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Laurel Lake

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 18/100 · Easyout and back#lakes#hetch-hetchy#quiet#fishing
Distance
14.2 mi
Total gain
2,700 ft
Net gain
2,700 ft
Net loss
2,700 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Laurel Lake is the short-haul version of the Hetch Hetchy high country: a 7.1-mile climb from Beehive Meadows to a quiet forested lake that stays off most itineraries. An easy weekend trip from the Bay Area with swimming, fishing, and real solitude.

Highlights

  • A serene, often-empty lake in rolling forested hills
  • Views of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir on the climb
  • Easy link to Lake Vernon for a longer loop
  • One of Yosemite's least-crowded wilderness lakes

How hard is Laurel Lake?

CaliPeaks rates this route 18/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 2,700 ft puts this trip at 23% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 14.2 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 6,545 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 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: Seasonal creeks and Laurel Lake; treat all water. Check late-season conditions.
  • Resupply: None; Hetch Hetchy has no store.
  • 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: One of the earliest snow-free areas in Yosemite.

Heat: Warm on the exposed lower trail.

Bugs: Moderate in the forested sections through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Carry all supplies — there is no store at Hetch Hetchy
  • The lower climb is exposed and hot by 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 — Laurel Lake. 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 (14.2 mi out and back) 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.