Winter Backpack to Sentinel Dome in Yosemite

The goal for our weekend was to do some winter camping in the Yosemite backcountry; we decided on Sentinel Dome as our destination. The trail is a cakewalk during the summer, but winter turns it into a 10 mile uphill grind from the car. Most people opt to head for the ski hut at Glacier Point, but Sentinel Dome is less crowded, and in my opinion, more rewarding.

The trailhead begins at the Badger Pass ski area. The Glacier Point Trail is closed to cars beyond that point, and provides an excellent snowshoeing or cross-country skiing track.

It’s approximately 9 miles from the parking lot to the Sentinel Dome trailhead. The road winds through the forest and eventually reveals fantastic views of the Sierras and Mt. Starr-King. When you reach the Sentinel Dome trailhead, you’ll leave the road and trek backcountry for a mile and a half to the summit of Sentinel Dome.

Enjoy the 360 degree panorama sunset. It can get COLD and windy in the winter, so be sure to pack accordingly.

In the morning, get up early to watch the sun crest over the mountains, and then cruise the 10 miles back to Badger pass. If you're not too tired, maybe you'll have time to get a few runs in!