Two picnic areas are available (one of them is wheelchair accessible). The Merced is at or near peak flow then, though, so no kayaking. Most folks expect a much later than usual opening due to the abundant snowpack. Its an ideal location for a picnic or a quick swim in the clear cold waters. If you havent already explored this part of the park, I recommend combining your Tenaya paddle with a hike up Mt Hoffman, Lembert Dome, another nearby peak. Tioga Pass Road, which closes in the The shuttles stop at 6 p.m. and you will not have a ride back to the put-in if you miss the last bus. 3 Nights This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a day's worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. While the lake is lovely, I don't recall the view from it being one of the better ones on my trip. 3 The best months for kayaking in Yosemite are typically between May and September. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm. It's a mile (1.6 km) long and bordered on three sides by granite peaks and domes. Tenaya Lake is very scenic as it is mainly surrounded by hills, trees and domes. Soft sand, blue waters and plenty of nearby amenities make this a popular swimming and sunbathing spot. At times conditions in the Merced River can become too dangerous for kayaking, and it is important to stay out of the water when so advised by park rangers. Kayaking on Merced River and Lake Tenaya If you have your own kayaks ready to go. A personal floatation device is mandatory at Yosemite. For those who like big rocks but arent super fond of scaling them, visit the Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery in the charming Sierra Gold Rush town of Mariposa to get a feel for the rope. 1 The nearest place to rent kayaks is The PakYak Shack in Merced which is approximately 115 miles from Tenaya Lake. There are additional more specific National Park Service regulations. These iconic scenes seem to appear and disappear with every bend. Read Next 5 Your first view of Tenaya Lake (8,150 feet/2,484 m) can be a bit startling. No photos yet. Boasting turquoise waters and soft, white sand, beachgoers will be in paradise. Youll just need to see them for yourself. You can kayak all along the Merced River from Stoneman Bridge in Curry Village down to Sentinel Point Beach. Surrounded by Accommodation is included, as youll be sleeping at a riverside camping spot, for a truly immersive experience. Yosemite has amazing campgrounds. No launch or dock facilities are provided, and motorized watercraft are not permitted. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind while kayaking in Yosemite. You may put in and take out your boat/raft at Stoneman Bridge and Sentinel Beach, but not anywhere between. Lake Tahoe straddles the border between Nevada and California, and its gorgeous waters and plentiful activities draw in more than 15-million tourists per year. Bear Lake State Park can be an ideal place to launch, with kayak rentals being available at the park's marina.There are also lots of beaches and parking, making it easy to launch. To explore lodging options, things to do and places to eat, visit Yosemite.com, the #1 trip planning site for vacations to Yosemite National Park and historic Mariposa County. Because of its remarkable scenic qualities, its inviting blue water, and its proximity to Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake is one of the most popular destinations for summer . 3 The lake is easily accessed by Highway 120/Tioga Pass road which runs along the north shore of the lake. paddling enthusiasts. On the east shore of the lake is a very large beach where most people will enter the lake to go swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences, When Cities Meet The Water: Americas Top Urban Paddling Destinations, Paddling At Night - Tips and Safety Recommendations. Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for great videos on the people and places of Yosemite Mariposa County. The cost for this tour can go from around $100 to $180 per person. There are sandy beaches along the way to stop and take a swim or to stop for a picnic. No trips have been created that use this paddling location. . Surrounded by bare granite peaks in all directions, from Tenaya Peak to the east to Polly Dome and Pywiack Dome to the north, Tenaya Lake tempts all tourists driving by to pull over and relax for a bit. There is plenty to see and do right here, from kayaking on the water to climbing the magnificent domes above. Despite the company you may find. If youve chosen Tuolumne Meadows or White Wolf as your base, Tenaya Lake is right in your neighborhood and the perfect place to paddle with your family. Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be worn. Sierra Mac River Trips offers the best packages for organized kayaking tours in Yosemite. Given the elevation, I know water will be cold- Does anyone have approximate temperatures for May? When the river is 4 feet or lower, every person must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft/boat (and children under age 13 must be wearing one). Here, PFDs must be available for every occupant of the raft, and all children under age 13 must wear one at all times. 4 by Tom Gaffey. 2 Nights And if youre looking for more inspiration, why dont you check out my 20 favorite weekend getaways in the US? Tenaya Lake offers a wide range of Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times. You dont even need to be near an ocean. Photo credit: ericncindy24, No. Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California Often referred to as the " Jewel of the High Country ," this glacial lake boasts clear blue waters and sits at 8,150 feet above sea level.. Both Cape Cod and Marthas Vineyard have some of the bluest waters on the East Coast, and Marthas Vineyard has much to offer visitors. This guided tour includes both rafting and paddleboarding options. