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Summary: For those not afraid to do some off-trail hiking, this is your hike! The first half mile climbs up from the parking lot then drops down to the middle Gaylor Lake, a popular fishing location. From there, a steady but easy climb takes you to the ruins of the Great Sierra Mine and the "town" of Dana. From here the trail ends but the Granite Lakes are an easy off trail jaunt over the ridge west of the mines. Take some time here to grab a snack or take a cold swim in one of the Granite Lakes before heading back! For more details and photos visit my website The Backcountry: Gaylor and Granite Lakes. Trailhead: Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. Once in the park head to the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Parking is either the small lot across from the entrance building or along the road, outside the park. (Lat:37.91 Lon:-119.26) Trail Guides for Gaylor and Granite Lakes Loop - Yosemite NP, CA: Yosemite National Park by Jeffrey P. Schaffer (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Yosemite Wilderness Center, 209-372-0740 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Mike Matenkosky, who has posted 18 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Todd on 4/19/2009 I've taken this hike a number of times. The initial climb out of Tioga Pass is quite steep, but it doesn't last long. Gaylor Peak is a tempting target and provides a nice view. Return from the peak back to the saddle and trail to descend to the lakes. The descent straight down to the lakes from the peak is a dangerous one - very steep with much loose rock on the surface and an unstable face. The valley beyond Gaylor Lake is spectacular, with many flowers, shallow ponds, a babbling brook, wildlife and very few humans. It is easily one of my favorite places in the Sierra.
Reviewed by Chuck on 4/28/2008 Wife and I have been doing this every 4th of July for the past 2 years. We are set to be here for 2008 also! Absolutely spectacular! Also fun to roam around in the Ansel Adams wilderness past the mining town. In 2007 On the south end of the loop, towards lower Gaylor, there was a lot of bear sign (Scat, Fur, torn up logs). Kinda spooky, since the incidents were up due to the droughts that year. I sang a lot of David Allan Coe, real loud just in case. Still, stellar views, you see a few people along the middle and upper Gaylor trails. Just a great wilderness playground!
Reviewed by Galileo on 10/3/2005 I've hiked here and there in locals around the country, including many jaunts in the Sierras. For me this is THE hike of them all. I'm from Ohio and I first hiked the Tioga Pass Trail in '87 and last hiked it in '05 with about three visits in between. Once the hiker gets by the first uphill, it isn't difficult. Head out mid-morning on a clear summer day and you'll find it unbelievably pleasant with temperatures in the sixties. On the average summer day a person may see an acceptable 10-20 fellow hikers over a four or five hour period. The views are, of course, spectacular and the lakes glisten in the sun whether you are standing on a shore or are looking down from a ridge high above. Take some eats and be prepared for some serenity.
Reviewed by Matt on 8/27/2004 I love this hike. I do it every year. If you are up for it start at tioga pass and hike up. Quite a vertical hike but less than a mile to Gaylor Lake. Provides a good veiw at the top. If you are still up for more turn right at the top of the peak and hike to the peak for one of the best veiws in the park. From there you can see all Gaylor and Granite lakes. You can see the pictures I took from their at http://www.sovereigncraft.com/images/photos/yosemite
Reviewed by mark on 8/7/2004 Wow. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. Sunny with teperatures in the high 60's. Hiked only to lower Gaylor and Lower Granite. Thw wildflowers in the meadow were beautiful. It probably helped that I caught Rainbows at both lakes. It's a tough climb up to the first pass, though, like climbing the stairs in a 90 story building. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mariposa County Hiking, Mariposa County Trails, Mariposa County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||