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Dog Lake, Yosemite NP

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Highlights:

A short easy hike into Yosemite's High Country.
Near:Yosemite National Park, CA
Scenery:
Distance:3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:570 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: This is one of the easier high country day hikes in Yosemite. Though the trail climbs almost the complete 1.5 miles up to the lake, it is short enough to be what I consider easy. In fact my 4 year old daughter made the trek from the Tuolumne Meadows Campground to Dog lake and back without being carried. What is the reward for this up-hill climb? A scenic lake with views of distant Mount Gibbs and Mount Lewis for starters. If you feel energetic take some extra time to hike around the lake before returning back to the parking lot.

For more hikes in and around Yosemite, visit my website The Backcountry.

Trailhead: Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via Highway 41, 120 or 140. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. Once in the park head towards Tioga Road (Highway 120). Drive to the Lembert Dome parking lot. The trail starts near the restrooms. (Lat:37.89094 Lon:-119.34457)
Trail Guides for Dog Lake, Yosemite NP:
Yosemite National Park
by Jeffrey P. Schaffer  (Wilderness Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Yosemite Wilderness Center (209) 372-0740
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Mike Matenkosky, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by RM on 3/2/2006
Hello, I hiked dog lake, 6yrs ago was wonderful was wondering if they are ever going to stock the lake with trout again, if you can get any info I would appreciate it, Thank you!!!

Reviewed by RLM on 1/8/2006
Be sure your thighs are in good shape. This trail is so steep, the elderly might not make it. We passed people who had altitude sickness and had to go back down.

Reviewed by Glenn on 8/11/2004
Mike's introduction is pretty much right on. The trail does indeed climb nearly all the way, but it was a little steeper than I expected. Take your time so you don't pass out from the altitude! It's a rocky trail, too, so you may want to think about that if you've got weak ankles or if you're hiking with someone who does. Again, take your time. The trailhead was easy to find from the parking lot, but there's one trail junction less than a 1/4 mile in that doesn't have any directions. Veer right and head up, up, up. The scenic payoff at Dog Lake is amazing though. The walk around the lake is perfectly flat with an obvious trail and is highly recommended. All around, this is a great hike if you've only got one day in Yosemite.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mariposa County Hiking, Mariposa County Trails, Mariposa County Hikes


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