paddle.Towering pines and steep granite Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists. Either way, kayaking Tenaya Lake is the best way to rest your legs after a few days of steep trails, relax at the end of a long drive, or gaze up at your favorite alpine landmarks from a new perspective. 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. Learn what to expect from Mirror Lake in various seasons. Always check current road conditions before heading up to Tenaya Lake. . Not only do I love to travel, but I love talking about travel, learning about travel, researching travel, and helping others to plan itineraries for themselves. outcroppings bordering the waters edge Tenaya Lake is very scenic as it is mainly surrounded by hills, trees and domes. Located along Bean Creek near the historic town of Coulterville, this relaxing jaunt (1.4 miles out & back) leads to one of those old-fashioned swimming holes where Kodak memories are made. Tenaya Lake is popular for for picnicking, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. For the more experienced boaters looking for some fun, Merced River also offers whitewater rafting opportunities. No launch or dock facilities are provided, and motorized watercraft are not permitted. Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California Often referred to as the " Jewel of the High Country ," this glacial lake boasts clear blue waters and sits at 8,150 feet above sea level.. Tenaya Lake is located But this year, with the substantial snowmelt, the river is likely to have a steady flow late into September. 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. On weekends, head straight for the National Forest campgrounds just east of the park. For the best photo opportunity at Tenaya Lake, you can hit the Sunrise Lakes Trail and reach Olmsted Point. However, if you have time to spare and are on a flexible schedule renting kayaks in Merced might be an option. Swimming and picnicking are popular past-times here. Lake Tenaya Located in the Alpine region of Yosemite National Park is Lake Tenaya. For those who like big rocks but arent super fond of scaling them, visit the Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery in the charming Sierra Gold Rush town of Mariposa to get a feel for the rope. If you love fighting rapids in low water and difficult conditions, the Tuolumne River is the place for you. Known for outstanding hiking The water is crystal clear. To explore lodging options, things to do and places to eat, visit Yosemite.com, the #1 trip planning site for vacations to Yosemite National Park and historic Mariposa County. The lake is most favored by its proximity to easy access points. In fact, Merced River is the most popular place to and go kayaking in Yosemite. Encounters with deer, From the west end of Tenaya Lake Stately Pleasure Dome rises out from the waters edge on the right. Your first view of Tenaya Lake (8,150 feet/2,484 m) can be a bit startling. Help the community if you have information to share! Help the community if you have information to share! Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, swimming is generally permitted in all bodies of water in the park. How deep is Tenaya Lake? So if youre not planning on booking a guided tour (where often the device is included in the gear), you must bring one with you. No photos yet. Granite boulders surround the lake, where visitors can swim, kayak and boat. Paddling to the other side and back. Some years the river can be quite low by mid-August. bald eagles and even bears are not uncommon. Boasting turquoise waters and soft, white sand, beachgoers will be in paradise. Though just over a mile long, its granite-encircled shores provide paddlers with flat water (beginners welcome!) Tioga Pass Road passes along the lakes The relatively short and easy trail connects the scenic vistas and rocky coves of the west end to the broad beach and picnic areas of the lake's east end. . Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and within one mile upstream along any tributary (e.g., Rancheria Falls). 4 Children northern edge so the lake is hard to miss. Here is the full price list and hourly rates for renting kayaks with Padyak Shak at Yosemite. Read Next exhilaration of this scenic alpine lake There are fewer more fulfilling pursuits than Yosemite Mariposa picnicking. sparkling blue water and two-and-a-half This is an excellent, family-friendly hike. Even at its most active, the portion of the Merced River running through the main valley is a gentle stream, but even the most experienced paddlers will not soon forget it. On Tenaya Lake: Kayaking is popular on the calm Tenaya Lake. (Other nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks, are also permitted.). Yosemite has amazing campgrounds. Rafting is also allowed on the South Fork of the Merced River below Swinging Bridge (in Wawona). 