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. You wont have to worry about your kayak capsizing because of large wakes created by fast drivers or accidentally being hit. Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows on On weekends, head straight for the National Forest campgrounds just east of the park. . Granite boulders surround the lake, where visitors can swim, kayak and boat. And it just might be yours too. and unique views, not to mention the chance to drop a line for High Country trout. Yet youre kayaking in Yosemite. The guided tour lasts 3 days and will take you around all the best and most scenic rafting spots in Yosemite. Tenaya Lake - Tenaya Lake - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! Utah Lake is a 148 sq. recreational activities, from kayaking, Kayaking on Merced River and Lake Tenaya If you have your own kayaks ready to go. 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. Tenaya Lake has a beach on its east side, made for lazing. For example. Most people put in along the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge (near Curry Village) and take out at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, under the following conditions: This section of river is open to boating and rafting each day when the gage height at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am. 5 Though just over a mile long, its granite-encircled shores provide paddlers with flat water (beginners welcome!) The Jewel of the High Country, Tenaya Lake. I have a goal to visit all 50 states. Stretching through Yosemite National Park for almost 150 miles, the river is blessed with peaceful and serene waters. 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. Name Game: The Ahwahneechee name for Tenaya Lake is Pie-we-ack, or Lake of the Shining Rocks. Shine on. So if youre not planning on booking a guided tour (where often the device is included in the gear), you must bring one with you. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm. Its not uncommon to see people swimming and wading at the base of the waterfall. For other info about Yosemite, please check the Top Questions on the right (full TripAdvisor website) as well as the NPS.gov pages. Rafting is also allowed on the South Fork of the Merced River below Swinging Bridge (in Wawona). . 5. They dont announce the opening dates for Tioga Pass Road until mid-May or so. sparkling blue water and two-and-a-half photography, biking, and hiking. For more National Park paddling, visit the volcanic landscape of Lassens Butte Lake. Maybe another inch or two has fallen. Most spots fill up 6 months outand Im usually not that organized. Raft reservations are in heavy demand, so try to reserve a raft at least one day in advance. And if youre looking for more inspiration, why dont you check out my 20 favorite weekend getaways in the US? 7/27/2021. No information on Parking & Fees has been added yet for this paddling location. My husband and I are planning to visit Yosemite the second week of May. How to get there: Tenaya Lake is about 20 minutes east of Tuolumne Meadows and the Tuolumne River along Tioga Rd (Hwy 120). As for me I chose to paddle Tenaya for that new perspective. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round. . 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. For an adventurous and thrilling weekend, nothing beats the amazing national parks of the west coast. Youll be responsible for transporting your kayak rental to and from Tenaya Lake. Stately Pleasure Dome, Piwiak Dome, and Tenaya Peak call for the cams amidst a framework of alpine beauty thats hard to match. As with anywhere else in Yosemite, the water is very cold. Lake Tenaya Located in the Alpine region of Yosemite National Park is Lake Tenaya. It is mainly referred to as the "Jewel of the High country." You will undoubtedly enjoy paddling through the waters. 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.. 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. It is the largest lake in Yosemite's front-country. Kayaking is a popular way to enjoy the calm waters of Tenaya Lake. Take a right after the Chapel in the park. a gorgeous setting is what you yearn for, You can see Tenaya Lake from Olmsted Point and as you drive past it. 4 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. 5 Nights, Adults Fishing at Yosemite is permitted year round and the regulations are the same that apply in all of California. opportunities, in recent years, this Tioga Pass Road can open in May or July, depending on how big a winter we get. Swimming and picnicking are popular past-times here. still one can see flawless reflections of Olmsted Point is a delightful place to stop for sunset, and view of the other side of Half Dome. Surrounded by 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. Note: Tioga Road opens seasonally from approximately late May to November depending on winter snowfall. Use sunscreen and if youre planning to swim, choose one of the many eco-friendly sunscreens on the market. A better option is to bring your own kayak and spend the day exploring the lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. For the more experienced boaters looking for some fun, Merced River also offers whitewater rafting opportunities. The can be done in part or in full (2.5 mile loop/4 km) with minimum elevation gain and maximum views. If doing the full loop the western portion follows the shoulder of Tioga Road so be aware of vehicles (though the views here are incredible). Putting together a great packing list can be a challenge, especially for a trip that potentially includes hiking and camping as well as kayaking and other water sports. Photo credit: ericncindy24, No. 1. Learn what to expect from Mirror Lake in various seasons. 