Tenaya Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tenaya Lake |
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Tenaya Lake as seen from a hill northwest of the lake
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 Tenaya Lake
Location in California
Tenaya Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California, US |
| Coordinates | 37°49′51″N 119°27′30″W / 37.8308°N 119.4583°W |
| Primary outflows | Tenaya Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 8,150 feet (2,484 m) |
Tenaya Lake is a beautiful mountain lake in Yosemite National Park. It sits high up, between the famous Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. The lake's surface is about 8,150 feet (2,484 m) above sea level.
The lake's shape was carved by ancient glaciers, leaving behind smooth, light-colored granite rocks. These rocks make the area very scenic. Native Americans knew and loved this beautiful spot long ago. Today, it's easy to reach Tenaya Lake by State Route 120. It is a popular place for many fun water activities.
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History of Tenaya Lake
Who was Tenaya Lake named after?
Tenaya Lake is named after Chief Tenaya. He was a leader of the native people who lived in Yosemite Valley. Chief Tenaya felt the lake already had a name. He called it Pie-we-ack, which means "Lake of the Shining Rocks." This original name is now used for Pywiack Dome. This is a large granite rock formation east of the lake.
When did Tenaya Lake become a protected area?
In 1864, the area around Tenaya Lake became part of the first park land in the United States to be protected by the government. This was done to keep it safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Later, in 1916, Yosemite became a full national park. This happened when the National Park Service was created.
What did John Muir say about Tenaya Lake?
In 1868, a famous naturalist named John Muir wrote about Tenaya Lake. He described its amazing beauty and how it seemed to last forever. He shared his thoughts in his book, My First Summer in the Sierra.
Geology of Tenaya Lake
How was Tenaya Lake formed?
Tenaya Lake was formed by a large glacier called the Tenaya Glacier. This glacier was part of an even bigger ice sheet. It flowed from the Tuolumne Ice Sheet all the way down to Yosemite Valley. This same powerful glacier also helped create the famous rock formation, Half Dome. The Tenaya Glacier did not carry much rock and dirt. Because of this, it did not leave many piles of rocky material near Tenaya Lake.
Water Flow at Tenaya Lake
Where does Tenaya Lake get its water?
The lake gets its water from several creeks and springs. One important source is Murphy Creek, located to the northwest. Tenaya Creek is also a major water source. It flows into Tenaya Lake and then flows out of it. Tenaya Creek also continues through Tenaya Canyon and eventually reaches Yosemite Valley.
Visiting Tenaya Lake
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How can you get to Tenaya Lake?
You can drive to Tenaya Lake using Tioga Pass Road. This road is known as California State Route 120 outside of Yosemite National Park. If you are coming from the east, you will enter the park through the Tioga Pass Entrance. Tioga Pass Road starts in the town of Lee Vining.
When is Tioga Pass Road open?
The National Park Service closes Tioga Pass Road during the winter. This is because of the very heavy snow. The part of the road outside the park is also closed by Caltrans when the park entrance closes. You can also reach the lake from the west. You would drive through Crane Flat, where Tioga Pass Road meets another road that connects to the park's Big Oak Flat entrance.
What activities can you do at Tenaya Lake?
Hiking is a very popular activity around Tenaya Lake. There are trails that start here and lead to amazing places. You can hike to Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and even down to the Yosemite Valley floor.
Fishing is allowed all year round in Yosemite National Park. If you are over 16, you need a valid California fishing license. You can catch different types of trout in the lake.
Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or sailing on the lake. There are no special docks or places to launch boats. Motorized boats are not allowed on Tenaya Lake. Swimming is also permitted.
Protecting Tenaya Lake
In 2011, the Yosemite Conservancy set aside $850,000 to help restore the natural areas around Tenaya Lake. This project will move hiking trails away from sensitive wetland areas. This helps protect the plants and animals that live there.
Images for kids
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120° panorama at Tenaya Lake on an early-November morning. Stately Pleasure Dome is prominent center-left and Tenaya Peak, right.
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Panorama at Tenaya Lake view from east coast on an August morning.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Tenaya para niños
