Tenaya Lake Trail Map

Distance:  2.5 miles (4 km) loop around the lake
Trailhead Elevation:  8,150 feet (2,480 meters)
Elevation Gain:  none

The red line shows the route around all but the northwestern shore of the lake. There's no official trail along that section, but you can walk along the shoulder of Tioga Road to return to whichever trailhead you chose.

The primary obstacle on this hike is crossing the lake's outlet at the western end. It's not a difficult task late in the summer, but you're likely to get wet here early in the year. The shallowest route will be where the Clouds Rest/Sunrise Lakes trail crosses it. If you started from the southern trailhead, you'll already be on this trail. If you started from the northern trailhead, once you find the outlet blocking your path, follow it downstream until you reach the trail.

This map shows the two parking lots nearest the lake (both also have outhouses) as your likeliest trailheads, but there are also spots along the lakeshore where you can park and begin your hike, and it doesn't much matter where you start. It's a rare hiker who has the combination of creativity and absentmindedness required to get lost in the act of circling a lake.