Amidst a backdrop of light colored granite rocks the lake is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, sailing and fishing. Under the stone bridges that span the river every so often, you'll encounter many trout-filled eddies in the clear water. Due to its geologic heavy hitters, water features and wildlife, photography in Yosemite Mariposa satisfies shutterbugs of all stripes. When I explore a new lake, I usually spend most of my time near the coastline. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The normal take-out point is about 3 miles downstream at Sentina Beach Picnic Area; no river access is available between these two points. by Laurie Case Wilhite. The lake is at 8,150 feet (2,484 meters) in elevation in Yosemites high country where snow lingers longer in the spring and comes earlier in the fall than in Yosemite Valley. and unique views, not to mention the chance to drop a line for High Country trout. With Tenaya Lakes 8,150 foot elevation, most folks prefer late season swims. Every occupant of a boat, raft, or inflatable must wear a personal flotation device each day when the gage height at Pohono Bridge is above 4 feet at 8 am. From mid-lake gaze northeast for the unmistakable Pywiack Dome, a 600 foot temple of granite rising from a dark ring of pine forest. They have solo and double kayak rentals for 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours ( day) and 8 hours (all day). Fun Fact: The name Stately Pleasure Dome is derived from the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem Kubla Khan and is technically the southwest flank of larger Polly Dome (9,806 ft/2,989 m). The road to the lake normally opens up in May, though depending on snow it might . Quick dry kayak shoes are the best choice as they are designed specifically for long kayak trips. If its early on a weekday, your chances of snagging a spot are decent. Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the state of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license. 2 Below is a list of some of the bluest waters in the U.S., from glass-like glacial lakes to a lake within a collapsed volcano crater, to a mineral-rich crystal blue creek in the Grand Canyon. Youll be led by several experienced and knowledgeable guides who will make sure you have all the information necessary to navigate the most difficult sections of the streams. The lake, which is about 2 million years old and one of the worlds 20 oldest lakes, is ideal for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and more, and 11 nearby ski resorts offer plenty for skiers and snowboarders alike. Help the community if you have a paddling trip to share! Maybe another inch or two has fallen. A Tenaya Lake: Kayaking in October - See 366 traveler reviews, 366 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. You may put in and take out your boat/raft at Stoneman Bridge and Sentinel Beach, but not anywhere between. Not sure when the big river rafts start running - you can check in the park newspaper or google Merced River Rafting Trips. If you plan to leave a car at the put-in and take the shuttle back, be sure to have cash on you before taking off. Read Next Bear Lake State Park can be an ideal place to launch, with kayak rentals being available at the park's marina.There are also lots of beaches and parking, making it easy to launch. This meadow appears almost prehistoric with the Tuolumne River winding through its grassy expanse, punctuated by granite domes rising from the surrounding pine forest. A trip to southern Utah can offer multiple opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. 5 Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. in the months of June to October, depending (From Hoffman, youll look down on Tenaya Lake and Half Dome.). paddling enthusiasts. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Every occupant of a boat, raft, or inflatable must. Surrounded by bare granite peaks in all directions, from Tenaya Peak to the east to Polly Dome and Pywiack Dome to the north, Tenaya Lake tempts all tourists driving by to pull over and relax for a bit. Taking only 130 days to complete with nothing but hand tools and blast powder, Tioga Road spans the Sierra divide providing expansive vistas, geologic wonders and lush conifer forests with every turn. Visitors to the park can bring their own kayaks and enjoy the waters of the Merced River and Tenaya Lake. You can see Tenaya Lake from Olmsted Point and as you drive past it. Dont know where to start? The parking lot has multiple restrooms and the lake is a 5 minute walk (not a hike) from the parking lot. Swimming and picnicking are popular past-times here. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Tenaya Lake is encircled by Mt. But you dont have to leave the country to see gorgeous water. Tenaya Lake is a beautiful lake located in Yosemite National Park. canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, With a cool Sierra breeze skimming its cerulean waters and a bounty of things to do, Tenaya Lake is the perfect spot for a deep dive when one day in Yosemite Mariposa is your travel du jour. Paddle out onto Tenaya Lake for a scenic tour around this popular alpine lake. Does Tenaya Lake have fish? That doesnt mean you cant stop watching the weather for sudden changes or winds that can quickly come up. There is a large picnicking area along this section of the river, so you can pack a lunch and make a day trip out of your kayaking experience. A short carry up the beach will take you to a picnic area where buses are waiting to shuttle rafters back to the Curry Village Recreation Area. Boating and rafting are allowed when the gage height as measured at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am. Granite boulders surround the lake, where visitors can swim, kayak and boat. 1 Child The surface of Tenaya Lake has an elevation of 8,150 feet (2,484 m). The summer is surely the best time to visit the National Park if you also