Enjoy this magnificent high-country lake surrounded by granite domes, lodgepole forests, and Yosemite's vast wilderness. Picnic tables are available at this pleasant spot near Tenaya Lake. Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations not accepted).
The Murphy Creek picnic area is located along Tenaya Lake, offering beach access and beautiful views of Tenaya Peak. The picnic area is located a short walk from the parking area. Vault toilets and trash/recycling are available in the parking area. There are no facilities in the immediate area of the picnic area or the beach. Tips & Seasonal Information This picnic area is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1). Wildlife Safety Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you. Never feed wild animals. Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters. While enjoying your picnic, keep your food, trash, and other scented items within arm's reach. If a bear approaches, yell as loudly as possible to scare the bear away. Accessibility This picnic area is not wheelchair accessible. The paved pathway from the parking area is wheelchair accessible and connect to a long pathway along the north shore of Tenaya Lake. Vault toilets at the parking area are wheelchair accessible.