Tioga Peak via Gardisky Lake Trail in Inyo National Forest, CA

Hike Tioga Peak via Gardisky Lake Trail Inyo National Forest, CA

Class 2 3.2 miles 1800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Aug 7, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Tioga Peak via Gardisky Lake Trail GPX Track

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Tioga Peak is on the southern end of a short ridge shared by Tioga Crest to the north, and is most easily accessed via the Gardisky Lake Trail. It's a pretty short and steep outing for some really excellent views of the peaks around Tioga Pass. I began my hike at the Gardisky Lake Trailhead along a dirt road accessible by any car. The trail begins across the road, ascending steeply for the first few hundred feet with occasional views through the trees along the switchbacks.

The Gardisky Lake Trail calmed down when it reached the top of the slope within the drainage formed by the outlet of Gardisky Lake. From here, it continued towards the lake, but I veered off to the right to tackle the ascent to Tioga Peak. I couldn't find a social trail to follow at first, only locating a sporadic cairn. The false summit of Tioga Peak came into view ahead and as the slope narrowed into a ridge, the trail became more defined. Some easy walking on the tundra ridge became steeper and turned into a human-eroded carving through the scree/talus. There was some very light Class 2 to gain the false summit, and past here was a short jaunt to the high point.

From the summit, I could see Mount Conness, Gardisky Lake below, as well as Mount Dana and Tioga Lake to the east. The Tioga Pass Road, leading into Yosemite National Park, was visible in the distance. I hiked pat the high point to get a better persective. I backtracked, rejoining the Gardisky Lake Trail, and took the time to appreciate Gardisky Lake up close, but the view from above was definitely more impressive.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Tioga Peak
11526 ft
1006 rise

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Gardisky Lake Trailhead. The trail begins across the road.
Gardisky Lake Trailhead. The trail begins across the road.
Ascending the step Gardisky Lake Trail.
Ascending the step Gardisky Lake Trail.
Gardisky Lake Trail.
Gardisky Lake Trail.
View back down as I make progress through the forest.
View back down as I make progress through the forest.
Switchback along the Gardisky Lake Trail.
Switchback along the Gardisky Lake Trail.
Another shot back once I reach the top of the steepness.
Another shot back once I reach the top of the steepness.
The trail continues to Gardisky Lake from here, but I left it on the right to ascend to Tioga Peak.
The trail continues to Gardisky Lake from here, but I left it on the right to ascend to Tioga Peak.
False summit of Tioga Peak seen ahead. There was no discernible trail initially.
False summit of Tioga Peak seen ahead. There was no discernible trail initially.
Soon I did locate a social trail along the way up.
Soon I did locate a social trail along the way up.
View back. The Gardisky Lake Trail is at the low point on the right, below.
View back. The Gardisky Lake Trail is at the low point on the right, below.
Progress along the social trail up the northwest ridge of Tioga Peak.
Progress along the social trail up the northwest ridge of Tioga Peak.
View back down, Gardisky Lake seen on the right.
View back down, Gardisky Lake seen on the right.
Some light Class 2 along the way.
Some light Class 2 along the way.
Tioga Peak seen ahead.
Tioga Peak seen ahead.
Tioga Peak summit, view down toward Gardisky Lake.
Tioga Peak summit, view down toward Gardisky Lake.
Tioga Peak summit, view toward Mount Dana (center) and Tioga Lake (right).
Tioga Peak summit, view toward Mount Dana (center) and Tioga Lake (right).
Close-up toward Mount Dana and Tioga Lake. Tioga Pass Road leading into Yosemite National Park seen below.
Close-up toward Mount Dana and Tioga Lake. Tioga Pass Road leading into Yosemite National Park seen below.
Back on the Gardisky Lake Trail, a view back. I took the time to check out the lake.
Back on the Gardisky Lake Trail, a view back. I took the time to check out the lake.
Gardisky Lake. There were people fishing here, but it's much better viewed from above.
Gardisky Lake. There were people fishing here, but it's much better viewed from above.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!