Hike up Sentinel Dome

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

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Details

Distance

2.2 miles

Elevation Gain

400 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eli Flicker

Sentinel Dome is a short hike that showcases amazing views of Yosemite National Park. The trailhead is off Glacier Point Road and the dome is in view during the whole hike. The trail is 2.2 miles out and back, or it can be combined with Taft Point to form a loop.

We hiked Sentinel Dome in mid June. The hike shares a trailhead with Taft Point. The trail is very well maintained, although there is some rock scrambling at the start. The dome is in view the whole time, as the trail curves around it and leads up the back side. Along the way, there are a few spots where the trees open up and there are pretty good views of the valley. The last 200 feet are a little tough getting up the dome but the effort will be well worth it. On top of the dome, we were rewarded with expansive views of the mountains in every direction. There's a really great view of Half Dome as well as Yosemite Falls. We could even hear the water roaring from the top of the dome. The trail is short and offers spectacular views, making it one of my favorite hikes in Yosemite. After descending the dome, there is the option to return the one mile to the trailhead or take a 1.5 trail to Glacier Point.

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