California's Stunning Lake In Yosemite National Park Has Crystal-Clear Water For Swimming

When you're looking to escape to a pristine and crystal-clear mountain lake, you may think of something like Lake Annecy in the French Alps. However, there is a stunning mountain lake much closer to home, right in California. Inside Yosemite National Park, home to breathtaking waterfalls and scenic vistas, you'll find the pristine Tenaya Lake. This gorgeous place is named after Chief Tenaya of the Ahwahnechee, and it's hard to imagine a prettier vista than the one from its shores. 

Tenaya Lake has a 4.9/5 rating on Google Maps, with one reviewer raving, "Hidden gem of Yosemite, very quiet and serene. Water is crystal clear and the sunset is beautiful." Another says, "Bring your paddle board and swimsuit. Water is always super clear and beautiful." It's the perfect spot for some summer water sports, like canoeing or kayaking, and there is a beach for swimming and sunbathing. You'll find hiking trails around the lake and surrounding area and picnic tables for a full day out. Tenaya Lake sits at 8,150 feet above sea level between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. According to the Yosemite website, it's often referred to as "the jewel of the High Country."

There is a fee to enter Yosemite National Park (and it doesn't accept cash), though you can use your Annual or America the Beautiful Pass if you have one. The standard pass is $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, or $20 if you're walking in. (Note that if you're not a U.S. resident and you're 16 and over, you have to pay an additional $100 per person unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.) 

This is a national park with great hikes, and the area around Tenaya Lake has plenty of trails. One you can take is the Tenaya Lake Trail, which is a 2.7-mile loop around the lake with a small 68-foot elevation gain. AllTrails notes that this does take you along the highway for a bit and across a creek. You'll also pass the swim beach, so if you're there in good weather, you may want to bring along your swimming gear and a towel. Confusingly, there is another trail called the Tenaya Lake Trail that takes you around one side of the lake near the beach, rather than around the whole thing. This shady trail is 3.5 miles out and back, with a 95-foot elevation gain.

There is a sandy shoreline at this lake, and the clear water is great for swimming. Just remember that you're at a high altitude, so the water will be refreshing but cold. You may want to bring a wetsuit as well as a bathing suit, just in case. The best time for a swim is July and August, when the average high air temperatures are in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, though if you're okay with icy-cold plunges, average highs are in the high 60s in June and September. There are vault toilets there (including an accessible one) if you're considering a picnic. There are picnic tables available as well so you can make a day of it.

Tenaya Lake is perfect for casual boating at a little over a mile long. While you can only bring non-motorized boats, it's great for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. However, note that you have to have a personal flotation device for each person, and kids under the age of 13 have to be wearing them on the lake. Additionally, whether you're sunbathing, swimming, or boating, remember to put on sunscreen. You can burn much faster at higher elevations. You may also want to bring bug spray as there are mosquitoes in the area. 

If you're planning a visit to Tenaya Lake, make sure you do it at the right time of year. Tioga Road, the access road to Tenaya Lake (and a prime fall leaf-peeping spot), typically opens in late May or June and remains open through the first major snowfall, usually in October or November. However, if you're there too late in the year for a swim, Yosemite National Park is one of the California national parks with beautiful fall foliage, and you can also see colorful quaking aspens along Tioga Road and Old Glacier Point Road or maples and dogwoods in Yosemite Valley. The closest airport to the lake is Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is a bit over an hour away when Tioga Road is open, so a car is a good idea. It's also the easiest way to get around the park if you're not on a tour.