A few days ago, I decided to head back to Tioga Pass and hike Lembert Dome and Dog Lake. I first did this hike when I was twelve years old and remembered hiking the last few hundred feet on a hot day in the middle of the summer. I remembered the crisp blue sky and the whiteness of the dome but I forgot about the dramatic 360 degree panoramic view.
I first headed up to Lembert Dome from the Stables parking lot. As with other hikes in the Tioga Pass area, there are wonderful mountain views as you climb. The hike starts at about 8600 feet and climbs 900 feet. As I hiked upwards, I saw several families with small kids. This reminded me that this was a moderate hike.
The last part of the Dome hike is over the domes of granite. It is steep but the granite is rough so it is easy to maintain traction. The force and the whistling of the afternoon mountain winds are more noticeable at the top of the Dome. Also, the winds and cloud cover helped keep temperatures comfortable.
The view from the top is one of the best in Yosemite National Park. You can see an unobstructed 360 degree panoramic view.
That day, the weather was fair with both dissipating and building cumulus clouds. Sometimes, Jeremy and I have been on top when there was thunderstorm activity off in the distance. This was very beautiful, too.
On the way back to the Stables, I stopped by Dog Lake. The water was calm and reflected the mountains in the background.
What a beautiful hike. I remember our shared experience as well….nice photos, too..