Need short Tuolumne MDWS DH

“We're heading for a quick trip to Yosemite and Tuolumne Mdws. I need a short day hike 3-4 miles one way with
<600' elevation gain. Every time I find one that I like the profile includes 1200'+ elevation gain(well, one has to go up to get up high doesn't one? ^ ) but my better half doesn't like those dry switchbacks. She doesn't mind walking the miles but, to use her words "I'm not a mountain goat like you".
I thought about Lyell Canyon.

Anyone got another suggestion?”

“It's been a while sence I've done it, but there is this little known trail that shoots off from a small parking area off the main Yosemite Highway not too far from Tuolumne Mdws. It takes you to the base of Cathedrial Peak, and Cathedrial Lakes. I swear that that area is the most beautiful place in Yosemite! Just take the Highway from the East most shore of Tenaya Lake towards Tuolumne Meadows. Clock about exactly 2 miles from Tenaya Lk and be watching for a small parking area on the Right(SE) side of the Highway. If you look at a map, you'll see a nice wide easy-sloaping saddle/ledge that leads up a Granit wall to Cathedrial Lake. The hike can't be more than 3 or 4 miles. I'm not sure of the elevation gain, but my step mom, who is not a hiker, did it a few years back. The Park keeps the trail unmarked, and rangers use it to check wilderness permits of backpackers at those lakes. The path is well used, so as long as your semi ok with a Topo map you'll do fine. My dad and I have day hiked to the top of Cathedrial Peak (11,???) by that route. I'm sure you'll love it.

Good Luck and God Speed”

“And make sure you catch the view of Fairview Dome.”

“Yeah, I know the one. It has been a long time for me too. You're right about Cathedral Lks and peak ThinAir. I haven't been there since the late 60's. (I go to the southern Sierras now. Yosemite is just to crowded for backpacking with the possible exception of the northern part. It's ok for a short scenery trip and day hiking which is what we're doing this weekend.) Cathedral's another one of my choices but in the "mountain goat catagory" I'm afraid. (not my words, hers) I think that we'll try part of the trail to Sunrise Lakes and see how it goes and then perhaps the Lyell Fork if we don't go all the way to the lakes.

Leaving early tomorrow morning. Thanks for the suggestion.”

“I am really impressed with the details you people can remember Thinair, of how to get to trails, parking lots, number of miles and trail attributes, even years later. Is this all from memory or do you keep files of previous hikes?”

“I'd go with the Lyell Fork, it's the perfect easy hike with virtually no elevation gain. It's unbeatable for beauty and the wildlife is abundant. You'll see a few people along the way but usually fewer than you'd think.”

“The trail to Cathedral Lakes is hardly "little known" or "unmarked"!!! It is, in fact, part of the John Muir Trail! It's a fantastic hike, but it does involve some elevation gain, probably more than fit your parameters.

The Sunrise Lakes trail from Tenaya Lake has a lot of up and down and would also probably be regarded as mountain goat terrain by your wife.

The best choice is probably Lyell Canyon, which as Dunk said is nice and gentle and absolutely gorgeous.

Another choice might be the trail to Glen Aulin, which follows along the T. River and passes several gorgeous waterfalls. This trail is actually DOWNhill from the TM road, and then your wife will have no choice but to turn around and walk back up, will she?”

“The regular trail is marked, but if ya pick up a map, and follow the directions I gave, You'll see that it is unmarked! The "official" route is a lot longer of a hike. The one I'm talking about is under 3 miles and there are no signs, only a little path.

young&creaky, I'm just great with remembering detaled directions. All from memory :)”

“May lake”

“Ditto that Lyell Fork hike. 10 miles +/- of beautiful scenery, and 500 ft. elevation gain over that distance. Virtually flat, level hiking. Take your water shoes.”