Are dogs allowed on Mirror Lake Loop?

No, dogs are not permitted on Mirror Lake Loop. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Mirror Lake Loop?

No, Mirror Lake Loop does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Mirror Lake Loop?

Mirror Lake Loop is rated easy. It is 3.9 miles long with 98 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Mirror Lake Loop?

Mirror Lake Loop is best hiked in spring and summer. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

EasyLoop

Yosemite National Park/California

Mirror Lake Loop

Yosemite Valley, California

3.9 mi

Distance

98 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 43m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Easy loop around Mirror Lake with stunning reflections of Half Dome and Mount Watkins in calm morning waters. Best visited in spring when the lake is fullest.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weather

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Gravel

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:209-372-0200
Address:9039 Village Drive · Yosemite, CA · 95389

Best Seasons

Spring Summer

Highlights

Half Dome reflectionsTenaya CanyonMount Watkins viewsWildlife

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CA Unit D6· D

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Mirror Lake Loop

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Nevada Falls

Half Dome

Four Mile Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Yosemite Point

Other trails in Yosemite National Park

Half Dome

Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Campgrounds near this trail

Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground

Lower Pines Campground

Upper Pines Campground

North Pines Campground

Curry Village

Housekeeping Camp

Similar trails in California

Ryan Mountain Trail

Cowles Mountain Trail

Eaton Canyon Trail

Iron Mountain Trail

Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area

Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail