About This Route
In Tuolumne Meadows, this 6-mile loop circles Lembert Dome (9,845 ft) and Dog Lake via Tuolumne Meadows trailhead, with 1,000 ft gain. High-country bliss for trail runners; granite slabs and meadows. NPS permits required for overnight but day runs free.
Safety Considerations
Lightning magnet on Dome slabs; off by noon. Early snow hides crevasses; ice axe if post-July. Mosquitoes swarm meadows; DEET essential. Bears in meadows; clang poles. Altitude sickness at 8,600 ft base; acclimate. Marmots chew shoes.
Essential Gear
Altra Lone Peak shoes, Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest, Coros Apex watch, Therm-a-Rest sit pad, Sawyer filter, bug headnet, microspikes.
Emergency Tips
Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station close; 209-372-0263. Satellite SOS for remoteness.