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Polly Dome Lakes

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 7/100 · Easyout and back#alpine-lakes#beginner-friendly#quiet#yosemite
Distance
6 mi
Total gain
600 ft
Net gain
600 ft
Net loss
600 ft
Elevation
8,202–8,730 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Polly Dome Lakes is Yosemite's quietest easy overnight: a 3-mile walk from the Murphy Creek trailhead past Tenaya Lake to a pair of small lakes below Polly Dome, far from the Tenaya crowds.

Highlights

  • Two quiet lakes beneath Polly Dome's rounded granite
  • Tenaya Lake's shoreline at the trailhead
  • An easy, low-mileage overnight for first-timers
  • Sunset reflections with the Cathedral Range behind

How hard is Polly Dome Lakes?

CaliPeaks rates this route 7/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 600 ft puts this trip at 5% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 6 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 8,730 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Murphy Creek Trailhead (Tioga Road) (8,202 ft) · parking: Murphy Creek pullout on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake
  • Water: Polly Dome Lakes and Tenaya Creek; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store is nearby.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Murphy Creek entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early July.

Heat: Pleasant high-country temperatures.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The final spur to the lakes is unmarked — carry a map
  • Mosquitoes through July
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — Polly Dome Lakes. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tuolumne-meadows-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (6 mi round trip) and elevation gain (600 ft) from the Murphy Creek trailhead; unofficial spur to the lakes.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.