heading out, scramble up the granite slabs above the south shore for a bird's-eye view of the lake and the northern Yosemite peaks behind it. On the hike back, swing left at the junction to pay a quick visit to Lower Cathedral Lake. The western shore gives you the best Cathedral Peak angle. Then it's a straightforward return on the JMT to Tioga Road.
Upper Cathedral Lake (0.9mi from junction); Budd Lake (cross-country, experienced); Cathedral Peak scramble (class 4, climbers only); extend to Sunrise Lakes for 3-day trip
Tioga Road closes ~Oct 15 and doesn't reopen until late May-July depending on snow year. Limited roadside parking - may need to park at Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and walk extra 0.75mi. No campfires above 9,600ft. Mosquitoes fierce Jun-Jul. Bears very active - canister required. Backpacker campground at Tuolumne Meadows for night before/after. Shuttle available along Tioga Road in summer.
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