Every Trail Tells a Story
Gaylor Lakes
Biggest bang-for-minutes in the high country.
Lakes, meadows, and a dash of mining history above treeline.
Cathedral Range views that feel stolen (in the best way).
On the hike to Gaylor Lakes you’re guaranteed to feel the high in the High Sierra. The climb begins in the shadow of Tioga Pass entrance station at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation. It’s the highest trailhead in the park. The path climbs through the rarefied air to Gaylor Lakes, two cobalt gems rimmed by dramatic crags. Marvel at hillsides known to bloom with lupine, columbine and corn lily. Daisy, Sierra wallflower, penstemon and spreading phlox add to the trailside bouquet.
Short, steep, spectacular – that’s Gaylor in three words. From the Tioga Pass Gate you climb straight into the good stuff: a crisp little pass above timberline, a sudden reveal of tarns set like coins in a granite purse, and the Cathedral Range extending across the horizon. It’s the fastest way I know to feel miles from the road without actually being miles from the road.
The basin itself feels private. Lower Gaylor Lake lies in a meadowy cup perfect for a long sit and a deeper breath; Upper Gaylor and the historic High Sierra Mine ruins lie just beyond a low rise. The stone cabin foundations and jumbled tailings tell the old Sierra story – rock, hope, and hard winters. Up here the air is thin and clean; the water looks freshly invented.
Park at the Tioga Pass entrance station area (east park boundary). The trail begins on the north side of the road. Facilities are minimal.
Climb briskly past scattered whitebark pine and lodgepole pine, crest a rocky ridge to Gaylor Pass (brief but real effort), then drops into the lake basin. A right turn leads to Lower Gaylor Lake; a left turn and short rise leads to Upper Gaylor Lake and the historic mine ruins with wide views of Mt. Dana and the Cathedral Range. Explore the shoreline and meadows on durable surfaces, then return over the pass the way you came.