Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake from paved road

The Trail

This is an easy 1.4 mile long (one way) trail with a 114 ft. elevation change. The entire trail actually makes sort of a loop around Mirror Lake, but a rock slide in March of 2009 blocked part of the trail making it inaccessible. The trail at the point of the rock slide is buried under large fallen trees, and attempting to cross the rock slide area is not advisable. (See the picture below for a map of the slide area.) The other side of the trail can be accessed from the road, but it will also be blocked off when you reach the rock slide.

This trail is pleasantly shaded and also takes hikers to the base area of Half Dome. It is also used as a horse trail.

To access the other side of the lake, you can stay on the paved road and walk up to it. The walk is about a mile long this way.

Topographical Map

 Please note: The shape of the lake on this topographical map is not accurate.

Trail on Google Earth

Graph of Elevation

At other times of the year, this lake has more of a mirror effect, but we hiked it during the beginning of June, when run off was high, and the water was more turbulent.

Rock Slide Area

Directions

This trail is found in Yosemite National Park in California. The trail starts at the end of Yosemite Valley. There is parking available at designated areas in the valley, and then hikers must walk or take the shuttle to the Mirror Lake stop.

View of Half Dome from across the lake