Mirror Lake
A serene, accessible lake in Yosemite Valley known for its stunning reflections of granite domes and cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
High water for reflections
Mirror Lake
Best Time
High water for reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, accessible lake in Yosemite Valley known for its stunning reflections of granite domes and cliffs.
"The lake was dry when we were there but, in my opinion, still worth the trip out on the paved walking path."
Check Water Levels First
Lake can be dry late summer/fall. Best reflections are spring/early summer!
Use the Shuttle Bus
Parking is tough! Take the free shuttle to Stop 17 for easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Reflective Surface
Mirror Lake
Witness the breathtaking reflections of granite domes and cliffs on the lake's glassy surface. Best seen with ample water.
Easy Paved Path
Trail to Mirror Lake
A gentle, paved service road makes this hike accessible for most, offering lovely views along the way.
Views of Half Dome
Trail to Mirror Lake
Catch glimpses of the iconic Half Dome as you make your way towards the lake, adding to the scenic journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Mirror Lake's Magic
Getting to Mirror Lake: Shuttle or Bike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Levels First
Lake can be dry late summer/fall. Best reflections are spring/early summer!
Use the Shuttle Bus
Parking is tough! Take the free shuttle to Stop 17 for easy access.
Bike the Paved Path
Ride bikes to the rack, then walk for fewer people.
Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Trail can get wet, especially near the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Levels First
Lake can be dry late summer/fall. Best reflections are spring/early summer!
Use the Shuttle Bus
Parking is tough! Take the free shuttle to Stop 17 for easy access.
Bike the Paved Path
Ride bikes to the rack, then walk for fewer people.
Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Trail can get wet, especially near the lake.
Consider the Loop Trail
For more challenge, continue past the lake on the loop trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mirror Lake offers an accessible and scenic experience, particularly when water levels are high, providing stunning reflections. While the lake can be dry later in the season, the easy paved trail and views of Half Dome still make it a worthwhile visit for many. Parking can be a challenge, making the shuttle or biking recommended options.
"Mirror Lake is a pretty easy route if you’re not looking for anything too strenuous. You can take the shuttle bus here (purple route), which will save you some time. It’s worth noting that the lake will not be full if you go in late summer. The lake is filled from the melting snow caps on the mountains, so if you go too late in the summer then the lake itself isn’t very full at all. We went late August and this was the case for us."
B
"The lake was dry when we were there but, in my opinion, still worth the trip out on the paved walking path. Parking was challenging; end of August, as this trail starts close to the end of the park's roadways."
Eric Bauer
"Mirror lake shares the same trailhead with Mist Trail. There are 3 ways to get to the trail head:
* Take the free shuttle to the trailhead (Shuttle Stop 17)
* From happy isles, follow the paved road to the trailhead (about 0.5 mile)
* From happy isles, take the trail along the paved road to the trailhead.
From the trailhead to the lake, it is about one mile paved service road with little elevation. It is an really easy hike ( total 2 mile round trip, 100 feet elevation). If you want more challenge, you can continue the hike passed the lake, and there is a loop trail following the Tenaya Creek. After crossing two bridges, you can return to the lake with snow creek trail.
Mirror lake is dry most of the year. The best time to visit is when there are a lot of water in the lake, otherwise, you will never understand why it gets the name of mirror lake. The reflection of surrounding cliffs is breath-taking."
John P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the free Yosemite Valley shuttle to Stop 17. You can also bike to the trailhead and walk the rest of the way, or hike from Happy Isles along the paved road. Parking can be very challenging, especially during peak season.
Parking is limited and can be challenging, particularly at the end of August. It's often recommended to use the shuttle or bike to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, biking to the Mirror Lake trailhead is a popular option. You can then walk the paved service road to the lake, often encountering fewer people than those who hike the entire way.
The most convenient access is via the free Yosemite Valley shuttle, which stops at Stop 17, close to the Mirror Lake trailhead.
While you can drive towards the trailhead, parking is extremely limited. Using the shuttle or biking is highly recommended for a smoother experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mirror Lake is located within Yosemite National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass. There are no separate tickets required for Mirror Lake itself.
The primary fee is the Yosemite National Park entrance fee. The shuttle service within the park is free.
Mirror Lake is accessible year-round, but the shuttle service operates on a seasonal schedule. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for current shuttle hours.
The trail to Mirror Lake is generally accessible year-round, but conditions can vary with snow and ice in winter. The lake's water level is seasonal.
No, Mirror Lake is a natural attraction within Yosemite National Park and does not require reservations. However, park entrance reservations may be required during peak seasons.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Mirror Lake is generally considered easy. It's about a 2-mile round trip on a paved service road with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors.
The lake is fullest and most reflective during spring and early summer due to snowmelt. By late summer and fall, the water level often recedes significantly, and it can be dry.
You can expect stunning reflections of the surrounding granite cliffs and domes, including views of Half Dome as you approach the lake.
Yes, the easy, paved trail makes Mirror Lake a great option for families with children or those looking for a less strenuous activity.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted in Mirror Lake due to its shallow and often receding water levels, and to protect the delicate ecosystem.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are when the lake has water, offering mirror-like reflections of the granite domes. Look for clear, calm mornings for the most dramatic shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons, during the golden hours, provide beautiful soft light and can enhance the reflective qualities of the lake.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery and reflections. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water's surface.
Yes, as you hike towards Mirror Lake, you can get some excellent views of Half Dome, especially when the lake is full.
Be patient for the water to be still for reflections. Consider shooting at different times of day to capture varying light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the 'mirror' effect is best when the lake is full (spring/early summer), the walk itself is enjoyable year-round. Families can pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake or along the trail. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and be aware of the shuttle schedule if you plan to use it for access.
🚶♀️ Casual Strollers & Easy Walkers
Even if the lake is dry, the walk itself is pleasant, with opportunities to see Half Dome and enjoy the Yosemite Valley landscape. It's a great option for a relaxed outing without the commitment of a strenuous hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seasonal Nature of Mirror Lake
However, as the summer progresses and the snowmelt diminishes, the lake begins to recede. By late summer and into the fall, it's common for Mirror Lake to become a mere puddle or even completely dry. While the absence of water changes the experience, the paved trail remains an enjoyable walk, and views of Half Dome are still visible. Some visitors still find value in the walk even when the lake is dry, appreciating the surrounding landscape and the easier trail.
For those prioritizing the 'mirror' aspect, planning a visit during the spring or early summer is crucial. Checking recent visitor photos and reports can also provide a good indication of current water levels before your trip.
Navigating Yosemite Valley: Shuttle vs. Personal Vehicle
Many visitors opt to use their bikes to explore the valley. Biking to the Mirror Lake trailhead allows for a more flexible pace and the ability to stop and enjoy the scenery. It's also a great way to bypass some of the foot traffic on the paved service road leading to the lake. Some travelers even combine biking with walking, riding their bikes to a designated rack and then completing the final stretch on foot, often finding fewer crowds this way.
While driving your own vehicle offers independence, the scarcity of parking, especially during peak seasons, can lead to significant delays and disappointment. For a smoother and more enjoyable visit to Mirror Lake and other valley attractions, prioritizing the shuttle or biking is highly recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit