Polly Dome Lakes Trail

Polly Dome Lakes is a moderate out-and-back from Murphy Creek Trailhead, north of Tenaya Lake. It follows Murphy Creek Trail through forest and granite to an unofficial, unmarked spur and a group of small lakes. Yosemite National Park lists 6 miles round trip and about 600 feet of gain; the mapped corridor measures about 2.7 miles each way. Plan roughly 3½ hours to the mapped lakes, then allow more time to explore. The shallow water and open granite below Polly Dome make a memorable finish, but the final turn is easy to miss. Save the spur on your map before setting out.

The approach climbs gradually through subalpine forest beside the granite bed of Murphy Creek. The creek may be dry later in summer, so do not count on it for water. After about three quarters of a mile, open granite slabs begin to alternate with trees. Scattered boulders are glacial erratics, carried and left here by ice. A short steeper stretch leads toward the lake basin; expect uneven rock and occasional route-finding rather than a consistently surfaced path.

The spur reaches shallow pothole lakes and pools set among granite and pines, with Polly Dome rising beyond. Pause at the mapped lake group before deciding whether to continue. The largest pool lies roughly half a mile farther upstream by a rough cross-country line over boulders and fallen trunks. That extension is unmarked and is not part of the stored route or its distance. From the shore, frame the water and foreground boulders with Polly Dome behind them.

The small Murphy Creek roadside parking area is on Tioga Road, across from the Tenaya Lake day-use area. No potable water or toilets were confirmed at the trailhead or along the route; bring drinking water. Day hikes do not require a wilderness permit, but overnight trips do. Dogs are prohibited on Yosemite trails. Tioga Road is normally closed by snow in winter, often from November until late May or early June, so access depends on the seasonal opening.