Admire the views as you hike through a pine forest and pass by small granite domes before reaching boulder-dotted Harden Lake.

Hike along a gravel road-part of the original Tioga Road-that follows the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River for part of the route. At a trail junction 1.75 miles (2.8 km) down the road, follow the signs to the lake.

Harden Lake (Moderate)
5.8 miles (9.3 km) round trip; 2-4 hours,
355-foot (122-m) elevation gain on the
return trip.

Hours :
Accessible only while Tioga Road is open to vehicles, from late May or early June to sometime in October or November.

Getting Here :
Begin across from White Wolf Lodge. If the road to White Wolf is closed, add at least two additional miles, roundtrip, to these hikes.

Rules & Regulations :
- Stay on established trails
- Pets are not allowed on hiking trails
- Pack out what you pack in
- Overnight backpackers need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at the Big Oak Flat Information Station.
- Bear canisters are required for wilderness food storage for overnight hikers.
- Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal! Be sure to properly store your food.
- Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call (209) 372-0200.

Hazards & Warnings :
- Carry (and drink) plenty of water: a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration. Be sure to treat river, stream, lake, or spring water.
- Always carry a map and compass, and know how to use them, and wear sturdy footwear with good traction.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and conditions.

Accessibility :
This trail is not accessible.