Cathedral Lake Trail Head: "Cathedral Lake" trail located on Highway 120 (Tioga Pass) in Tuolumne Meadows. Distance: 7 miles, round trip. Elevation gain: roughly 1000 feet Time: 5 to 6 hours round trip, including time to enjoy the scenery. Trail Head: "Cathedral Lake" trail located on Highway 120 (Tioga Pass) in Tuolumne Meadows. Camping: Allowed only in designated areas. No campfires allowed. Wilderness Permit required. Cathedral Lake is also located on the way to Sunrise High Sierra Camp Terrain Description: Uphill for the first half-hour of hiking, then levels off for 45 minutes or so, leading you through High Sierra meadows, streams and groves of stunted pine trees. Uphill again for 15 minutes, then downhill to Cathedral Lake--surrounded by High Sierra Peaks (including Cathedral Spire); and lush meadows. Cathedral Lake is cold, but wonderful to swim in