Lembert Dome, Yosemite Travel Guide

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Hike or climb to the top of Lembert Dome for unmatched Yosemite views in Tuolumne Meadows.

Lembert Dome, a prominent granite dome in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Meadows, offers stunning panoramic views after a moderate hike. Named after John Baptist Lembert, it's a favorite for both hikers and rock climbers.

A brief summary to Lembert Dome

California, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lembert Dome.

Wear shoes with good grip, especially for the final ascent on the granite.
Bring a hat, as it can be windy at the summit.
Stay off the dome during thunderstorms.
Combine the Lembert Dome hike with a visit to nearby Dog Lake for a longer excursion.

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Getting There

Driving

From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 120 (Tioga Road) east for approximately 50 miles to Tuolumne Meadows. The Lembert Dome parking area is located off Tioga Road, just east of the Tuolumne Meadows Store. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so arrive early. Tioga Road is typically open from late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Check current road conditions before you go. Parking is free.
Public Transport

During the summer, YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) operates buses from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, with a stop near Lembert Dome. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the Lembert Dome Trailhead. Check the YARTS schedule for current fares and times. The Tuolumne Meadows shuttle, which previously provided service in the Tuolumne Meadows area, is not operating in 2024. A one way ticket from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows via YARTS costs between $2 and $30.
Walking

From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, walk east along the Tioga Road for approximately 1 mile to the Lembert Dome parking area. The trailhead is located at the parking area. Use caution when walking along the road.

Discover more about Lembert Dome

Lembert Dome, a granite dome soaring 800 feet (240 m) above Tuolumne Meadows, is a highlight of Yosemite National Park. Located off the Tioga Road, about 8 miles (13 km) west of the Tioga Pass Entrance, it's a popular destination for hikers and climbers alike.This impressive dome is a classic example of a roche moutonnée, shaped by glacial action over millennia. The east side presents a gentle slope, inviting hikers to ascend to its summit, while the west side drops off in a steep, rugged face, challenging rock climbers. The granite composing Lembert Dome is known as Cathedral Peak Granodiorite, characterized by its large feldspar crystals.At the summit, an elevation of 9,455 feet (2,882 m) awaits, rewarding hikers with 360-degree views of Tuolumne Meadows, the Cathedral Range, and surrounding peaks. The vista encompasses landmarks like Mt. Dana and Unicorn Peak.The dome is named for John Baptist Lembert, a colorful character who homesteaded in Tuolumne Meadows in 1885. Lembert, also known as a naturalist and entomologist, built a cabin over Soda Springs and guided tourists in the area.