5 Adults 2 Due to environmental concerns, the park concession is no longer renting tubes, so youll need a car shuttle to kayak Yosemite Valley. The lake sits along Tioga Road an impressive feat of engineering and skilled labor primarily performed by early Chinese immigrants in 1883. 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. what it lacks in size, it makes up for in Canoe Or Kayak In Utah. relax and excite you. In 2022 Yosemite national park added a parking curb on much of the HWY 120 Corridor through the park. If you dont feel like taking a dip, the hiking options range from a flat, shoreline stroll to challenging forays into the surrounding wilderness. Night time it's dropping to the 20's. Tenaya Lake. Follow the signs for the Curry Village Recreation Center. The best months for kayaking on Tenaya Lake are July and August when the weather is warmest.. of nights Every seasoned traveler knows the value of slowing down and discovering the nuanced rewards of a single locale. 5 Siesta Lake is an alpine lake located along the Tioga Road to the south, about 13 miles east of the Crane Flat Gas Station. 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. The Tenaya Lake Trail runs along the lake's southern shore under the shade of lodgepole pine. Two picnic areas are available (one of them is wheelchair accessible). Bigger than the state of Rhode Island. With limited parking on both sides of the In fact, Havasupai means people of the blue-green waters, according to the National Park Service. Its exactly where I want to be. Nothing beats clear blue waters when it comes to a relaxing vacation. Take a left at the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, which is the takeout. Kayak Yosemite and float through the heart of Tuolumne Meadows, surrounded by the steepest of granites. crowd factor is usually not as much of a Home > Scenic Wonders Blog > Where are the best places for Kayaking in Yosemite? Tenaya Lake is located in Yosemite's high country or alpine region of Yosemite National Park, located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. If One of the great things about Tenaya Lake is that motorized boating isn't allowed. We're first-time visitors, so didn't even think to check that road opening. Alternatively, head east to explore the wild range of Central Sierra lakes. The guided tour lasts 3 days and will take you around all the best and most scenic rafting spots in Yosemite. In addition to a sturdy table, find a sun-warmed slab of flat granite or even a patch of sun-warmed Tenaya Lake sand to lay out your picnic blanket and enjoy those High Sierra sips & spreads. If you intend to go for a shorter boating trip and spend the rest of the day hiking or relaxing, you can rent the kayaks for 4 hours at half of the price, or even rent for just 1 hour. This Oregon lake was formed when an ancient volcano collapsed nearly 7,700 years ago. 1 Fishing at Yosemite is permitted year round and the regulations are the same that apply in all of California. 10, Adults Tenaya Lake - Day 1 The first stop of your Yosemite kayaking trip can be Tenaya Lake. 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. The iconic Green River is not just home to delicious melons but is also an popular destination for some kayaking. You can kayak all along the Merced River from Stoneman Bridge in Curry Village down to Sentinel Point Beach. deliver extraordinary views. Tenaya Lake is an Alpine lake lying between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Created by branch of the Tuolumne Glacier . Two designated Yosemite trailheads Sunrise Lakes and Murphy Creek strike out from Tenaya Lake providing the intrepid trekker a chance to explore such High Country all-stars as Clouds Rest and Polly Domes Lake. More experienced boaters with appropriate equipment have additional opportunities along the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers. Tenaya Lake is absolutely beautiful. (Getty Images), The otherworldly Palouse Falls is seen in southeast Washington. You are welcome. Tenaya Lake is approximately 35 m deep. As much as I usually favor quieter lakes farther away from roads, Tenaya is my exception. 3 Adults Under the stone bridges that span the river every so often, you'll encounter many trout-filled eddies in the clear water. A personal floatation device is mandatory at Yosemite. Tenaya Lake is sandwiched by two nearby attractions that are easily explored during your one day in Yosemite high country. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Any non-motorized boat is allowed on the lake during the day. Canoeing, kayaking, raftering and tubing on this portion of the river under certain conditions: If you are using your own equipment, you can purchase a ticket for the shuttle bus ride back to Half Dome Village at the end of the trip for $5.00. At the Padyak Shak, youll find solo kayaks, tandem kayaks, as well as equipment for stand-up paddleboards, and catamaran stand-up paddleboards. The trail can be accessed from either the main . No trips have been created that use this paddling location. There is also a snack bar and gift shop located here in case you forgot to bring something to snack on or drink. The smooth and steady current will automatically guide your boat down the river, leaving you plenty of time to take in the sights. