Matthes Lake

Yep! Another day trip to Tuolumne Meadows. We joined our friends Jim and Elysia who suggested a visit to Matthes Lake. I was a bit intimidated by the fourteen mile distance of the hike, but I had just seen some incredible photos of Matthes Lake on the inteweb so I it was well worth a try.

Gorgeous granite near the start.

We took a short break for photos and food above Cathedral Lakes with Cathedral Peak presiding.

 J&E cruise on down to Echo Lake.

Echo Peaks above Echo Lake

Soon we arrived at Matthes Lake with the fantastic Matthes Crest overhead.

Jim brought his wetsuit and went for a solid swim. The rest of us did the quick and invigorating in/out dip.

Echo Peaks and Lake on the way out

Most often there was a use trail to follow but even without it navigating and cross country hiking was easy.

At Cathedral Pass we were back on the JMT.

 A lot more people on that stretch. Busy but not crowded.

The fourteen miles went down a lot easier that I anticipated. There are very few steep sections and the walking is mostly easy and pleasant. Completely worth it. Matthes Lake is simply unreal!

Strava entry www.strava.com/activities/3952110934