Mirror Lake

Lake Yosemite National Park, California, United States
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What to expect

Mirror Lake is a small, seasonal lake located on Tenaya Creek in Yosemite National Park. It is situated in Tenaya Canyon directly between North Dome and Half Dome and is known for its reflections of Half Dome and Mount Watkins. The lake is in a state of transition, with sand carried by Tenaya Creek collecting here and eventually forming a meadow. In late summer, the shallow lake disappears into the sand, transforming into 'Mirror Meadow.' The area has cultural and historical significance, with exhibits along the trail telling the story of the lake's transformation and highlighting some of the cultural history of the area. The lake is also a popular spot for scenic views and photography, with wayside exhibits explaining the natural and cultural features of the area

Plan your family visit to the Mirror Lake with these blog insights 👇

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20 Best Things to Do in Yosemite 2024 | Yosemite Itinerary

20 Best Things to Do in Yosemite 2024 | Yosemite Itinerary
This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked around Mirror Lake, enjoying the easy trail and the views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the wildlife, including ducks, geese, and trout

Highlights: The kids loved seeing the ducks and geese and watching the trout in the lake. We all enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful scenery ✨

family travel blog favicon

10 Super Kid Friendly Hikes in Yosemite 2024 | Yosemite Hikes with Kids

10 Super Kid Friendly Hikes in Yosemite 2024 | Yosemite Hikes with Kids
This family's experience:

Activities: We walked around Mirror Lake on a paved trail that's perfect for strollers. The lake is stunning year-round and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. We also spotted some ducks and geese swimming in the lake

Highlights: The kids loved walking around the lake and watching the ducks. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful scenery. We also enjoyed the picnic area by the lake ✨