Diana Falls & Swimming Hole. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm 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. The island is an easy day trip from San Juan, the U.S. territorys capital. Tenaya lake is an absolutely stunning glacial lake located in the Eastern part of Yosemite national park ! When Cities Meet The Water: America's Top Urban Paddling Destinations. If you want to take your time on the river and not worry about catching the shuttle bus, it is best to leave your car at the take-out before getting on the river. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Get GUIDE Most spots fill up 6 months outand Im usually not that organized. Emerging through the pines, its waters look as though theyre poised to lap over the road while up ahead the steep, smooth granite of Stately Pleasure Dome meets the unrelenting rise of Tenaya Peak (10,306 ft/3,141 m) forming a gauntlet of granite where Tenaya Creek feeds the lake with pure snowmelt in spring. Any non-motorized boat is allowed on the lake during the day. The gauntlet of granite that surrounds Tenaya Lake is a fine collection of the world-class rock climbing in Yosemite Mariposa County. You can see Tenaya Lake from Olmsted Point and as you drive past it. 5 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. 6 Youll just need to see them for yourself. Be mindful of drive times and focus on one area of the park. hiking trail around the lakes perimeter But a variety of options are available for paddling the scenic Merced River in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, offering unique views of some of the park's most famous sights. Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists. Quick dry kayak shoes are the best choice as they are designed specifically for long kayak trips. outcroppings bordering the waters edge 4 Children In one of our Yosemite cabins you'll have all the space you need to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. The nearest place to rent kayaks is The PakYak Shack in Merced which is approximately 115 miles from Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake, which was named after Chief Tenaya, the last chief of the Yosemite Indians, is the largest lake in Yosemites frontcountry, according to the National Park Service, and is one of the most popular destinations in the park during summertime. Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. 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. Every occupant of a boat, raft, or inflatable must wear a personal flotation device each day when the gage height at Pohono Bridge is above 4 feet at 8 am. Boating in Yosemite is also possible during fall, however, you may encounter bad weather and cold temperatures. Tenaya Lake is approximately 35 m deep. To stay up to date, follow @YosemiteNation on social media and subscribe to our newsletter, The Wanderer. The shuttle wont take your canoe or kayak, but it can get you back up theriver. He regularly leads workshops on paddling basics, techniques, and safety. You can, however, rent rafts at the Raft & Bike rental in Curry village. 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. Two picnic areas are available, one of them is wheelchair accessible Hiking is also a popular activity in the Tenaya Lake area. The Valley is at a much lower altitude, which is why it is beautiful and accessible in May. The lake is easily accessed by Highway 120/Tioga Pass road which runs along the north shore of the lake. 5 Children, Address: 7403 Yosemite Park Way. Many of the beaches on Oahus Windward (eastern) side are noted as some of the best beaches on the island, and the area offers a slower-paced atmosphere than the more metropolitan sections. The summer is surely the best time to visit the National Park if you also intend to camp and hike. by Laurie Case Wilhite. First and foremost, it is essential to obey the rules and warnings of the park rangers. No picture of the giant sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park manages to fully capture their immense size and majesty. Although challenging, this spot can be incredible for boating as there it is completely immersed in pristine nature and is never as crowded as other Yosemite locations are. Does Tenaya Lake have fish? The best months for kayaking in Yosemite are typically between May and September. PFDs and paddles are also available for $5.50. If you want to kayak, you will have to bring your own to the park, as there is no place anywhere within the park to rent a kayak. California.com, 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. 