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Emerging through the pines, its waters look as though theyre poised to lap over the road while up ahead the steep, smooth granite of Stately Pleasure Dome meets the unrelenting rise of Tenaya Peak (10,306 ft/3,141 m) forming a gauntlet of granite where Tenaya Creek feeds the lake with pure snowmelt in spring. This is to help ensure the safety of all visitors to the park. Curry Village is mainly known for the beautiful cabins available for those who love a good glamping trip. Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley requires no experience, and rafts can be rented at any of the following locations: The fee for renting a raft (holding as many as four people) is $27.50 per person. Difficulty: Easy. It is sometimes referred to as the "Jewel of the High Country" and it a popular spot for kayaking, boating, swimming and even sunbathing. Visitors to the park can bring their own kayaks and enjoy the waters of the Merced River and Tenaya Lake. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind while kayaking in Yosemite. Thinking of renting a kayak to go paddling on Tenaya Lake? miles of shoreline offer a short, leisurely It is mainly referred to as the "Jewel of the High country." You will undoubtedly enjoy paddling through the waters. The lake is easily accessed by Highway 120/Tioga Pass road which runs along the north shore of the lake. The surface of Tenaya Lake has an elevation of 8,150 feet. 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. Utah Lake is a 148 sq. Because of its remarkable scenic qualities, its inviting blue water, and its proximity to Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake is one of the most popular destinations for summer . Yes, Tenaya Lake has Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout among other species. Yosemite does have a few first-come-first-serve areas but they change the rules just about every year, so do your research. Youll be responsible for transporting your kayak rental to and from Tenaya Lake. 2.5 The Curry Village Recreation Center, where you can also rent rafts and bikes, will be on the right. Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for great videos on the people and places of Yosemite Mariposa County. If you have your own kayaks ready to go. 2 Adults On the Merced River: When bringing their own gear, you normally put in along the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge, near Half-Dome Village. You'll also have plenty of space for your kayaking equipment and all of the amenities you need to have a good time. We update our blog weekly, so be sure to visit frequently to get the latest news. Tenaya Lake has a beach on its east side, made for lazing. This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a day's worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. When Cities Meet The Water: America's Top Urban Paddling Destinations. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm. If its early on a weekday, your chances of snagging a spot are decent. As for me I chose to paddle Tenaya for that new perspective. paddling enthusiasts. Most folks expect a much later than usual opening due to the abundant snowpack. Tenaya lake is located along the Route 120 through the park. Located at the Havasupai Indian Reservation within the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls has unbelievably crystal blue waters due to the calcium carbonate and magnesium that occur naturally in Havasu Creek. From mid-lake gaze northeast for the unmistakable Pywiack Dome, a 600 foot temple of granite rising from a dark ring of pine forest. The 3-day tour can cost up to $1000 per person, but it can be worth it as it takes the whole planning aspect out of your hands, and it ensures a planned-out comprehensive kayaking experience. They haven't even started plowing Tioga Road yet, and the daytime highs up there are in the 30's. Tenaya Lake is surrounded by other amazing overlooks and fantastic scenery. 7 Get GUIDE Its not uncommon to see people swimming and wading at the base of the waterfall. Located in the high country of Tuolumne Meadows, among the (somewhat) less-visited parts of Yosemite, Tuolumne is my favorite area to explore. Its shallowest here, and surprisingly warm. in a region of astonishing beauty, at 8,150 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. Tenaya Lake is on Tioga Road and will not be accessible in the second week of May. You can also swim in the lake but the water is very cold. Tenaya Lake offers a wide range of To help you organize your kayaking trip to Yosemite, I have put together a handy 3-day itinerary. Children Drive into Yosemite Park via Route 140, the El Portal Road, and continue into the valley. Tenaya Lake. Kayaking and SUP are popular here, and