9 photos. 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. If you dont own boating equipment, do not worry, you can rent it directly inside of the park. activity and tranquility that will both ' Rafting Green River, Utah ' by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. There are no kayak rentals available at Tenaya Lake or anywhere in Yosemite National Park. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Though just over a mile long, its granite-encircled shores provide paddlers with flat water (beginners welcome!) Tenaya Lake. 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). If youre a backpacker or climber, Tuolumnes trails and crags might also be some of your favorite places. That doesnt mean you cant stop watching the weather for sudden changes or winds that can quickly come up. 5 Children, Address: 7403 Yosemite Park Way. He regularly leads workshops on paddling basics, techniques, and safety. Tioga Pass Road passes along the lakes 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. There are many options available, with even multiple-day organized trips. While hiking at Yosemite is the most popular option, kayaking is also a great way to explore, immersed (literally) in the natural beauty of the National Park. Be mindful of drive times and focus on one area of the park. After a leisurely paddle, there's an abundance of hiking trails in the area to explore. If youre apt to swim and boating in colder water, youll find the best kayaking conditions (with lots of water) between April and June. This East Coast gem has some of the bluest waters on Marthas Vineyard. The shuttle wont take your canoe or kayak, but it can get you back up theriver. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind while kayaking in Yosemite. 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 additional more specific National Park Service regulations. Take the El Capitan Bridge back onto the loop to start heading back. The area is open again this season for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Siesta Lake is an alpine lake located along the Tioga Road to the south, about 13 miles east of the Crane Flat Gas Station. Yosemite National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth but can you kayak it? 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. The relatively short and easy trail connects the scenic vistas and rocky coves of the west end to the broad beach and picnic areas of the lake's east end. On the South Fork: For rafting only, another section of the south fork of the Merced River is open below Swinging Bridge in Wawona. The rapids can be pretty tricky for beginners, and in general, this experience can be pretty demanding. With a long lovely shore, and a setting in the midst of granite cliffs, Tenaya Lake offers a serene getaway. Diana Falls & Swimming Hole. Tenaya Lake is one of the most visited destinations in Yosemite National Park. Children Water temperature will be incredibly cold and will probably not reach 50 degrees. Also, whenever you kayak in Yosemite, you are required to wear a life vest regardless of your age or ability. 2 Flamenco Beach on the Puerto Rican island of Culebra is rated one of the best beaches in the world, according to discoverpuertorico.com. Havasu Falls gets its crystal blue water from calcium carbonate and magnesium that occur naturally in the Havasu Creek. A http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm The best months for kayaking on Tenaya Lake are July and August when the weather is warmest.. There are sandy beaches along the way to stop and take a swim or to stop for a picnic. Tenaya Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, from kayaking, canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, swimming, photography, biking, and hiking. 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. 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. 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. No launch or dock facilities are provided, and motorized watercraft are not permitted. the majestic mountains. Kayak and SUP rentals are not available in Yosemite. 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. Nights Tenaya Lake is on Tioga Road and will not be accessible in the second week of May. Helping RVers Plan Amazing National Park Road Trips. They have to begin the plowing and determine what sort of rockfall or road damage there is. 3 Adults ), or go kayaking or boating. Canoe Or Kayak In Utah. Two picnic areas are available, one of them is wheelchair accessible Hiking is also a popular activity in the Tenaya Lake area. Accommodation is included, as youll be sleeping at a riverside camping spot, for a truly immersive experience. Hoffman, Tenaya Peak, Lembert Dome, and other giants. of nights Best Places to Kayak in California. Both Cape Cod and Marthas Vineyard have some of the bluest waters on the East Coast, and Marthas Vineyard has much to offer visitors. Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times. 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. The Weather Companys primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. Lake Tenaya offers calm waters and scenic views of the park. For the best photo opportunity at Tenaya Lake, you can hit the Sunrise Lakes Trail and reach Olmsted Point. miles shallow freshwater lake lying in Utah Valley. Rules require that two capable paddlers be in each raft, and children under 50 lbs. 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