Dog Lake Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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 runners 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.

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 run out to the western shore of the lake.

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.

You will find alpine wildflowers, lots of lodgepole pines, birds, and maybe even a deer or two along the way!