About
Length (round trip)3 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain500 ft up
Typical time1 hr 45 min
TrailheadTuolumne Meadows, Tioga Road
SurfaceForest path
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🏞️ Lake🌼 Wildflowers

Beginning from the north end of Dog Lake parking, the trail climbs through the forest to Dog Lake, then take a spur to the summit of Lembert Dome. There is no marked trail on the bare rock on Lembert Dome; choose the easiest path to the summit for panoramic views of Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding peaks. Lembert Dome is an example of a roche moutonnee, a glacial landform with an asymmetrical shape. The steep western face and gradual eastern slope indicate the direction of glacial flow when glaciers filled Tuolumne Meadows. Dog Lake is a quiet, forested lake that is home to many species including water birds, song birds, deer, and dragonflies. Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 850 ft (260 m) elevation gain Time estimate: 3-4 hours Route variation: return via Lembert Dome Parking for a 5-mile loop. Or, hike this route as an out-and-back beginning from Lembert Dome Parking instead of Dog Lake Parking, a slightly longer route to the same destinations. Tips & Seasonal Information Stay off domes during thunderstorms! Despite its name, pets are not allowed at Dog Lake or any other hiking trails. This trailhead 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).

Tips
One of the few Sierra lakes warm enough for a comfortable swim. Combine it with Lembert Dome from the same trailhead.
Location

Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.