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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The shuttle wont take your canoe or kayak, but it can get you back up theriver. 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. the summer months. Quick dry kayak shoes are the best choice as they are designed specifically for long kayak trips. The rapids can be pretty tricky for beginners, and in general, this experience can be pretty demanding. 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. Take a left at the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, which is the takeout. If needed, are there any places that rent wetsuits nearby? Call today! Stretching through Yosemite National Park for almost 150 miles, the river is blessed with peaceful and serene waters. The most popular facility for renting kayaks is the Padyak Shak at Merced River. Most folks expect a much later than usual opening due to the abundant snowpack. 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. Utah Lake. Take a right and head in the opposite direction from the bridge just a short distance. This 1-day trip is perfect for boating beginners that wish to explore Yosemite in a fun and unusual way. The nearest place to rent kayaks is The PakYak Shack in Merced which is approximately 115 miles from Tenaya Lake. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to rent kayaks within the Park, so you'll have to bring your own. How deep is Tenaya Lake? And its your first trip to Yosemite, they just might become the highlights of your trip. 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. There are no kayak rentals available at Tenaya Lake or anywhere in Yosemite National Park. The parking lot has multiple restrooms and the lake is a 5 minute walk (not a hike) from the parking lot. 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). Snow-capped peaks surround Jenny Lake, which is one of the most popular spots within Grand Teton National 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. Located in the high country of Tuolumne Meadows, among the (somewhat) less-visited parts of Yosemite, Tuolumne is my favorite area to explore. crowd factor is usually not as much of a The trail can be accessed from either the main . Boating and rafting are allowed when the gage height as measured at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am. (MORE: These Are The Best Beaches Of 2023). Both Cape Cod and Marthas Vineyard have some of the bluest waters on the East Coast, and Marthas Vineyard has much to offer visitors. On Tenaya Lake: Kayaking is popular on the calm Tenaya Lake. Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times. These iconic scenes seem to appear and disappear with every bend. However, if you have time to spare and are on a flexible schedule renting kayaks in Merced might be an option. Located at the Havasupai Indian Reservation within the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls has unbelievably crystal blue waters due to the calcium carbonate and magnesium that occur naturally in Havasu Creek. 1 Child 7/27/2021. . Here is the full price list and hourly rates for renting kayaks with Padyak Shak at Yosemite. For the best photo opportunity at Tenaya Lake, you can hit the Sunrise Lakes Trail and reach Olmsted Point. 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. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM. This alpine lake surrounded by mountains offers a spectacular view and a day's worth of fun for boating enthusiasts. Scenery Factor: Tenaya Lake may be the most beautiful of all Yosemite's lakes. (Other nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks, are also permitted.). Be mindful of drive times and focus on one area of the park. northern edge so the lake is hard to miss. You have two paddling options in the park: Tenaya Lake and the Merced River. The first stop of your Yosemite kayaking trip can be Tenaya Lake. 2.5 You wont have Tenaya to yourself. Explore the rocky northeast shore of Tenaya Lake. Insider Hints for Tenaya Lake Trail The cost for this tour can go from around $100 to $180 per person. Tenaya Lake is an Alpine lake lying between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. To stay up to date, follow @YosemiteNation on social media and subscribe to our newsletter, The Wanderer. canoeists, kayakers and SUP boarders alike. 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. 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. The island is an easy day trip from San Juan, the U.S. territorys capital. For more National Park paddling, visit the volcanic landscape of Lassens Butte Lake. However, apart from the luxury lodging, youll also find they rent kayaks, rafts, and even bikes. I recommend kayaking at South Fork Merced River only to kayaking experts, who know how to navigate rivers with steep points and sometimes low water levels. For the more experienced boaters looking for some fun, Merced River also offers whitewater rafting opportunities. Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times. Though just over a mile long, its granite-encircled shores provide paddlers with flat water (beginners welcome!) But what about when the lake dries? ' Rafting Green River, Utah ' by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona Was It Scary? outcroppings bordering the waters edge Kayaking on Merced River and Lake Tenaya If you have your own kayaks ready to go. The water is crystal clear. Surrounded by bare granite peaks in all directions, from Tenaya Peak to the east to Polly Dome and Pywiack Dome to the north, Tenaya Lake tempts all tourists driving by to pull over and relax for a bit. The tour will take you on whitewater sections of Merced River that are rated between the III and IV classes. With limited parking on both sides of the Under the stone bridges that span the river every so often, you'll encounter many trout-filled eddies in the clear water. To explore lodging options, things to do and places to eat, visit Yosemite.com, the #1 trip planning site for vacations to Yosemite National Park and historic Mariposa County. Every seasoned traveler knows the value of slowing down and discovering the nuanced rewards of a single locale. Thinking of renting a kayak to go paddling on Tenaya Lake? Rafting is also allowed on the South Fork of the Merced River below Swinging Bridge (in Wawona). Also go paddling early in the morning or late in the evening when Tenaya Lake tends to be the calmest. 2 Nights Tenaya Lake - Tenaya Lake - Find info about paddling launch sites including directions, ammenities, & fees to plan your next paddling trip! A better option is to bring your own kayak and spend the day exploring the lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Kayaks are recommended for this trip, although the National Park Service (NPS) allows any non-motorized boats on the lake. Two great choices for a nice hike are the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead and Murphy Creek Trailhead, both located close to the lakeshore. Bear Lake State Park can be an ideal place to launch, with kayak rentals being available at the park's marina.There are also lots of beaches and parking, making it easy to launch. When I explore a new lake, I usually spend most of my time near the coastline. After a 7 On another thread, FresnoFacts posted this youtube about the initial approach to Ebbett's Pass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHA9I8XoUtM&feature=youtu.be. Challenging, exciting, and stimulating are three words I would use to describe this fantastic tour. Tenaya Lake is a wonderland combination of 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. If its early on a weekday, your chances of snagging a spot are decent. 8 The road will still be closed for the winter. Helping RVers Plan Amazing National Park Road Trips. 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 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. Accommodation is included, as youll be sleeping at a riverside camping spot, for a truly immersive experience. Difficulty: Easy. The perfectly waveless, calm water makes for great boating, canoeing and kayaking. Named after Chief Tenaya (leader of the Ahwahneechee people), Tenaya Lake is additionally fed by Murphy Creek and its stunning beauty makes it a must-stop when visiting the High Country of the Northern Yosemite region. For an adventurous and thrilling weekend, nothing beats the amazing national parks of the west coast. 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. To help you organize your kayaking trip to Yosemite, I have put together a handy 3-day itinerary. Your first view of Tenaya Lake (8,150 feet/2,484 m) can be a bit startling. Use sunscreen and if youre planning to swim, choose one of the many eco-friendly sunscreens on the market. Yet youre kayaking in Yosemite. We update our blog weekly, so be sure to visit frequently to get the latest news. Tenaya Lake. No photos yet. Sunscreen and even long sleeve shirts and long pants can be a great choice for people who easily sunburn. 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. 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