With a fresh perspective looking up at Half Dome directly from its base, you'll be rewarded with views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and Washington Column.

While pleasant at any time of year, Mirror Lake is fullest in spring and early summer. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water. 

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). See map.

Mirror Lake (Easy)

2 miles (3.2 km) round trip; 1 hour; flat

Mirror Lake Loop (Moderate)

5 miles (8 km) full loop; 2-3 hours; flat

Water

Drinking water is not available at the trailhead or along the trail. Come prepared.

Restrooms

Vault toilets are available about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the trailhead and also at Mirror Lake.

Hours

Year-round

Getting Here

Located in Yosemite Valley, along the Happy Isles loop at shuttle stop #17. Private vehicles are not permitted along the Happy Isles Loop unless displaying a disability placard.

Rules & Regulations

• Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed on the first paved mile of the trail. Beyond that, they are prohibited.
• Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife.
• Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).

Hazards & Warnings 

• Be aware of slick conditions along the south side of this loop trail during winter and early spring. When winter conditions exist, consider making an out and back trip along the north side of the loop.
• Stay on the trail! This is especially important during spring and early summer when water levels are highest. When hiking on the south side of the loop, hikers often spot what appears to be an easy way to rock-hop across Tenaya Creek, either just for fun, or as a way to shortcut the loop and rejoin the trail without doing the entire loop. While this crossing is only ankle deep at first, it quickly becomes thigh deep, and, all too often, hikers are swept into dangerous whitewater and pinned against rocks. Don't be tempted to leave the trail, and always remember when approaching moving water to look at the conditions downstream.

Accessibility

Vehicles with a disability placard are permitted to drive at 15 mph, with emergency flashers on, to Mirror Lake. There are two designated accessible parking spaces available.