Been There, Dome That

Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome. The trail gets down to business immediately, with only one way to go: up!

The good news? The ascent is short. You'll climb about 900 feet in just 1.5 miles. The final push to the summit involves a bit of rock scrambling (manageable with mindful footwork), and the payoff is one of the best panoramic views this side of Half Dome. If the year has seen a generous winter, the meadows are extra green and the surrounding peaks may still be capped with snow.

Snap a photo, give it a fist pump (Lembert leaps are not advised), and try not to lose your hat on the way back down—winds can pick up suddenly.

From Hwy. 120 in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite, turn right at the sign for the Wilderness Center. Follow the road .25-mile back to the Dog Lake parking area (don’t park at the Lembert Dome parking/picnic area along Hwy. 120.) The trail starts at the north end of the parking lot and crosses Hwy. 120. Follow the signs up to the dome. No dogs.