If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite and looking for a peaceful spot to relax and soak in nature, you’ve got to check out Mirror Lake. It’s a beautiful place, and I had an amazing time there.
Mirror Lake is pretty easy to find. It’s located in Yosemite Valley, and there’s a well-marked trail that leads right to it. There’s no parking so you have to take the shuttle. Shuttle stop 17 takes you straight to the trailhead. You can take the purple shuttle line from Yosemite Village. If you’re staying at North Pines Campground, you are close enough to walk to the Mirror Lake Trail.
The walk to the lake isn’t too long or tough, which is great if you’re not up for a strenuous hike. It’s one mile to the lake so roundtrip is 2 miles. The trail is mostly flat and takes you through some stunning scenery. You really get to see the beauty of Yosemite along the way. The trail to Mirror Lake is clearly marked with multiple signs and mile markers, making it easy to navigate.
If you take the most direct route, you’ll stay on the paved road, which crosses a bridge over Tenaya Creek. The road then follows the north side of the creek straight to Mirror Lake. There are restrooms available half a mile from the trailhead and again one mile from the trailhead. You can bring bicycles, leashed pets, and strollers on the first mile of the road, but they aren’t allowed beyond that point. I didn’t take the paved road all the way to the lake. I enjoyed the hiking path that turns right from the paved road.
When I arrived at the lake, I was struck by how calm everything was. The lake is famous for its clear, still waters that reflect the surrounding cliffs and trees like a mirror—hence the name, Mirror Lake. However, don’t except a big lake, it’s more like a pond. It’s actually just a bigger section of Tenaya Creek, which flows down from Tenaya Lake.
It was late evening, and the water was so smooth and it looked like glass. The reflection was perfect, and I took some time to just enjoy the view and snap lots of photos.
One thing to note is that Mirror Lake changes with the seasons. In spring and early summer, the lake is full because of the melting snow. But as the year goes on, it can dry up quite a bit. I was there in the middle of April, 2024 and the water level was full. So if you visit later in the year, it might look more like a stream than a lake.
I spent a few hours just walking around the area, relaxing and enjoying the peace. There weren’t too many people around, which made it even better. I brought snacks with me, found a nice spot by the water, and just relaxed there. It was the perfect way to unwind and take in the incredible views of Half Dome and other Yosemite cliffs. In April, the water was cold and I didn’t go in the water.
Before heading out to Mirror Lake, make sure you’re prepared. Bring water, some snacks, and maybe a camera because you’ll definitely want to take pictures. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, and you won’t find any water sources along the hike. Also, wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking 2 miles. You can bike to the lake as well. There’s a paved road alongside of the hiking trail that leads to the lake. Overall, it’s an easy, short, and family friendly trail to hike. However, since it’s an easy hike, you’ll most likely have to share it with lots of other hikers. I went later in the evening and it wasn’t crowded.
