Tenaya Lake
Yosemite National Park, CA
A clear alpine lake at about 8,150 feet beside the Tioga Road, ringed by granite domes. Sandy beaches at both ends make it a good picnic and swim stop in summer; the water stays cold.
Tenaya Lake lies at 2,484 m (8,150 feet) on Tioga Road between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, surrounded by granite domes and peaks. According to the National Park Service, it is the largest lake in Yosemite's frontcountry. It is named for Chief Tenaya, who is said to have replied that the lake already had a name, "Py-we-ack." That name now belongs to Pywiack Dome, east of the lake.
In summer the lake is used for picnicking, swimming and paddling. Several parking areas give access to the shore; at the east end there is accessible parking, a vault toilet and a paved path to open views of the lake. Only non-motorized boats are allowed, and each occupant needs a life jacket. Fishing is possible with a California license. Tioga Road is usually open from late May or June through October or November and closes after the first significant snowfall.
- Nearest town
- Yosemite National Park, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.8290, -119.4600
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ellery CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Tenaya Lake · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Mono Vista RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Tenaya LakeTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Oh! Ridge CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Tenaya LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Hodgdon Meadow CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Tenaya Lake · 103 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Wawona CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Tenaya Lake · 97 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Indian Flat RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Tenaya LakeTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tenaya Lake?
Tenaya Lake is in Yosemite National Park, CA, at GPS 37.8290, -119.4600. It is about 9 mi from Yosemite Valley.
Can you camp near Tenaya Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Porcupine Flat Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 65 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tenaya Lake?
Tenaya Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Yosemite end to end: sequoias, Glacier Point and Tioga Road.
What is there to see near Tenaya Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Olmsted Point (2 mi), Tuolumne Meadows (6 mi), Upper Pines Campground (9 mi) and Glacier Point (9 mi).
When is the best time to visit Tenaya Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)