The west side of the lake along Tioga Road offers postcard quality shots with Tenaya Peak in the background, or try the south end of the lake focusing northeast to the aforementioned granite jumble that kisses the waters surface. 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. crowd factor is usually not as much of a About Tenaya Lake is encircled by Mt. If you love fighting rapids in low water and difficult conditions, the Tuolumne River is the place for you. It is roughly 15 miles from the East gate on top of Tioga Pass or 50 miles / 1.5hr drive from Yosemite Valley. Pro Tip: Bring waterproof boots or take off your shoes & socks to cross the shallow outlet at the southwest end of Tenaya Lake, especially in spring and early summer. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm. If needed, are there any places that rent wetsuits nearby? canoeists, kayakers and SUP boarders alike. Canoeing, kayaking, raftering and tubing on this portion of the river under certain conditions: If you are using your own equipment, you can purchase a ticket for the shuttle bus ride back to Half Dome Village at the end of the trip for $5.00. Tenaya Lake is located 2 Children The summer is surely the best time to visit the National Park if you also intend to camp and hike. The guided tour lasts 3 days and will take you around all the best and most scenic rafting spots in Yosemite. Home > Scenic Wonders Blog > Where are the best places for Kayaking in Yosemite? Very little elevation gain (lakes are notoriously level). Below is a list of some of the bluest waters in the U.S., from glass-like glacial lakes to a lake within a collapsed volcano crater, to a mineral-rich crystal blue creek in the Grand Canyon. Most spots fill up 6 months outand Im usually not that organized. Boating and rafting are allowed when the gage height as measured at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am. Tenaya Lake is on Tioga Road and will not be accessible in the second week of May. The 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. They haven't even started plowing Tioga Road yet, and the daytime highs up there are in the 30's. Yes, Tenaya Lake has Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout among other species. With Hawaiis countless stunning beaches, its tough to pick one with the most beautiful waters, but Waimanalo Beach in Oahu certainly ranks. Raft reservations are in heavy demand, so try to reserve a raft at least one day in advance. They have solo and double kayak rentals for 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours ( day) and 8 hours (all day). From the west end of Tenaya Lake Stately Pleasure Dome rises out from the waters edge on the right. This self-guided, totally affordable tour will take you on a 6-mile exploration of Merced River, and is available throughout the Summer. 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. Scenic Wonders offers a wide variety of Yosemite lodging options within the gates of the park. The best months for kayaking in Yosemite are typically between May and September. Best Places to Kayak in California. Exploring Merced River by boat is especially fun because of the many hidden beaches youll be able to spot from the water. Kayaking is a popular way to enjoy the calm waters of Tenaya Lake. After kayaking all morning, you can grab lunch at the Tenaya Lake Picnic Area, then hit one of the few panoramic trails nearby. Two picnic areas are available (one of them is wheelchair accessible). On Tenaya Lake: Kayaking is popular on the calm Tenaya Lake. Youll just need to see them for yourself. Kayaking on Merced River and Lake Tenaya If you have your own kayaks ready to go. Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be worn. 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. On the South Fork: For rafting only, another section of the south fork of the Merced River is open below Swinging Bridge in Wawona. 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. Fishing at Yosemite is permitted year round and the regulations are the same that apply in all of California. 4 A personal floatation device is mandatory at Yosemite. One of the great things about Tenaya Lake is that motorized boating isn't allowed. 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. To help you organize your kayaking trip to Yosemite, I have put together a handy 3-day itinerary. the summer months. granite peaks on three sides, Tenaya Lakes Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona Was It Scary? Tioga Pass Road can open in May or July, depending on how big a winter we get. Tenaya Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, from kayaking, canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, photography, biking, and hiking. However, the downside of kayaking during the summer months is the water level, which can be lower than usual. The Weather Companys primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. Kayaks are recommended for this trip, although the National Park Service (NPS) allows any non-motorized boats on the lake. Also, be sure youre coming to South Fork Merced River with all the necessary equipment to kayak in complete safety. But you dont have to leave the country to see gorgeous water. In 2022 Yosemite national park added a parking curb on much of the HWY 120 Corridor through the park. This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a days worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. For more National Park paddling, visit the volcanic landscape of Lassens Butte Lake. Every seasoned traveler knows the value of slowing down and discovering the nuanced rewards of a single locale. No information on Parking & Fees has been added yet for this paddling location. You can fish with a license. 5 Nights, Adults You'll also have plenty of space for your kayaking equipment and all of the amenities you need to have a good time. Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. Most folks expect a much later than usual opening due to the abundant snowpack. 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. Boating in Yosemite is also possible during fall, however, you may encounter bad weather and cold temperatures. To learn more about our rentals and rates give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648). 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. With so many activities available in Yosemite National Park, paddling by canoe, kayak, or raft is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. The cost for this tour can go from around $100 to $180 per person. Youll be responsible for transporting your kayak rental to and from Tenaya Lake. Taking only 130 days to complete with nothing but hand tools and blast powder, Tioga Road spans the Sierra divide providing expansive vistas, geologic wonders and lush conifer forests with every turn. