[1] The lake basin was formed by glacial action, which left a backdrop of light granite rocks, whose beauty was known to the Native Americans.

As part of the 1864 Yosemite grant, the area became the first park land to be federally protected for preservation and public use.

In 1868, John Muir wrote about the Tenaya Lake's beauty and timelessness in My First Summer in the Sierra.

Tenaya Lake can be accessed by car via Tioga Pass Road, which is called California State Route 120 outside the park.

Tioga Pass Road starts at the town Lee Vining on U.S. Route 395 140 miles (230 km) south of Reno and 330 miles (530 km) north of Los Angeles.

Tioga Pass Road is closed by National Park Service during the winter months due to heavy snows.

[14] In 2011, $850,000 was earmarked for restoration of Tenaya lake habitat by the Yosemite Conservancy.