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Young Lakes

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 14/100 · Easyout and back#alpine-lakes#beginner-friendly#views#ragged-peak
Distance
13.6 mi
Total gain
1,300 ft
Net gain
1,300 ft
Net loss
1,300 ft
Elevation
8,727–9,777 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Young Lakes is a chain of three lakes north of Tuolumne Meadows, tucked beneath Ragged Peak with the Cathedral Range in view — reached by a 6.8-mile walk via Dog Lake and Glen Aulin that stays gentle enough for beginners while feeling properly alpine.

Highlights

  • Three lakes in a granite basin below Ragged Peak
  • Wide panoramas of the Cathedral Range from the approach ridge
  • The option to route through Dog Lake for swimming on the way
  • A calm alternative to Tuolumne's crowded trailheads

How hard is Young Lakes?

CaliPeaks rates this route 14/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,300 ft puts this trip at 11% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 13.6 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 9,777 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: Dog Lake Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) (8,727 ft) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking
  • Water: Dog Lake and the Young Lakes chain; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store is nearby.
  • 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 Young Lakes 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 rings below 9,600 ft (the lakes sit below the line) 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: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early July.

Heat: Pleasant; the ridge above the lakes is exposed.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes and meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The informal trail continues past the official end at the first lake
  • Mosquitoes can be fierce at the lakes in July
  • 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. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — Young 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 (13.6 mi round trip), elevation gain (1,300 ft), and description of the lake chain below Ragged Peak.
  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.