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Lembert Dome

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (15)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Yosemite National Park
  5. Tuolumne Meadows
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“A short, uncrowded hike that leads you to majestic views of Tuolumne Meadows. ”

Isabel Jacobson
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2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Out and Back

9,385' 2,861 m

High

8,698' 2,651 m

Low

689' 210 m

Up

688' 210 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly While it is a fairly easy trail with little trouble, the top might be a bit dangerous for young children who don't or won't stay close to the adult they are with in order to maintain safety.

The trail is closed any time Tioga Road is closed which is usually from October until the end of May.

Overview

Lembert Dome is a somewhat steep, but simple hike onto the solid granite surface of Lembert Dome. Once you've reached the top, you can see out across Tuolumne Meadows in three different directions. Take the time to walk around the large summit area in order to fully experience the views that the dome has to offer.

Need to Know

Definitely wear appropriate footwear preferably with a bit of grip--AKA no flip flops. Be careful climbing near the very end of the trail. Slips and minor injuries are possible, but the dome's gradual slope makes a big fall unlikely.

Description

The Lembert Dome Trail is located in Tuolumne Meadows. This hike to Lembert Dome starts off from the Dog Lake parking lot near Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. It's an easy uphill hike that is not usually crowded. If you are looking for a short but exciting hike with breathtaking views, this is the route for you.

Take the well-traveled Lembert Dome Trail that heads north to cross Tioga Road. From here the trail heads stiffly up through the forest to reach the shoulder of the dome, and turn on the Lembert Dome Spur. There are parts of the trail that are a bit less defined, but its unlikely you'll get lost as long as you don't miss the turn for the summit trail. You can also choose the path to take while making your ascent up the dome based on whichever way you feel comfortable.

Emerge onto the clean granite top of the dome and keep hiking up to the summit. The top of Lembert Dome is wide and fairly flat so you wont feel crowded, and despite the heavy winds, you won't fall off. Your hat might though! Best to take it off before you emerge from the trees. Make sure to climb around a bit once on the top in order to fully take in everything that Lembert Dome has to offer. Return by the same way, or turn left when you rejoin Dog Lake Trail and go check out the lake! It's just over a mile farther to the north.

Flora & Fauna

Depending on circumstances, it is not uncommon to see deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and a variety of birds while on the trail. Don't feed the wildlife!

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Isabel Jacobson with improvements by Tilman Giese and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 15 votes

#2

in Tuolumne Meadows

#897

Overall
  4.6 from 15 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Tuolumne Meadows

#147

in California

#897

Overall
2 Views Last Month
3,080 Since Sep 24, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
54%
8%
38%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Cathedral Peak and part of the Cathedral Range from Lembert Dome.
Jan 23, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
View from the top was amazing!!
Oct 9, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
PJ heads down from Lembert.
Jul 11, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
The view toward Tioga Pass from Lembert Dome.
Jan 23, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Tuolumne Meadows and clouds from the top of Lembert Dome
Jan 23, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
The early morning sun from Lembert Dome.
Feb 25, 2024 near Yosemit…, CA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 8, 2022
Tilman Giese
Sep 22, 2022
Johnny Addison
Connected from Dog Lake. Used Tioga road to get back to starting trailhead. 4mi
Sep 3, 2022
Sai Krishna Kanada
Done
Jul 2, 2022
David Hitchcock
Hiked at the end of a Young Lakes Loop trail. it was pretty in the afternoon, very windy
Oct 5, 2021
Evan Mitchell
Hike with dad, doobie at top, little free climbin', sore knees down.
Sep 22, 2021
Andrew Lilly
Short but strenuous hike up to Lemberg Dome, which provides tremendous views of Tuolumne Meadows and Sierra Nevadas
Sep 13, 2021
Tom Herr
Steady, but not steep, hike. Climbing the dome was steep in places, but the rock had great traction. Great views of the Tuolumne Meadows and River. 2.3mi
Aug 14, 2021
Amy Kolor

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