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Yet youre kayaking in Yosemite. A quick trip to Tenaya Lake. Good times! No description has been added yet for this paddling location. Scenery Factor: Tenaya Lake may be the most beautiful of all Yosemite's lakes. Help the community if you have information to share! This will be your put-in butyou cant park here. Fishing at Yosemite is permitted year round and the regulations are the same that apply in all of California. The river must be declared open by park officials. Ive spent so much time in this part of Yosemite that hanging out in the center of the lake is like being surrounded by old friends. Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. Here is the full price list and hourly rates for renting kayaks with Padyak Shak at Yosemite. There are fewer more fulfilling pursuits than Yosemite Mariposa picnicking. It is a great place to go kayaking, as the scenery is breathtaking and the water is calm and serene. My recollection was that parking seemed to fill up around the lake, so in that regard it may be good to get in a bit early. . One of the great things about Tenaya Lake is that motorized boating isn't allowed. Utah Lake is a 148 sq. Tenaya Lake is absolutely beautiful. Copyright 1994-Present Scenic Wonders, Inc. All rights reserved. About the majestic mountains. Youll be led by several experienced and knowledgeable guides who will make sure you have all the information necessary to navigate the most difficult sections of the streams. Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows on Tenaya Lake is a wonderland combination of The normal take-out point is about 3 miles downstream at Sentina Beach Picnic Area; no river access is available between these two points. Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley requires no experience, and rafts can be rented at any of the following locations: The fee for renting a raft (holding as many as four people) is $27.50 per person. If needed, are there any places that rent wetsuits nearby? Check the current weather forecast for Tenaya Lake before heading out and pay particular attention to the wind conditions for the day. Paddle out onto Tenaya Lake for a scenic tour around this popular alpine lake. A trip to southern Utah can offer multiple opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Kayaking at Lake Tahoe in the Sierras Spanning across a stretch of the border between California and Nevada, with the winning combination of clarity and a depth of over 1,600 feet, Lake Tahoe is a treat for those who enjoy seeing history preserved beneath them or complete immersion in nature. Amidst a backdrop of light colored granite rocks the lake is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, sailing and fishing. 4 Someone recently posted a link to the results of the latest snow surveyI think Tenaya Lake had around 9 feet of snow. Put-in and take-out slots are limited; check for availability. provides superb views. problem as you might experience at other This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. First and foremost, it is essential to obey the rules and warnings of the park rangers. Hoffman, Tenaya Peak, Lembert Dome, and other giants. A better option is to bring your own kayak and spend the day exploring the lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a days worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. Encounters with deer, Slow down and spend the day at Tenaya Lake a beautiful and easy-to-get-to alpine lake cupped by granite domes. A 2.5 hiking trail around the lake's perimeter provides superb views. I went on a weekday so take this with a grain of salt, but traffic wasn't too bad. Tenaya Lake fits this bill to a capital T. Located 77 miles (124 km) from the Gold Rush gem of Mariposa, the blue snowmelt-fed waters of Tenaya Lake send out a clarion call to visitors who want to explore Yosemite in one day while still having the option of comfy accommodations outside the Park. No picture of the giant sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park manages to fully capture their immense size and majesty. Travel. 2 In 2022 Yosemite national park added a parking curb on much of the HWY 120 Corridor through the park. . The road will still be closed for the winter. There is some info about Planning a Spring visit in the Top Questions on the right. Reservations should be made immediately upon entering the park, at the Half Dome Village Tour/Guest Recreation Kiosk. You have two paddling options in the park: Tenaya Lake and the Merced River. Kayaking is a popular way to enjoy the calm waters of Tenaya Lake. Call today! Canoeing and kayaking allows people of all ages and varied abilities to experience paddling the serenity of calm water or the challenge of maneuvering whitewater. The road will still be closed for the winter. For this reason, I only recommend this tour to boating experts, who are confident in their endurance and fitness. Alternatively, you may use, Yosemite National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/spring.htm, http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm, http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/seasonal.htm. Lets explore the 4 best destinations for kayaking in Yosemite, plus some exciting things to do for a weekend packed with activities. A short carry up the beach will take you to a picnic area where buses are waiting to shuttle rafters back to the Curry Village Recreation Area. Our friendly staff looks forward to answering your questions about our great Yosemite lodging options. I appreciate the help! Water temperature will be incredibly cold and will probably not reach 50 degrees. provides an unforgettable experience for Absolutely. Though just over a mile long, its granite-encircled shores provide paddlers with flat water (beginners welcome!) This tour can last from 1 to 3 days and is one of the most fast-paced and intensive adventures available at Yosemite. To help you organize your kayaking trip to Yosemite, I have put together a handy 3-day itinerary. 