Lembert Dome, 9450 ft (2880 m)

Where: Yosemite National Park

Trail head: Dog Lake/Young Lakes trail head, near Toulumne Meadows on Route 120

Length: 3 miles round trip

Cumulative elevation gain: 1500 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Reservations required: No

Advance planning typically required for permit: N/A

Permit requirements: Get pass upon entry to Yosemite park. If arriving very early or late, get pass upon exit.

Price: Pay at park entrance, waived with national park pass

Report date: 2007-07-01

Reported by: Silviu

Driving directions: Take Hwy 120 E into Yosemite. Approximately 4 hours from the Bay Area, 5 on a Friday afternoon, depending on traffic conditions.

Maps: TopoZone.com map

Trail condition: Very good.

Description and other notes: This short hike is maybe the best one near Toulumne Meadows. It provides easy access to a good vista point, but don't overexert yourself thinking that it's an easy hike. Overall, you are climbing above Half Dome's elevation! To reach the top of Lembert Dome you have two choices: either directly from the saddle on the steeper slope, or veer to the left and then head-on up to the top. Both choices seem intimidating and acrophobics may have difficult times here. However, the 360-degree views from the top are very rewarding.

Comments

Climbing to the saddle close to the top .

Toulumne Meadows and the top of Lembert Dome from the saddle.

Mount Dana and Route 120 seen from Lembert Dome.

Toulumne Meadows and Cathedral Peak seen from Lembert Dome.

Lembert Dome is a Half Dome at a much smaller scale.

Lembert Dome seen from Route 120 close to Toulumne Meadows Lodge.