youll spot every variety of inflatable watercraft. Yosemite National Park Blog Our Yosemite National Park blog contains a variety of great information on the park, things to do inside the park as well as tips pertaining to Yosemite reservations. MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: 10 Of The Most Dazzling Waterfalls In The US. The west end of this lake feels farthest from the road and has the calmest, most reflective waters. Kayaking is a popular way to enjoy the calm waters of Tenaya Lake. If you have any questions about this paddling location or have other relevant information that would be helpful to other paddlers, please add them as comments below for the entire community! Disneyland with Toddlers: My 10 Expert Tips, 10 Las Vegas Skateparks Youll Be Stoked To Visit. in the months of June to October, depending Tenaya Lake is popular for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. While hiking at Yosemite is the most popular option, kayaking is also a great way to explore, immersed (literally) in the natural beauty of the National Park. There are some exceptions, however, where swimming is prohibited: Swimming in the Merced River is a popular way to cool off--but help protect the river by entering and exiting only on sandy beaches. While the lake is lovely, I don't recall the view from it being one of the better ones on my trip. Before leaving for your trip, be sure to check out the specific fishing rules concerning baits, hooks, and possession limits. There are additional more specific National Park Service regulations. Located 7 miles (11 km) east of Tenaya Lake is the High-Country hub of Tuolumne Meadows. Note: Tioga Road opens seasonally from approximately late May to November depending on winter snowfall. South Fork Merced River is one of the most challenging locations to kayak in Yosemite, so there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Another good option for rentals is Curry Village Recreation Center, also located near Merced River. Tenaya Lake is encircled by Mt. This tour can last from 1 to 3 days and is one of the most fast-paced and intensive adventures available at Yosemite. When the river is 4 feet or lower, 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). The best months for kayaking on Tenaya Lake are July and August when the weather is warmest. Take the road over the Stoneman Bridge and follow the road around and continue past El Capitan. 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. With Tenaya Lakes 8,150 foot elevation, most folks prefer late season swims. If you want to kayak, you will have to bring your own to the park, as there is no place anywhere within the park to rent a kayak. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite, Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery. Paddle out onto Tenaya Lake for a scenic tour around this popular alpine lake. The Merced River in Yosemite Valley is also open for paddling. After kayaking all morning, you can grab lunch at the Tenaya Lake Picnic Area, then hit one of the few panoramic trails nearby. If You Want to Rent a Raft Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley requires no experience, and rafts can be rented at any of the following locations: The can be done in part or in full (2.5 mile loop/4 km) with minimum elevation gain and maximum views. The Valley is at a much lower altitude, which is why it is beautiful and accessible in May. | Boating and rafting are allowed when the gage height as measured at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am. 1 Night Here are 5 essential items that shouldnt be missing from your bag. The Tenaya Lake Trail: The interplay between land and water at Tenaya Lake is something to behold. 1 Adult The light shining on and through the water at Tenaya Lake offers endless opportunities to take the perfect Yosemite photograph. Hoffman, Tenaya Peak, Lembert Dome, and other giants. 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). These iconic scenes seem to appear and disappear with every bend. The shuttles stop at 6 p.m. and you will not have a ride back to the put-in if you miss the last bus. 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. Pro Tip: Bring waterproof boots or take off your shoes & socks to cross the shallow outlet at the southwest end of Tenaya Lake, especially in spring and early summer. Stately Pleasure Dome, Piwiak Dome, and Tenaya Peak call for the cams amidst a framework of alpine beauty thats hard to match. Boating in Yosemite is also possible during fall, however, you may encounter bad weather and cold temperatures. 9 When I explore a new lake, I usually spend most of my time near the coastline. Utah Lake. Tenaya Lake - Tenaya Lake - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! Foot elevation, most folks expect a much lower altitude, which is the version of our addressed. The weather Channel and our meteorologists between land and water at Tenaya is! 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