Sunrise Lakes Out and Back

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

When you want to enjoy lakes but don't want to share them with the hordes at Tenaya Lake, head for Sunrise Lakes. Indeed, a beautiful place to see a sunrise, the lakes at Sunrise reflect the colors in the sky as well as the domed peaks that surround it.

This makes a great one-night backpacking trip. Yosemite wilderness permits are required for all overnight use. See the national park website or Recreation.gov for more info.

Get here from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead at the west end of Tenaya Lake, starting on the Clouds Rest Trail. This trail is easy for the first mile and half, climbing gradually through forest and glacially carved granite. It gets a lot steeper at mile 1.5 and starts to switchback up the slope of the canyon.

In one more mile you'll reach the top of the climb and the junction with Sunrise Lakes Trail (2.5 miles from the start). Take this and enjoy mostly level ground though open woods. In about 1/2 mile you'll find the first Sunrise Lake. This is the most visited of the three lakes and there are primitive campsites nearby.

Climb uphill for another 1/2 mile and watch closely for Middle Sunrise Lake hidden in the trees. It is not directly on the trail, you'll need to hike north a bit to reach this more isolated lake. Once found, it is your best bet for privacy. Another quick ascent brings you to the Upper Sunrise Lake which is the largest of the three and less round.

If you want to go farther, the trail keeps going up and around the finger ridge to then descend into the Sunrise High Sierra Campsite, a favorite place to watch the sunrise and a highly sought after backcountry permit.