Polly Dome Lakes Trail

About

The hike to Polly Dome Lakes starts across Tioga Road from Tenaya Lake and follows Murphy Creek through lodgepole pine forest and open granite slabs. It's a moderate out-and-back that trades Yosemite Valley's crowds for quiet high-country scenery, ending at a string of shallow lakes tucked beneath the smooth granite dome that gives the trail its name.

The Trail

From the Murphy Creek Trailhead, the route heads north along Murphy Creek through mixed pine forest broken up by broad granite outcrops typical of the Tuolumne high country. A short spur near the end of the main route drops down to the largest of the Polly Dome Lakes, one of roughly a dozen small lakes scattered across this granite basin below Polly Dome itself. Expect a mix of shaded forest walking and open rock, with occasional creek views along the way.

Getting There and Permits

Trailhead: Murphy Creek Trailhead, directly across Tioga Road from Tenaya Lake.
Access: Reachable only when Tioga Road is open for the season, typically from late spring or early summer through the first heavy snow.
Permits: No permit is needed for a day hike; a wilderness permit is required only if you continue on as an overnight backpacking trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to hike to Polly Dome Lakes?

No. A day hike to the lakes requires no permit. You only need a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight in the area.

Where do I park for this hike?

At the Murphy Creek Trailhead pullout on Tioga Road, directly across from Tenaya Lake.

When can I hike to Polly Dome Lakes?

Only during the warmer months. Tioga Road closes for winter and typically doesn't reopen until late spring or early summer, depending on snowpack.

Is this a good alternative to busier Yosemite Valley trails?

Yes. It sees far fewer people than Valley classics like the Mist Trail, trading waterfall crowds for quiet forest and granite scenery in Yosemite's high country.