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Ten Lakes Basin

Yosemite National Park · Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS)
Difficulty 32/100 · Moderateout and back#alpine-lakes#yosemite#beginner-friendly#swimming
Distance
11.1 mi
Total gain
4,212 ft
Net gain
1,464 ft
Net loss
1,464 ft
Elevation
7,565–9,644 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Ten Lakes Basin is a pocket of granite-ringed alpine lakes northwest of Tuolumne Meadows, reached by a steady 5.5-mile climb from Tioga Road. It is one of Yosemite's most approachable backpacking destinations — a short, scenic haul to a campsite among ten fishable lakes, with day-hike options to the Yosemite high country above.

Highlights

  • Ten named lakes strung across a broad granite bench below the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne rim
  • Easy off-trail wandering between lakes and up the drainage toward Grant Lakes
  • Reliable swimming on hot afternoons
  • Short drive from Tuolumne Meadows for last-minute permits

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Ten Lakes Trailhead (7,565 ft · parking: Pullout off Tioga Road (Hwy 120) near Yosemite Creek)
  • Water: Ten Lakes themselves plus seasonal creeks; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store is a short drive from the trailhead.
  • 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 applies for the Ten Lakes entry; 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 (the basin sits below this line), but may be banned during high fire danger. No fires above 9,600 ft. 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: Usually snow-free by early July; the pass south of the basin holds snow in heavy years.

Heat: Mild; the high basin rarely exceeds 75°F.

Bugs: Mosquitoes are fierce around the lakes in July — bring a head net.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Mosquitoes in July can be biblical; late August and September are far calmer
  • Bear canisters are required and enforced
  • The basin is below 9,600 ft, so fires are legal — but only in existing rings, and never during fire restrictions
  • Camp at least 100 feet from water and trails

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 16759396 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

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. 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). Year-round permit requirement, trailhead quotas, 60/40 reservation split, and reservation windows.
  2. 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 (existing rings below 9,600 ft only), bear canister requirement, camping distance rules.
  3. Ten Lakes Trail route relation 16759396. OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/16759396. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry; distance and elevation statistics computed from this track.
  4. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevation enrichment for computed gain/loss statistics.