Gaylor Lakes
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The trailhead sits just under 10,000 feet and the route tops out above 10,500 — altitude sickness is a real risk if you haven't acclimatized. Watch for headache, nausea, or dizziness, especially on the initial climb.
The ridge and upper sections are fully exposed with zero tree cover. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during July and August — if you see clouds building over the peaks, head down immediately.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start before 9 AM to snag parking at the tiny Tioga Pass trailhead lot — it fills fast by mid-morning in summer, and there's almost no overflow parking nearby.
Give yourself at least 20 minutes at the trailhead to acclimate before hiking. You're starting at 9,945 feet, and charging uphill immediately is a recipe for altitude headaches.
Continue past Middle Gaylor Lake to Upper Gaylor Lake and the Great Sierra Mine ruins — it adds less than a mile and gives you the most photogenic spot on the trail, with crumbling stone walls framing the lake below.
