Mirror Lake Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Mirror Lake. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour

• Yosemite Full-Day Private Tour & Hike

• Yosemite 2-Day Private Tour & Hike

• Yosemite Valley Full-Day Small Group Tour & Hike

To visit Mirror Lake, you’ll first need to purchase an entry pass for Yosemite National Park: Fees are currently US$20 for individuals arriving on foot or US$35 per vehicle, which covers all passengers. You can also buy an annual pass for US$70, or entry is included with the America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80 for one year.

Mirror Lake (as the name suggests) is famous for its crystal-clear waters—the Half Dome, snow-dusted peaks, and pine trees are often visible on the lake’s mirror-like surface. For the best views, come early in the morning, when the light is softest, and conditions are typically ideal for photography.

Mirror Lake is seasonal and is typically only visible during the spring and early summer months, from around March through to July. From late summer—August or potentially as early as July—the lake dries up, and the area is known as “Mirror Meadow” until the lake refills. The water can be fast-moving in spring, and visitors should be cautious when entering the water.

Yes, Mirror Lake is accessible to visitors with limited mobility and other physical disabilities. A 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) paved road leads to the lake from the Mirror Lake shuttle stop, while visitors with disability placards can drive along the route instead. There are two accessible parking spaces located at the lake.

Yes, a pit toilet is available for visitors at the end of the paved road leading to Mirror Lake. These toilets are basic (often holes in the ground): they don’t use water to flush, and the contents are composted. Head to the Yosemite Exploration Center for flushable toilets.