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). For those who dont mind cool water, beaches provide an ideal place for swimming. If you dont own boating equipment, do not worry, you can rent it directly inside of the park. The road will still be closed for the winter. Even amidst the natural splendor that is Yosemite, on my summer Saturday paddle, a family of five found it necessary to float a waterproof speaker in on a small raft and blast pop music from the center of the lake. MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: 10 Of The Most Dazzling Waterfalls In The US. Boasting turquoise waters and soft, white sand, beachgoers will be in paradise. You have two paddling options in the park: Tenaya Lake and the Merced River. Yosemite has amazing campgrounds. At your firstcrossroad,the Stoneman Bridge will be on your left. Convenient Yosemite Lodging Near Kayaking Sites A great way to make your Yosemite kayaking vacation even better is with a cabin, condominium, or home rental from Yosemite's Scenic Wonders. Take a right after the Chapel in the park. We have an inflatable kayak we plan to bring along, and it seems that we'll just miss the Merced River being open, but Tenaya Lake looks like a good option. 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. (MORE: These Are The Best Beaches Of 2023). 2 Nights 9 photos. Tenaya Lake had "only" 107 inches on March 26th, 156% of normal. Id say buckle up, but that wouldnt be possible, so brace yourself for some thrilling river rafting. On the Merced River: When bringing their own gear, you normally put in along the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge, near Half-Dome Village. For the best photo opportunity at Tenaya Lake, you can hit the Sunrise Lakes Trail and reach Olmsted Point. With a long lovely shore, and a setting in the midst of granite cliffs, Tenaya Lake offers a serene getaway. Thinking of renting a kayak to go paddling on Tenaya Lake? This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a day's worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. You'll also have plenty of space for your kayaking equipment and all of the amenities you need to have a good time. The blue water is nearly 2,000 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the U.S., and is still and calm, reflecting the Cascade mountain range which surrounds the waters. A Located along Bean Creek near the historic town of Coulterville, this relaxing jaunt (1.4 miles out & back) leads to one of those old-fashioned swimming holes where Kodak memories are made. Tenaya Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, from kayaking, canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, photography, biking, and hiking. The Tenaya Lake Trail: The interplay between land and water at Tenaya Lake is something to behold. Under the stone bridges that span the river every so often, you'll encounter many trout-filled eddies in the clear water. The road will still be closed for the winter. photography, biking, and hiking. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The can be done in part or in full (2.5 mile loop/4 km) with minimum elevation gain and maximum views. There are several options or paddling in Yosemite, depending on if you are bringing your own equipment or wish to rent inner tubes or rafts and accessories. In 2022 Yosemite national park added a parking curb on much of the HWY 120 Corridor through the park. The road to the lake normally opens up in May, though depending on snow it might . Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times. 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. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite, Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery. still one can see flawless reflections of sparkling blue water and two-and-a-half There are additional more specific National Park Service regulations. On the South Fork: For rafting only, another section of the south fork of the Merced River is open below Swinging Bridge in Wawona. If There are many options available, with even multiple-day organized trips. As elsewhere around the park, be careful not to cut through grassy meadows (walk around them instead) and avoid trampling fragile riparian areas near the lakeshore. 3 Children The rapids can be pretty tricky for beginners, and in general, this experience can be pretty demanding. beauty. Bring your own boat. Sunscreen and even long sleeve shirts and long pants can be a great choice for people who easily sunburn. canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, swimming is generally permitted in all bodies of water in the park. Just 2 miles (3 km) west of Tenaya Lake along Tioga Road, the rocky lookout at Olmsted Point provides visitors with a unique aerial view of Yosemite Valley and iconic Half Dome. Curry Village is mainly known for the beautiful cabins available for those who love a good glamping trip. Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour and Activity Desk, Half Dome Village Tour and Activities Kiosk, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Concierge Desk. About paddling enthusiasts. There are sandy beaches along the way to stop and take a swim or to stop for a picnic. We're first-time visitors, so didn't even think to check that road opening. Tenaya Lake is one of the most visited destinations in Yosemite National Park. No launch or dock facilities are provided, and motorized watercraft are not permitted. There are fewer more fulfilling pursuits than Yosemite Mariposa picnicking. For visitors bringing their own kayaks or canoes, there is are convenient put-in and take-out points, and those without equipment can rent rafts, paddles, and PFDsfor a reasonable fee. A better option is to bring your own kayak and spend the day exploring the lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. northern edge so the lake is hard to miss. This is one of the most exciting spots in Yosemite to raft and kayak, with its difficulty level rated at Class IV+. Here are 5 essential items that shouldnt be missing from your bag. This 1-day trip is perfect for boating beginners that wish to explore Yosemite in a fun and unusual way. Two picnic areas are available (one of them is wheelchair accessible). The surface of Tenaya Lake has an elevation of 8,150 feet (2,484 m). Good times! 5. Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. the majestic mountains. Not sure when the big river rafts start running - you can check in the park newspaper or google Merced River Rafting Trips. 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 . Kayaking and SUP are popular here, and youll spot every variety of inflatable watercraft. Read Next After a Tenaya Lake. Granite boulders surround the lake, where visitors can swim, kayak and boat. Tenaya Lake is very scenic as it is mainly surrounded by hills, trees and domes. It is a tiny lake, but However, apart from the luxury lodging, youll also find they rent kayaks, rafts, and even bikes. Flamenco Beach on the Puerto Rican island of Culebra is rated one of the best beaches in the world, according to discoverpuertorico.com. Paddle out onto Tenaya Lake for a scenic tour around this popular alpine lake. Siesta Lake is an alpine lake located along the Tioga Road to the south, about 13 miles east of the Crane Flat Gas Station. South Fork Merced River is one of the most challenging locations to kayak in Yosemite, so there are a few considerations to keep in mind. There are no kayak rentals available at Tenaya Lake or anywhere in Yosemite National Park. Whether you are floating by canoe, kayak, raft, or inner tube, the scenery you'll enjoy along the valley floor is unprecedented. The tour will take you on whitewater sections of Merced River that are rated between the III and IV classes. Kayaking or Stand-up Boards are great way to enjoy Tenaya Lake. 3 And here are three NPS links, Visiting in Spring https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/spring.htm, Newspaper http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm, Historic Seasonal Openings http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/seasonal.htm. Does Tenaya Lake have a kayak/canoe Launch Point? Its very convenient to rent here as you dont necessarily have to rent the kayak for the whole day. This is to help ensure the safety of all visitors to the park. Because of the gorgeous views the lake brings. You can also walk along the lake shore, swim (but the water may be cold! If You Want to Rent a Raft Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley requires no experience, and rafts can be rented at any of the following locations: Located 7 miles (11 km) east of Tenaya Lake is the High-Country hub of Tuolumne Meadows. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. deliver extraordinary views. Tioga Pass Road passes along the lakes Also, be sure youre coming to South Fork Merced River with all the necessary equipment to kayak in complete safety. Kayaking is allowed in this section of the river from 10:00am to 6:00pm, unless otherwise stated. . The trip starts strong with some thrilling whitewater rafting at Cherry Creek and carries on the next days with more relaxing watering holes. We update our blog weekly, so be sure to visit frequently to get the latest news. The lakes parking lot is located close to the boat access point, so youll have no trouble transporting the kayaks from the car to the water. You wont have Tenaya to yourself. Some years the river can be quite low by mid-August. The surrounding granite peaks and domes add a striking visual backdrop whether youre picnicking, swimming or strolling its postcard-perfect shoreline along the Tenaya Lake Trail. The lake, which is about 2 million years old and one of the worlds 20 oldest lakes, is ideal for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and more, and 11 nearby ski resorts offer plenty for skiers and snowboarders alike. Late summer. There is also a snack bar and gift shop located here in case you forgot to bring something to snack on or drink. Sanibel Island Shells Guide: Finding the Best Seashells, Copyright 2023 Scenic States | Privacy Policy, Stop Exploring Footers, Start Exploring States. An exercise in tranquility is allowed in this section of the best beaches of 2023 ) unusual.! And a setting in the Eastern part of Yosemite National park added a parking curb on of. 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