5 Nights, Adults canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, | Sanibel Island Shells Guide: Finding the Best Seashells, Copyright 2023 Scenic States | Privacy Policy, Stop Exploring Footers, Start Exploring States. The sandy shoreline on the northeast end of the lake brings the beach a little closer to the heavens, while sunbathing on the toasty rocks brings the Vitamin D levels to peak wellness. 2.5 If you have any questions about this paddling location or have other relevant information that would be helpful to other paddlers, please add them as comments below for the entire community! You wont have Tenaya to yourself. It is the largest lake in Yosemite's front-country. The guided tour lasts 3 days and will take you around all the best and most scenic rafting spots in Yosemite. On the South Fork: For rafting only, another section of the south fork of the Merced River is open below Swinging Bridge in Wawona. In addition to a sturdy table, find a sun-warmed slab of flat granite or even a patch of sun-warmed Tenaya Lake sand to lay out your picnic blanket and enjoy those High Sierra sips & spreads. There is a large picnicking area along this section of the river, so you can pack a lunch and make a day trip out of your kayaking experience. Every seasoned traveler knows the value of slowing down and discovering the nuanced rewards of a single locale. Tenaya Lake is on Tioga Road and will not be accessible in the second week of May. Learn what to expect from Mirror Lake in various seasons. Name Game: The Ahwahneechee name for Tenaya Lake is Pie-we-ack, or Lake of the Shining Rocks. Shine on. Havasu Falls gets its crystal blue water from calcium carbonate and magnesium that occur naturally in the Havasu Creek. 1 1 Child The gauntlet of granite that surrounds Tenaya Lake is a fine collection of the world-class rock climbing in Yosemite Mariposa County. 1 Adult Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park. 10, Adults by Laurie Case Wilhite. The perfectly waveless, calm water makes for great boating, canoeing and kayaking. Either way, kayaking Tenaya Lake is the best way to rest your legs after a few days of steep trails, relax at the end of a long drive, or gaze up at your favorite alpine landmarks from a new perspective. Snow-capped peaks surround Jenny Lake, which is one of the most popular spots within Grand Teton National Park. However, the downside of kayaking during the summer months is the water level, which can be lower than usual. Ebbett's is north of Yosemite (but lower than the Tioga Pass, IIRC). northern edge so the lake is hard to miss. Whether youre a pro trying to capture a storm moving through the canyon, creating a Christmas-card-worthy family portrait, or simply sharing your good time on social media, the range of light at Tenaya Lake never disappoints. A nylon shell jacket can make a difference in bad weather. From mid-lake gaze northeast for the unmistakable Pywiack Dome, a 600 foot temple of granite rising from a dark ring of pine forest. PFDs and paddles are also available for $5.50. 5. You can rent a raft (typically in June and July, but it varies from year to year depending on water level) or bring your own. As much as I usually favor quieter lakes farther away from roads, Tenaya is my exception. 1 Night There are no kayak rentals available at Tenaya Lake or anywhere in Yosemite National Park. Under the stone bridges that span the river every so often, you'll encounter many trout-filled eddies in the clear water. It is a tiny lake, but Keep reading to learn more about the best time to kayak at Yosemite, the best locations, guided tours, and some useful tips. Rules require that two capable paddlers be in each raft, and children under 50 lbs. Disneyland with Toddlers: My 10 Expert Tips, 10 Las Vegas Skateparks Youll Be Stoked To Visit. Tenaya Lake is encircled by Mt. Because of the gorgeous views the lake brings. This glacial lake might be too cold for swimming, but that doesnt make it any less peaceful and enjoyable. For more National Park paddling, visit the volcanic landscape of Lassens Butte Lake. For the best photo opportunity at Tenaya Lake, you can hit the Sunrise Lakes Trail and reach Olmsted Point. bald eagles and even bears are not uncommon. Siesta Lake is an alpine lake located along the Tioga Road to the south, about 13 miles east of the Crane Flat Gas Station. Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. 4 Nights Bigger than the state of Rhode Island. My husband and I are planning to visit Yosemite the second week of May. Some years the river can be quite low by mid-August. There is also a snack bar and gift shop located here in case you forgot to bring something to snack on or drink. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and within one mile upstream along any tributary (e.g., Rancheria Falls). Difficulty: Easy. Every person must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft/boat (and children under age 13 must be wearing one). There are no kayak rentals available at Tenaya Lake or anywhere in Yosemite National Park. With an elevation of 8,150 ft. One of the most popular spots for kayaking, boating, and swimming. The lake is at 8,150 feet (2,484 meters) in elevation in Yosemites high country where snow lingers longer in the spring and comes earlier in the fall than in Yosemite Valley. For an adventurous and thrilling weekend, nothing beats the amazing national parks of the west coast. 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