How to Get a Young Lakes via Dog Lake Permit
Six miles to three lakes under Ragged Peak, with the whole Cathedral Range lined up behind you the entire way up.
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People Per Day
Recreation.gov permit 445859 lists a $10 reservation fee and a $5 per-person use fee, plus a $10 lottery registration fee for the weekly lottery.
Permit Cost
1-2 nights
Duration
moderate
Difficulty
About Young Lakes via Dog Lake
Young Lakes via Dog Lake is a Tuolumne Meadows wilderness trailhead in Yosemite National Park, climbing north past Dog Lake to the Young Lakes basin under Ragged Peak. NPS sets the daily quota at 20 people: 12 reservable by lottery 24 weeks in advance and 8 released first-come, first-served one week in advance. Camping cannot begin until four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows, which puts the first night at or near the lakes. NPS lists Half Dome as unavailable with this trailhead. Reservations for the Tuolumne area run June 18 to October 14, 2026.
NPS describes hikers on this trail enjoying forests and high meadows with panoramic views of the Cathedral Range, ending at the picturesque Young Lakes. It is the classic short overnight out of Tuolumne, and at 20 people a day it is a good deal easier to land than Rafferty Creek or Cathedral Lakes.
The Experience
You climb steadily through lodgepole and open meadow, turning around every few minutes because the view behind is better than the view ahead. The lakes sit in a shelf under Ragged Peak with the Sierra crest to the east.
The trail begins at the Lembert Dome and Dog Lake trail before continuing north to Young Lakes. NPS puts Dog Lake at 1.5 miles, where camping is not allowed, and Young Lake at 6.0.
Camping cannot start until you are four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows, so the lakes themselves are the realistic first night. Campfires are prohibited at Young Lakes and anywhere above 9,600 feet.
NPS notes the Tuolumne River is a water source for San Francisco and asks for Leave No Trace camping to preserve water quality, with all washing and waste kept 300 feet from water throughout the watershed.
What to Expect
A daily quota of 20 people: 12 by lottery 24 weeks out, 8 released one week out
Vault toilets at the trailhead per the NPS trailhead table
Dog Lake at 1.5 miles and Young Lakes at 6.0, per NPS mileages
A four-trail-mile camping restriction from Tuolumne Meadows
Cathedral Range views for most of the climb
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Permit Requirements
You must travel at least 4 trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows in order to make camp
Campfires are prohibited at Young Lakes and anywhere above 9,600 feet
No camping at Dog Lake
Along the Tuolumne watershed, do all washing and waste disposal 300 feet from water
Maximum group size is 15 people, or 8 for cross-country hiking more than a quarter mile off trail
Allowed bear-resistant food canisters are required throughout Yosemite Wilderness
Half Dome is not available with this trailhead
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •An allowed bear-resistant food canister
- •A stove, since fires are out at the lakes and above 9,600 feet
- •Warm layers for a basin that freezes most nights
- •Water treatment
Hazards & Safety
Afternoon thunderstorms on open meadow with no shelter
Cold nights at the lakes even in midsummer
Snow lingering in the basin into early July
Bears working the Tuolumne trailhead parking
Best Time to Visit
Reservations run June 18 to October 14 in 2026. Mid-July through August is the reliable window. September is quieter and colder, with the Cathedral Range at its sharpest.
Pro Tips
Six miles and a bed under Ragged Peak makes this the best single-night trip out of Tuolumne
The four-mile camping line rules out anything before the lakes, so plan one push
Carry a stove - fires are out at the lakes and above 9,600 feet
Eight of the twenty spots are released seven days out
Walk the extra half mile to the upper lakes for a camp with nobody in it
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Young Lakes via Dog Lake permit?
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Young Lakes via Dog Lake permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Young Lakes via Dog Lake?
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Reservations run June 18 to October 14 in 2026. Mid-July through August is the reliable window. September is quieter and colder, with the Cathedral Range at its sharpest.
How difficult is Young Lakes via Dog Lake?
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Parties who want one night in the Yosemite high country without a long approach.
What gear do I need for Young Lakes via Dog Lake?
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Essential gear includes: An allowed bear-resistant food canister, A stove, since fires are out at the lakes and above 9,600 feet, Warm layers for a basin that freezes most nights, Water treatment.
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