HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Mirror Lake

2 midistance
100 ftelevation gain
45mmoving time
50 ft/miaverage climb

Mirror Lake is a 2 mi trail with 100 ft of climbing — about 45m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 5. About 50% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 5 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 50% shaded

Underfoot & overhead valley

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Mirror Lake charges in hours, not miles.

2 mi and 100 ft of climbing work out to 45m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

45mmoving time, no breaks
0.4–0.7 Lwater, cool day → hot
20–40 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

50 ft per mile 5th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Yosemite National Park
50% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In July, Yosemite National Park runs around 90°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

48°F · Clear · wind 0 mph

NOAA forecast for Yosemite National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Yosemite Traffic Updates

When the park is very busy, you can get updates on current traffic conditions in Yosemite by texting ynptraffic to 333111.

Live NPS alert for Yosemite National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Yosemite National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Mirror Lake take?

About 45m of moving time for 2 mi and 100 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Mirror Lake?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.4–0.7 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Mirror Lake?

No — Mirror Lake is closed to dogs. Our Yosemite National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Mirror Lake good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 5. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Mirror Lake?

About 50% of the route is shaded, and Yosemite National Park peaks around 90°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.