Murphy Creek Trailhead

Overview

Set on Tioga Road along the north shore of Tenaya Lake, Murphy Creek Trailhead is a low-key gateway to Yosemite’s high-country granite and subalpine lakes. It’s less crowded than many Tuolumne starts, with quick access to lodgepole forest, gleaming slabs, and broad dome country.

Classic Routes from Here

• Polly Dome Lakes ramble: A short, lightly marked detour leads to clear, shallow lakes dotted with granite boulders—perfect for a quiet picnic.
• Tenaya Lake → May Lake → Murphy Creek loop (about 10–11 miles, ~1,500 ft gain): A crowd-pleasing circuit with a stout initial climb, big granite vistas, and an easy roll back to Tenaya. May Lake is scenic but no swimming (it’s a drinking-water source). Cap the day with a dip at Tenaya Lake.
• Longer links: Connect toward Glen Aulin or head for May Lake and beyond—popular with backpackers planning multi-day traverses.

Scenery & Geology

Expect a mix of shaded singletrack along Murphy Creek and open slickrock where the tread fades—follow cairns across the slabs. You’ll pass glacially polished granite, exfoliating domes, scattered erratics, and striking white dikes slicing darker granite. Views open to Polly Dome, Mt. Hoffmann, and Tuolumne’s high ridges.

Wildlife & Seasonality

Deer are common. Wildflowers pop early to mid-summer (lupine among them), with butterflies frequent on warm days; by September blooms fade and fall hues begin. Mosquitoes can be fierce early season—pack repellent and long layers.

Amenities & Logistics

At the trailhead: vault toilet, bear-proof food lockers, and free parking near the lake. There’s no drinking water—bring your own or treat from natural sources (but don’t swim or wash in May Lake). Limited seasonal transit serves Tioga Road. When Tioga Road is closed (typically November to late May/June), you can’t drive here; overnight parking along Tioga/Glacier Point Roads is not allowed starting October 15.

Permits & Regulations

• Day hikes: no permit needed.
• Backpacking: wilderness permits required, with most released 24 weeks out and the rest 2 weeks to 4 days before entry. Pick up permits in-park; bear-resistant food storage is required. Backpackers’ campgrounds are available the night before/after your trip.
• Entrance reservations: on select peak-season dates, a timed reservation is required to drive into/through the park between 6 am and 2 pm.
• May Lake: no swimming (drinking-water source). Tenaya Lake: swimming allowed.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for summer through early fall once Tioga Road is open. Start early for easy parking, cooler temps, and calmer trails; granite heats up fast and afternoon thunderstorms can pop up. Mornings offer softer light on the domes; late afternoon gives warm glow across Tenaya. Midday sees more day-hiker traffic, especially on peak-season dates.