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM. Tenaya Lake: Kayaking in October - See 366 traveler reviews, 366 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. There are sandy beaches along the way to stop and take a swim or to stop for a picnic. This Oregon lake was formed when an ancient volcano collapsed nearly 7,700 years ago. Water temperature will be incredibly cold and will probably not reach 50 degrees. Tenaya Lake is sandwiched by two nearby attractions that are easily explored during your one day in Yosemite high country. Two great choices for a nice hike are the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead and Murphy Creek Trailhead, both located close to the lakeshore. Not only do I love to travel, but I love talking about travel, learning about travel, researching travel, and helping others to plan itineraries for themselves. Tenaya Lake is an alpine lake in Yosemite National Park, located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Tenaya Lake - Tenaya Lake - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! The iconic Green River is not just home to delicious melons but is also an popular destination for some kayaking. Stately Pleasure Dome, Piwiak Dome, and Tenaya Peak call for the cams amidst a framework of alpine beauty thats hard to match. This glacial lake might be too cold for swimming, but that doesnt make it any less peaceful and enjoyable. It is sometimes referred to as the "Jewel of the High Country" and it a popular spot for kayaking, boating, swimming and even sunbathing. Tenaya Lake - Day 1 The first stop of your Yosemite kayaking trip can be Tenaya Lake. Slow down and spend the day at Tenaya Lake a beautiful and easy-to-get-to alpine lake cupped by granite domes. Yosemite is really big. 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. 3 Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. Any non-motorized boat is allowed on the lake during the day. I appreciate the help! 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. Kayaking and SUP are popular here, and youll spot every variety of inflatable watercraft. Olmsted Point is a delightful place to stop for sunset, and view of the other side of Half Dome. PFDs and paddles are also available for $5.50. The Green River, UT. Sanibel Island Shells Guide: Finding the Best Seashells, Copyright 2023 Scenic States | Privacy Policy, Stop Exploring Footers, Start Exploring States. Note: Tioga Road opens seasonally from approximately late May to November depending on winter snowfall. They have to begin the plowing and determine what sort of rockfall or road damage there is. Kayaking and fishing go hand in hand, as its easy to reach amazing remote fishing spots with the freedom and flexibility that the kayak provides. The water is crystal clear. With a cool Sierra breeze skimming its cerulean waters and a bounty of things to do, Tenaya Lake is the perfect spot for a deep dive when one day in Yosemite Mariposa is your travel du jour. After a leisurely paddle, there's an abundance of hiking trails in the area to explore. Most folks expect a much later than usual opening due to the abundant snowpack. Havasu Falls gets its crystal blue water from calcium carbonate and magnesium that occur naturally in the Havasu Creek. If you plan to leave a car at the put-in and take the shuttle back, be sure to have cash on you before taking off. Here are 5 essential items that shouldnt be missing from your bag. The Merced is at or near peak flow then, though, so no kayaking. Once you hit the lake, there's ample seating for folks who want to just chill by the lake. This meadow appears almost prehistoric with the Tuolumne River winding through its grassy expanse, punctuated by granite domes rising from the surrounding pine forest. Snow-capped peaks surround Jenny Lake, which is one of the most popular spots within Grand Teton National Park. Tenaya Lake on a windless day, with water so Siesta Lake is an alpine lake located along the Tioga Road to the south, about 13 miles east of the Crane Flat Gas Station. 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. 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. bald eagles and even bears are not uncommon. There is plenty to see and do right here, from kayaking on the water to climbing the magnificent domes above. Get GUIDE For example. The perfectly waveless, calm water makes for great boating, canoeing and kayaking. Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. 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). miles shallow freshwater lake lying in Utah Valley. If youre apt to swim and boating in colder water, youll find the best kayaking conditions (with lots of water) between April and June. | As for me I chose to paddle Tenaya for that new perspective. Enjoy a day at the beach at the east end of Tenaya Lake. This 1-day trip is perfect for boating beginners that wish to explore Yosemite in a fun and unusual way. There might be plowing updates near the beginning of May. 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. They dont announce the opening dates for Tioga Pass Road until mid-May or so. HERE | Contact, Copyright 2013 to Present, Janice L Green Paddling (From Hoffman, youll look down on Tenaya Lake and Half Dome.). Help the paddling community! Tenaya Lake. There is also a snack bar and gift shop located here in case you forgot to bring something to snack on or drink. Located just outside Yosemite National Park (but easily reachable by car), Tuolumne River is a whitewater rafting lovers dream. Youll also receive fitness information before the trip to allow you to avoid beginners mistakes. Does Tenaya Lake have fish? Ebbett's is north of Yosemite (but lower than the Tioga Pass, IIRC). 3 Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the state of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license. Tenaya Lake is one of the most visited destinations in Yosemite National Park. Visitors to the park can bring their own kayaks and enjoy the waters of the Merced River and Tenaya Lake. Our friendly staff looks forward to answering your questions about our great Yosemite lodging options. If you have your own kayaks ready to go. Tenaya Lake (above) is one of the easiest to get to (when the Tioga Road is open, late May or early June to sometime in November) and is quite popular for picnicking, swimming, and canoeing. Due to environmental concerns, the park concession is no longer renting tubes, so youll need a car shuttle to kayak Yosemite Valley. Whether you rent a kayak or bring your own you'll be wowed by the granite peaks that border three sides of the lake. The lake sits along Tioga Road an impressive feat of engineering and skilled labor primarily performed by early Chinese immigrants in 1883. No picture of the giant sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park manages to fully capture their immense size and majesty. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In low water and difficult conditions, the environment and the importance of to... 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