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McCabe Lakes

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 21/100 · Moderateout and back#northern-yosemite#alpine-lakes#solitude#remote
Distance
29.6 mi
Total gain
1,950 ft
Net gain
1,950 ft
Net loss
1,950 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

McCabe Lakes is northern Yosemite at its most remote: 14.8 miles up the Pacific Crest Trail past Glen Aulin's waterfalls to a high alpine basin near Mount Conness, with the crowds long left behind.

Highlights

  • A remote chain of lakes beneath 12,000-foot peaks
  • Glen Aulin's cascades on the way in
  • PCT solitude for most of the route
  • Excelsior Mountain and Conness views from the basin

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Glen Aulin Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking
  • Water: The Tuolumne River and the lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store at the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

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

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. The McCabe Lakes sit above 9,600 ft, where campfires are prohibited in Yosemite. Stoves only. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Snow lingers near the lakes into July in wet years.

Heat: Cool; the route stays high.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes and meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • A long haul at altitude — plan three to four days
  • Stoves only above 9,600 feet
  • Navigation care in the lake basin's cross-country terrain

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. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — McCabe Lakes. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tuolumne-meadows-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (29.6 mi round trip) and elevation gain (1,950 ft) following the PCT north from Glen Aulin to the remote McCabe Lakes.
  2. 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.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfires prohibited above 9,600 ft; bear canister requirement.