I then enter terrain that consists of narrow slots alternating with low granite cliffs.
Then I find what looks like a cairn.
I find my way back into more open but sloped terrain.
Then a faint use trail appears...
But, it doesn't go far.
So I settle for the lesser goal of the subdome to the south.
The view from it's top is still magnificent.
Tenaya Peak from its sub-dome
North panorama from Tenaya Peak sub-dome
(l to r): Mt. Hoffman, Tuolumne Peak, Polly Dome, Pywiack Dome (behind the tree), Medlicott Dome, and Tenaya Peak. At the far right is Clouds Rest.
Tenaya Lake from Tenaya Peak sub-dome
East end of Tenaya Lake
Pywiack (center) and Medlicott (upper right) Domes
The summit of Tenaya Peak is so close.
Yet, my legs, tired from a week of hiking and biking and unsure of my safely climbing the highly-sloped granite slabs, say too far today.
Polly Dome plunges into Tenaya Lake below.
Tuolumne Peak
Mt. Hoffman (and its Thumb)
Crux of the approach to Tenaya Peak
Two possible routes are visible: (1) route enters photo at the left and climbs diagonally upward through the boulder field lying above the cliffs at the center. (2) Route continues across the saddle between the shoulder of Tenaya Peak and the sub-dome, then climbs slabs and continues up the ridge to the summit to the left, out of the photo.
My lunch spot overlooking Tenaya Lake
My route down, below the west face of Tenaya Peak was through a forest full of hazards such as this branch, ready to snag me as I walked by.