Mirror Lake — Attraction in Oakhurst

This trail begins at shuttle stop #17. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. (There is no safe access to the north side of Mirror Lake directly from the south side of the loop, except via bridges at the west and east ends of the trail).

Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of year, it is fullest in spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh snowmelt. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of Mirror Lake's lake-to-meadow succession, and also highlight some of the cultural history of the area. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water and the influx of grasses and sandy areas. This trail is open year-round. In winter it can be icy and snowy, especially along the south side of...

Mirror lake shares the same trailhead with Mist Trail. There are 3 ways to get to the trail head: Take the free shuttle to the trailhead (Shuttle Stop 17) From happy isles, follow the paved road to the trailhead (about 0.5 mile) From happy isles, take the trail along the paved road to the trailhead. From the trailhead to the lake, it is about one mile paved service road with little elevation. It is an really easy hike ( total 2 mile round trip, 100 feet elevation). If you want more challenge, you can continue the hike passed the lake, and there is a loop trail following the Tenaya Creek. After crossing two bridges, you can return to the lake with snow creek trail. Mirror lake is dry most of the year. The best time to visit is when there are a lot of water in the lake, otherwise, you will never understand why it gets the name of mirror lake. The reflection of surrounding cliffs is...

The valley loop trail covering the mirror lake allows you to walk around the base of the Yosemite valley. It’s a long 10 mile loop that meanders along the Merced river and gives you excellent views of the rapids, lakes and the Yosemite falls. The trail is pretty flat and most of the trail is bike friendly. Excellent trail for kids / family / canine friends. If you are tired from the more strenuous hikes and want to enjoy a day off, this hike will allow you to relax.

The mirror lake is in the center of this loop and can be easily accessed through other parts of the valley. There is also a bike trail that takes you to it. The reflection of the nearby landscape in the lake allows you to take some amazing pictures. There are also open areas around the lake where you can have lunch / outing...