Emeric Dome

Emeric Dome is a granite dome in Yosemite's high country, rising above Emeric Lake in the Cathedral Range backcountry between Vogelsang and Merced Lake. There's no maintained trail to its summit — like much of the cross-country terrain in this part of the wilderness, reaching the top means off-trail travel, not a signed route or a quick trip from the Valley floor.

Getting There

Most people reach the Emeric Dome area as part of a longer backpacking loop, approaching from Tuolumne Meadows via the Rafferty Creek and Vogelsang Pass trails, or from Yosemite Valley via Little Yosemite Valley and Merced Lake, picking up the Fletcher Creek/Emeric Lake Trail from there. Either way, this is a multi-day trip into the backcountry, not a day hike — plan on real mileage, elevation change, and no cell service.

What You'll Find

The dome's granite face looks out over Emeric Lake and the surrounding meadows, with the rest of the Cathedral Range's cross-country terrain — including the scrambling route over nearby Emeric Pass — spread out around it. It's quiet, remote high-country scenery, well off the crowds on the Valley's main trails.

Before You Go

• A wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay in this area, year-round.
• Bear-resistant food canisters are mandatory for all overnight trips.
• Off-trail travel here calls for real backcountry navigation experience — this isn't a first-time cross-country outing.