Dog Lake Loop

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

3.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Distance

3.71 miles

Elevation Gain

740 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kim Baker

A short hike at the center of Tuolumne Meadows. This hike features incredible views of Cathedral Peak along the route and serene reflections all around the lake.

This 3.7 mile roundtrip hike begins at the center of Tuolumne Meadows (shuttle stop #2) at the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin trailhead parking lot. There are restrooms and picnic tables at the east side of the lot, there you will also find the trailhead to Dog Lake.

The trail begins at 8,500 ft and continues upward on a fairly steep incline for the first .75 miles (bring extra water) where you will come to a junction, continue straight on the Dog Lake trail. Shortly after the junction the trail becomes significantly less steep and begins to level out as you get to your destination. Dog Lake sits at 9,240 ft.

You'll initially arrive at the south end of the lake with the option to take additional trails branching off around either side. Such a beautiful, short hike with less traffic than many other hikes in Yosemite.

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Dog Lake Loop Reviews

Zach L

Dog Lake Loop

10/27/22

Short hike with a fairly significant incline, at least as far as the split with Lembert Dome, then it gets a little easier. The lake was pretty but the mosquitoes were terrible, cover up or wear bug spray if you're visiting during mosquito season. I'd recommend Lembert Dome over Dog Lake if you're choosing one, otherwise tackle both on a single hike. Plenty of parking and there are bathrooms at the trailhead.

3.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mt. Conness

This trip is best done as a 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip making camp at Young Lakes, however it is possible to do it in a single day long haul. Start at the Lembert Dome Parking Lot and take the trail via the Dog Lake route towards Young Lakes. It's about 7 miles to the upper of the three Young Lakes. Find the renowned "ledge" campsite that over looks the lower of the two lakes and Ragged P...

Rock Climb Lembert Dome, Yosemite NP

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Young Lakes

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Lembert Dome via Dog Lake Trail

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Enjoy a Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail. There are also plenty of nearby hikes including Pothole Dome trail, which tracks along the western edge of Tuolumne Meadows. The ...

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Before you head out for the trip, you’ll need to get a wilderness permit. You can get one online from the Yosemite website or pick one up at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center or from the Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley. Go to Yosemite and take Highway 120 up to Tuolumne Meadows. You can park along the road for free where there is space. The first part of the trail is combined with th...

Dog Lake Loop

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Dog Lake Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Mt. Conness

Rock Climb Lembert Dome, Yosemite NP

Young Lakes

Lembert Dome via Dog Lake Trail

Enjoy a Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows

Backpack to Fletcher Lake and Summit Vogelsang Peak

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