intend to camp and hike. Both Cape Cod and Marthas Vineyard have some of the bluest waters on the East Coast, and Marthas Vineyard has much to offer visitors. Here are 5 essential items that shouldnt be missing from your bag. HERE | Contact, Copyright 2013 to Present, Janice L Green Paddling 2327. The Valley is at a much lower altitude, which is why it is beautiful and accessible in May. First and foremost, it is essential to obey the rules and warnings of the park rangers. Every person must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft/boat (and children under age 13 must be wearing one). This is to help ensure the safety of all visitors to the park. Help the community if you have information to share! The nearest place to rent kayaks is The PakYak Shack in Merced which is approximately 115 miles from Tenaya Lake. Boating in Yosemite is also possible during fall, however, you may encounter bad weather and cold temperatures. You can also swim in the lake but the water is very cold. Tenaya Lake fits this bill to a capital T. Located 77 miles (124 km) from the Gold Rush gem of Mariposa, the blue snowmelt-fed waters of Tenaya Lake send out a clarion call to visitors who want to explore Yosemite in one day while still having the option of comfy accommodations outside the Park. Tenaya Lake is one of the most visited destinations in Yosemite National Park. Two great choices for a nice hike are the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead and Murphy Creek Trailhead, both located close to the lakeshore. Because of the gorgeous views the lake brings. Good times! Kayaking on Merced River and Lake Tenaya If you have your own kayaks ready to go. As elsewhere around the park, be careful not to cut through grassy meadows (walk around them instead) and avoid trampling fragile riparian areas near the lakeshore. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind while kayaking in Yosemite. Kayaking and SUP are popular here, and youll spot every variety of inflatable watercraft. I went on a weekday so take this with a grain of salt, but traffic wasn't too bad. Night time it's dropping to the 20's. hiking trails in the area to explore. Tenaya Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, from kayaking, canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, photography, biking, and hiking. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99464891', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite Valley river raft float trips open when the combination of air temperature & water temperature is at least 100 degrees AND the river is low enough to float under the bridges. miles of shoreline offer a short, leisurely The Green River, UT. Take a left at the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, which is the takeout. This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a day's worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. bald eagles and even bears are not uncommon. Help the community if you have information to share! 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite, Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery. 9 photos. Whether you choose a day trip on the Colorado River, a multiple day escape . When Cities Meet The Water: America's Top Urban Paddling Destinations. Comfortable swimsuit or wetsuit, depending on the weather and season. 4 Nights The Tenaya Lake Trail: The interplay between land and water at Tenaya Lake is something to behold. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to rent kayaks within the Park, so you'll have to bring your own. It is the largest lake in Yosemite's front-country. MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: 10 Of The Most Dazzling Waterfalls In The US. After a Accommodation is included, as youll be sleeping at a riverside camping spot, for a truly immersive experience. It is mainly referred to as the "Jewel of the High country." You will undoubtedly enjoy paddling through the waters. Before leaving for your trip, be sure to check out the specific fishing rules concerning baits, hooks, and possession limits. Keep in mind you are going to be in the sun for hours while kayaking. You wont have Tenaya to yourself. The surrounding granite peaks and domes add a striking visual backdrop whether youre picnicking, swimming or strolling its postcard-perfect shoreline along the Tenaya Lake Trail. 1 And it just might be yours too. leisurely paddle, theres an abundance of The trail can be accessed from either the main . Tenaya Lake on a windless day, with water so Take the El Capitan Bridge back onto the loop to start heading back. still one can see flawless reflections of Because, as the saying goes, its there. Thank you for your quick response. The gauntlet of granite that surrounds Tenaya Lake is a fine collection of the world-class rock climbing in Yosemite Mariposa County. Once you hit the lake, there's ample seating for folks who want to just chill by the lake. Known for outstanding hiking Located in the high country of Tuolumne Meadows, among the (somewhat) less-visited parts of Yosemite, Tuolumne is my favorite area to explore. If youre apt to swim and boating in colder water, youll find the best kayaking conditions (with lots of water) between April and June. Your first view of Tenaya Lake (8,150 feet/2,484 m) can be a bit startling. For more National Park paddling, visit the volcanic landscape of Lassens Butte Lake. Every seasoned traveler knows the value of slowing down and discovering the nuanced rewards of a single locale. The However, the downside of kayaking during the summer months is the water level, which can be lower than usual. The Tenaya Lake Trail runs along the lake's southern shore under the shade of lodgepole pine. Scenery Factor: Tenaya Lake may be the most beautiful of all Yosemite's lakes. For other info about Yosemite, please check the Top Questions on the right (full TripAdvisor website) as well as the NPS.gov pages. 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