Lembert Dome

Cost is admission to Yosemite National Park. An America The Beautiful pass will also work. There are a couple of options for parking. One option is at the Lembert Dome Picnic Area (open in maps). This option will put you right at the southwest base of the dome and also at the direct trailhead for the Dog and Young Lakes trails if those destinations are of interest.

Another option for parking is at the lot to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (open in maps). This option will put you at the base of the east side of Lembert Dome. From here it’s a straightshot straight up to the trail offshoot that leads to Lembert Dome. The hiking option here would be an out and back. Taking the east route along the dome and continuing north past Lembert Dome will also connect you with the Dog Lake trail.

During the winters Tioga Pass Road is closed due to heavy snowfall. The road can close as early as October in some years and open as late as June. Please check with the park on the current road conditions if you plan on traveling when there may be snowfall.

Novice Hikers: This is a great trail for new new hikers. The amount of elevation gain in the short distance will definitely be a challenge. The views from the top of the dome are enough to give some butterflies to the slightest of acrophobes. 

Advanced Hikers: While not as challenging as some of Yosemite’s longer trails, this is certainly a fun trail to complete. The views from the top are some of the best in the area without having to do the longer hikes to some of the nearby Sierra peaks. For a longer trail, complete the route to Dog Lake to check out some additional views and log some more distance.  

Expert Hikers: This isn’t a difficult trail by any means but the views are rewarding. This hike is a great option for those with limited time or families unable to do longer distances. For a greater adrenaline rush, make the scramble to the highest point of the dome. Those wanting a longer distance can also complete the route to Dog Lake. 

It’s always a good idea to be aware of what type of hiking level you’re at.

Summer and fall are the only times of year that this hike is accessable. Fall can have warm days with cool mornings and evenings. If I had to take my pick, I’d choose right in the beginning of summer with the region is lush with runoff from snowmelt. 

It’s not uncommon for there to be thunderstorms in the higher elevations of the Sierra’s during summer. Thunderstorms often bring with them the threat of lightning. Do not attempt to be on the dome if there is any chance of lightning. It is a bare surface and you will be the tallest object and a target to be struck by lightning. 

During the winter Tioga Road closes at around the first major snowstorms. The road doesn’t open again until late spring or early summer after the road has been plowed and cleared. Please check with the National Park Service for current road conditions around mid-fall or late spring.  

Always be prepared by checking the weather conditions before a hike.

This trail is in great condition and is maintained by the National Park Service.  The trail is mostly a mix of soft dirt with mixed granite rocks. The dome portion of the trail is bare granite and it can be lose in some areas. For those starting the hike in the parking lot for Dog/Young Lakes, the trail will flank around the northern side of the dome. The trail will climb in elevation and progress paralell to a small creek that runs from Dog Lake.

For those starting out at Tuolumne Meadows lodge, the trail will be a steady incline through mostly confier forest. The trail does cross Tioga Pass Road shortly after starting so be alert for traffic. No matter which trailhead is is taken, there will be a branch in the trail that leading west up to the dome. This area is clearly marked by a sign.

Once on the dome there isn’t any distinguished trail. I suggest taking the path of least resistance and it’s almost better to just go straight up. Once at the top you’ll see the long backbone that makes up Lembert Dome. The actual peak of Lembert Dome is at the end of it’s long spine with a near vertical drop on one side. The other has a pretty steep grade. Reaching the peak doesn’t look impossible but it was a little much for me to attempt. The views were still postcard worthy.

The odds of seeing a rattlesnakes along this trail are pretty small given the high altitude and short growing season. However, always keep your eyes open and be alert. There will be an opportunity to see bears and deer here. Where the seasonal creek lies is the best bet for any wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the beautiful snowflower that likes to spring up near pines after the snow is gone. There is no poison oak along the trail.