Dog Lake Trail

Overview

Dog Lake is a scenic lake nestled 1.7 miles off of Tioga Road in Tuolumne Meadows. The trail is easily accessed via two nearby trailheads and is often combined with a trip up the Lember Dome Trail or as a short detour for hikers heading out to the Young Lakes area. There is ample parking available in the nearby lots and it can also be reached via the park shuttle.<br><br>The majority of the elevation gain comes at the beginning of the trail as you ascend from the parking lot towards the trail junction. From the trail junction it is a relatively easy hike out to the western shore of the lake. <br><br>The lake itself is shallow and relatively warm by alpine lake standards, which makes it perfect for wading in or for a refreshing swim. It is surrounded by pines and reflections of the nearby peaks can often be seen in the lake. During the summer, nesting birds can be spotted along the shore and deer often graze nearby.

Trail Stats

Photos

Buck in velvet encountered in the woods along the trail to Dog Lake.

Buck in velvet encountered in the woods along the trail to Dog Lake.

Trail leading from the parking lot to Dog Lake, Lembert Dome, and Young Lakes. The trails break off the further you walk along the sandy, gravel path seen here.

Trail leading from the parking lot to Dog Lake, Lembert Dome, and Young Lakes. The trails break off the further you walk along the sandy, gravel path seen here.

Views of Dog Lake from the trail.

Views of Dog Lake from the trail.

Dog Lake as seen from the Dog Lake Trail.

Dog Lake as seen from the Dog Lake Trail.

Dog Lake

Dog Lake

Dog Lake with other high sierra peaks in the background.

Dog Lake with other high sierra peaks in the background.

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