Also, be sure youre coming to South Fork Merced River with all the necessary equipment to kayak in complete safety. Known for outstanding hiking A nylon shell jacket can make a difference in bad weather. Take a right and head in the opposite direction from the bridge just a short distance. Kayaking on Tenaya Lake is an exercise in tranquility. After kayaking all morning, you can grab lunch at the Tenaya Lake Picnic Area, then hit one of the few panoramic trails nearby. With Hawaiis countless stunning beaches, its tough to pick one with the most beautiful waters, but Waimanalo Beach in Oahu certainly ranks. . Two great choices for a nice hike are the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead and Murphy Creek Trailhead, both located close to the lakeshore. The 730 mile long river starts in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and flows through Wyoming and Utah. Paddling to the other side and back. Lets explore the 4 best destinations for kayaking in Yosemite, plus some exciting things to do for a weekend packed with activities. No water will be navigable in May. In 2022 Yosemite national park added a parking curb on much of the HWY 120 Corridor through the park. Tenaya Lake makes a strong case for baskets with a designated picnic area at its east end (parking/restrooms available) plus a view-packed shoreline where visitors can snack to their hearts delight. Let us introduce you to some of the unique giant sequoia groves in the Yosemite Mariposa County area the Merced, Tuolumne, and Mariposa Groves are inside Yosemite National Park, and the Nelder Grove is just outside the park boundary to the south. Water temperatures are between 40F-65F year-round. However, if you have time to spare and are on a flexible schedule renting kayaks in Merced might be an option. Curry Village is mainly known for the beautiful cabins available for those who love a good glamping trip. There are sandy beaches along the way to stop and take a swim or to stop for a picnic. A great place for strolling, swimming, fishing or just imagining a time long, long ago. 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. With Tenaya Lakes 8,150 foot elevation, most folks prefer late season swims. My Yosemite Kayak As for me - I chose to paddle Tenaya for that new perspective. For an adventurous and thrilling weekend, nothing beats the amazing national parks of the west coast. Canoe Or Kayak In Utah. The first stop of your Yosemite kayaking trip can be Tenaya Lake. 10, Adults 4 Nights (Getty Images), The otherworldly Palouse Falls is seen in southeast Washington. 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. Lake Tenaya offers calm waters and scenic views of the park. 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). Challenging, exciting, and stimulating are three words I would use to describe this fantastic tour. Tenaya Lake on a windless day, with water so On Tenaya Lake: Kayaking is popular on the calm Tenaya Lake. Keep reading to learn more about the best time to kayak at Yosemite, the best locations, guided tours, and some useful tips. Is there a problem with information on this location? Accommodation is included, as youll be sleeping at a riverside camping spot, for a truly immersive experience. 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. The 1-day trip includes lunch, while for multiple days accommodation (basic camp on sand river beaches) is also provided. Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences, When Cities Meet The Water: Americas Top Urban Paddling Destinations, Paddling At Night - Tips and Safety Recommendations. 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. Home > Scenic Wonders Blog > Where are the best places for Kayaking in Yosemite? George Sayour is an American Canoe Associationcertified kayak instructor. 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. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind while kayaking in Yosemite. There are fewer more fulfilling pursuits than Yosemite Mariposa picnicking. Tioga Pass Road passes along the lakes 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 Nights leisurely paddle, theres an abundance of outcroppings bordering the waters edge Yet youre kayaking in Yosemite. Swimming and picnicking are popular past-times here. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite, Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery. On the Merced River: When bringing their own gear, you normally put in along the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge, near Half-Dome Village. A better option is to bring your own kayak and spend the day exploring the lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This is to help ensure the safety of all visitors to the park. The lake is easily accessed by Highway 120/Tioga Pass road which runs along the north shore of the lake. Help the paddling community! 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. The surface of Tenaya Lake has an elevation of 8,150 feet (2,484 m). If youre a backpacker or climber, Tuolumnes trails and crags might also be some of your favorite places. Yes, Tenaya Lake has a Launch Point for Kayaks and Canoes. Absolutely. 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. The Merced is at or near peak flow then, though, so no kayaking. 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. They dont announce the opening dates for Tioga Pass Road until mid-May or so. Your first view of Tenaya Lake (8,150 feet/2,484 m) can be a bit startling. Pro Tip: The UV index tends to soar with elevation, making a Sierra sunburn something to actively avoid. The road will still be closed for the winter. 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. When Cities Meet The Water: America's Top Urban Paddling Destinations. But dont let the air temperature fool you, always check the water temperature before deciding what to wear. The rapids can be pretty tricky for beginners, and in general, this experience can be pretty demanding. Note: Kayak rentals are not available in Yosemite National Park, so its strictly B.Y.O.K (bring your own kayak). Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists. Yosemite National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth but can you kayak it? It's also a great spot for kayaking or fishing. 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. A truly breathtaking panorama awaits you at Merced River. In fact, Merced River is the most popular place to and go kayaking in Yosemite. Emerald Pool and Silver Apron (above Vernal Fall), Wawona Domestic Water Intake (and 100 yards upstream). At your firstcrossroad,the Stoneman Bridge will be on your left. As with anywhere else in Yosemite, the water is very cold. 1 on when the snow melts. are not allowed. Here are 5 essential items that shouldnt be missing from your bag. (Raico Rosenberg/Getty Images), Massive Waves From Atlantic Storm Noa Smash The England Coast, swimming and wading at the base of the waterfall, is the largest lake in Yosemites frontcountry, not as rocky as other beaches on the island, one of the most popular spots within Grand Teton National Park, rated one of the best beaches in the world. On the South Fork: For rafting only, another section of the south fork of the Merced River is open below Swinging Bridge in Wawona. Once you hit the lake, there's ample seating for folks who want to just chill by the lake. . Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be worn. Sierra Mac River Trips offers the best packages for organized kayaking tours in Yosemite. and unique views, not to mention the chance to drop a line for High Country trout. Good times! Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. The Weather Companys primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. If you happen to hit the weather right, spending some of your holiday kayaking on Tenaya Lake will be a highlight of your Yosemite National Park trip. How deep is Tenaya Lake? enchanting alpine lake has drawn many With a long lovely shore, and a setting in the midst of granite cliffs, Tenaya Lake offers a serene getaway. If you dont own boating equipment, do not worry, you can rent it directly inside of the park. If youre apt to swim and boating in colder water, youll find the best kayaking conditions (with lots of water) between April and June. Tenaya Lake is located in Yosemite's high country or alpine region of Yosemite National Park, located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. And its your first trip to Yosemite, they just might become the highlights of your trip. Hoffman, Tenaya Peak, Lembert Dome, and other giants. 1 Adult There might be plowing updates near the beginning of May. You can also swim in the lake but the water is very cold. Take the road over the Stoneman Bridge and follow the road around and continue past El Capitan. So while other harried visitors are attempting the impossible goal of seeing the 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) of Yosemite in one day, consider taking a slower, more civilized approach and immerse yourself in the alpine glory of Tenaya Lake. 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