Ten Lakes Trail
~3 days · 6.1 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Ten Lakes Trail is known for
The Ten Lakes Trail is a backpacking route into the Ten Lakes Basin in the quieter northern reaches of Yosemite National Park, California. Starting from Tioga Road, it climbs over Ten Lakes Pass to a cluster of alpine lakes set among granite benches, including the Ten Lakes and nearby Grant Lakes. It is commonly done as an out-and-back or short loop in the high country of the Sierra Nevada.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 7,543 ft to 9,665 ft over 6.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 4.3 mi · 70%
- Downhill 1.0 mi · 17%
- Flat 0.8 mi · 13%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Ten Lakes Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Ten Lakes Trail scores 30/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from July through September, after Tioga Road opens for the season and the high basin melts out; snow can block the pass into early summer.
Permits: A Yosemite wilderness permit, subject to a trailhead quota and reservable in advance, is required for overnight trips.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Ten Lakes Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Ten Lakes Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 6.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Ten Lakes Trail?
The Ten Lakes Trail climbs roughly 2,165 ft total — about 355 ft per mile, topping out near 9,665 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Ten Lakes Trail?
Best from July through September, after Tioga Road opens for the season and the high basin melts out; snow can block the pass into early summer.
Do you need a permit for the Ten Lakes Trail?
A Yosemite wilderness permit, subject to a trailhead quota and reservable in advance, is required for overnight trips.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.