Harden Lake, Yosemite National Park

Harden Lake

Look in any direction across Harden Lake, and this is the view you'll get: water backed by trees. Harden Lake lacks the spectacular mountainous backdrops that make Tenaya or Cathedral Lakes so memorable, and it's a small lake as well. Still, if you're a collector of Yosemite lakes, you'll want to visit. At least it's not a difficult hike. If you're industrious, you can fit this one and another lake into the same day - Lukens and Dog Lakes are both short hikes that could be good candidates.