Where to hike with a dog near Yosemite: Gardisky Lake

Since you can't hike with your dog inside Yosemite National Park, this trail offers a great alternative just outside its borders. The hike is short but super steep, and had us humans panting like crazy up the hill, wondering if we were ever going to reach Gardisky Lake.

So when water finally came into view, all the huffing and puffing felt more than worth it!

Getting there: We drove over Tioga Road (Highway 120) through Yosemite to reach Saddlebag Lake Road. We then drove about two miles on this dirt road, which was a bit bumpy, but nowhere near as bad as other roads I've taken to lesser hikes. 
And as always when we reach a trailhead, no matter how far out I think we've gone, there was already one car parked in the lot when we arrived: a Jeep belonging to a fisherman who had hiked up to the lake to fish.
"It's short, but it's steep," he said of the trail. And boy, was he right.

It is only about a mile to the lake (the trail map says 1.3 miles) but the climb is relentless. And the whole way up you see no sign of the lake, but are rewarded with awesome views behind you until you reach the top.

Words to the wise: 
Water: There was no human water at the trailhead, but in early October there were still streams flowing for the dog to drink from. 
Off-leash: This trail is "voice-control," but there are lots of chipmunks running around if your dog likes to chase things.

Celebrating reaching the lake.

How I found this hike: 
I never would have known about this trail, and so many others, without the great book by Linda and David Mullally, "Best Dog Hikes Northern California."

The dog celebrating with a dip.