Overview

Lake Eleanor’s attraction is its remoteness and its splendid views. With 953 acres of surface area, this lake within Yosemite National Park is a popular spot for hikers to come and spend some time in solitude and peace, enjoying the water sparkling in the sun.

Location & Information

Lake Eleanor is located on the northwestern edge of Yosemite National Park, northwest of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It is reached by driving to the Cherry Lake Dam, taking the trailhead there east to the lake.

Although Yosemite National Park is open all year, and fishing is permitted year-round in the park, the best time to come to Lake Eleanor is in the summer months.

Contact Information:
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200

Activities

• Hiking
  It is a fairly long hike to the lake, about four miles, but well worth it. With no steep sections, it makes for an easy trek. Other trailheads around the lake will take you to Miguel Meadow or Kibbie Lake.
• Fishing
  Some of the best fishing on Lake Eleanor is done by trolling from a canoe, but it’s quite a portage to get your boat there. You can also fish from shore. Catch rainbow or brown trout. You can try your hand in Frog Creek, which isn’t far away. However this creek doesn’t open until the 15th of June in order to protect the spawning trout. This includes the area up to the first waterfall, the pool below the waterfall, and also extends out 200 feet from Frog Creek’s mouth into Lake Eleanor.
• Wildlife Viewing
  You always have a chance to see wildlife in the backcountry in Yosemite. Spot some bald eagles, deer, even black bears.
• Camping
  You’ll find campsites around Lake Eleanor and will recognize them by the fire rings and bear boxes (for food storage). But dispersed camping in fine too, as long as it is 100 feet from the water.

Fun Facts

Lake Eleanor is the largest natural lake in Yosemite, and was made larger by building a concrete dam in 1918.This dam was built so that water could be supplied to the San Francisco area.