Cathedral Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral Lakes |
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Lower Cathedral Lake, in the foreground, occupies a basin excavated in the granite by the ancient glaciers.
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 Cathedral Lakes
Location in California
Cathedral Lakes
Location in the United States
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| Location | Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California |
| Coordinates | 37°50′38″N 119°25′19″W / 37.843814°N 119.421825°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 2,835 m (9,301 ft) |
The Cathedral Lakes are two beautiful lakes found in Yosemite National Park. They are located in Mariposa County, California, a famous area in the United States. These lakes are a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers visiting the park.
About the Lakes
The Cathedral Lakes are actually two separate bodies of water. One is called the Lower Cathedral Lake. The other is the Upper Cathedral Lake. They are both surrounded by amazing mountain scenery.
Where Are They?
The lakes are quite close to some well-known landmarks. They are about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) southwest of Cathedral Peak. They are also about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) east-northeast of Tenaya Lake. Another nearby peak is Tresidder Peak.
Lake Elevations
The Lower Cathedral Lake sits at an elevation of about 2,831 meters (9,288 feet). The Upper Cathedral Lake is even higher. It is located at an elevation of about 2,921 meters (9,585 feet). This means they are high up in the mountains!
How the Lakes Formed
The area around Cathedral Lakes was shaped by ancient glaciers. These huge sheets of ice moved slowly across the land. As they moved, they carved out the basins where the lakes now sit. The granite rock was worn down by the ice. This created the beautiful landscape you see today.
Hiking to the Lakes
Many people enjoy hiking to the Cathedral Lakes. The famous John Muir Trail passes nearby. You can start a round trip hike from Tuolumne Meadows. This hike is about 11 kilometers (7 miles) long. It's a great way to explore the park and see these stunning lakes up close.
