Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Loop

The Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Loop is a great adventure in Yosemite that reveals stunning panoramas of the granite top Sierra Nevada peaks that decorate the landscape. Meander through lush forest and up to a shimmering lake along this circuit hike. With ample scenery to explore, this quick and manageable adventure can be enjoyed by hikers of almost all skill levels and ages. Lembert Dome can become extremely slippery after a good rainfall, so be sure to exercise caution! Note: the Tioga Pass Road is subject to seasonal closure. Additionally, the National Park charges an entrance fee, check out the NPS website for a pricing guide.

Your exciting excursion along the Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Loop begins at the Dog Lake Trailhead. From here, head north along the Dog Lake Trail to travel through the meadowlands and mixed pine forests all the way up to Dog Lake. Here, follow the path in either direction around the perimeter of the shimmering lake and revel in the sights of the brilliant waters encircled by looming pines and bounded by granite peaks. After looping around the lake, retrace your footing along Dog Lake Trail to the first intersection before Dog Dome. Here, head east along the northern side of Dog and Lembert Dome.

Eventually, you will be diverted south, before tracking west up to the summit of Lembert Dome. From atop the dome, admire the vistas of Tuolumne Meadows and granite Sierra Nevada. When you are through reveling in the panoramas, head back down the dome to the main trail, turn right here onto Lembert Dome Trail. Hike down the trail and over Tioga Pass Road. From this junction, track the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 west, all the way back to the trailhead.