Lembert Dome and Dog Lake Trailhead

The summit of Lembert Dome in late fall looking toward the Cathedral Range

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Trailhead

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 moutonnée, 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).