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Lake Vernon

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 21/100 · Moderateout and back#lakes#hetch-hetchy#northern-yosemite#quiet
Distance
19.1 mi
Total gain
2,700 ft
Net gain
2,700 ft
Net loss
2,700 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Lake Vernon is the reward for climbing out of Yosemite's quietest corner: a 19-mile round trip from Hetch Hetchy to a lake backed by an exposed granite ridge, with the reservoir's blue water dropping away below on the climb. One of the least-crowded overnight lakes in the park.

Highlights

  • A granite-ridged alpine lake with real solitude
  • Views over Hetch Hetchy Reservoir during the climb
  • Gateways to Lake Vernon's backcountry neighbors: Laurel Lake, Jack Main Canyon, Tiltill Valley
  • Hetch Hetchy's spring wildflower display on the lower trail

How hard is Lake Vernon?

CaliPeaks rates this route 21/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 2,700 ft puts this trip at 23% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 19.1 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 6,585 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Beehive Meadows Trailhead (Hetch Hetchy) · parking: Hetch Hetchy trailhead parking at the end of the road
  • Water: Falls Creek and Lake Vernon; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Hetch Hetchy has no store — carry everything from the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Beehive Meadows entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, August, September.

Snow: Hetch Hetchy is the lowest-elevation big-water area in Yosemite; trails are snow-free earliest in the park.

Heat: The valley floor is hot in midsummer; start early.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the forested sections through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • No store at Hetch Hetchy — carry all food and supplies
  • The climb out of the valley is steady and exposed in the afternoon
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Hetch Hetchy Area Trails — Lake Vernon. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hetch-hetchy-area-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (19.1 mi round trip) and elevation gain (2,700 ft) from the Beehive Meadows trailhead.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.