Sentinel Dome Trail

Mariposa County, California

5.0/5

based on 9 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.15 miles

Elevation Gain

400 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Emily Noyd

Sentinel Dome is a short hike with excellent bird's eye views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the entire Yosemite Valley.

One of the most popular places in Yosemite for sunset is Glacier Point, but by walking one mile from the trailhead, the crowds quickly dissipate. Sentinel Dome is great for all ages since the trail is short and not too steep. Park at the Sentinel Dome trailhead, about 3 miles from the end of Glacier Point Road. The trail is one mile, one-way. For the best timing, leave the trailhead at least one hour before sunset.

There's no camping allowed at Sentinel Dome or anywhere within 4 miles of Glacier Point. The one exception is during winter when Glacier Point Rd is unplowed, which converts it to a trail, and the "no camping zone" collapses a bit. A wilderness permit is required year-round for any wilderness area, including Sentinel Dome in winter. Learn more about winter backpacking to Sentinel Dome here: https://www.theoutbound.com/yo... Other than that, enjoy Sentinel for sunrise or sunset, just don't sleep there.

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Sentinel Dome Trail Reviews

Kyle VanAuken

Sentinel Dome Trail

09/22/16

I thought that this was a nice short hike after hiking 18 miles in sequoia national park the day before. I didn't get the permits to climb half dome so I decided to do this little hike. It gave beautiful views of the valley

5.0

Explorer

Christian Murillo

Explorer

Sentinel Dome Trail

08/17/16

This is an incredible low-mid distance hike to do in Yosemite that does not have the crowds of Glacier Point, but is easy enough for my parents (in their late 50s and not avid hikers) to do. You get a killer view of Half Dome and the whole valley in both East and West directions.

5.0

Explorer

Sarah Giek

Explorer

Sentinel Dome Trail

08/14/16

This short hike provides some of the best views of Yosemite, including Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Yosemite Falls. You can also see the now-toppled Ansel Adams tree at the top of the dome, made famous for its improbable location. There were a few people on the trail who were nervous about the final climb to the top, but if you're wearing good shoes, it's no problem at all. A must-do hike if you're in Yosemite!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

SENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an estimated 4-5 hour hike. The nearest and only restroom available is at the parking lot. The parking lot...

Taft Point

Taft Point is such an amazing and different view of the Yosemite Valley. If you're lucky and you time it right, you'll also experience complete solitude. While driving Glacier Point Road, just a few minutes before arriving at Glacier Point, you'll see a parking lot for the Taft Point Trailhead. The hike is an intermediate level hike for a little over a mile one way. The hike itself is amazing,...

Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

Start from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much water as you can. There will not be any water beyond this point! Once you have got all the water you...

Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

The hike begins at Glacier Point. Find the marker for the Panorama Trail just beyond the viewing steps (to the right, if you’re looking at Half Dome). The first section of the hike will be lined with open views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It will be hard not to stop to listen to the rushing waterfalls and take in the views. To date, this has been the most peaceful spot I ha...

Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point

Glacier Point gives you a classic view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. You can get a different perspective of Half Dome if you jump on any of the trails heading out of Glacier Point. Illilouette Falls trail gives you a different view of Half Dome. This trail is around 4-5 miles round trip from the Glacier Point parking lot.

Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point

The summer months of June, July, and August tend to provide the best views of the stars, and particularly in August during the meteor showers. Amateur astronomers often gather on Saturdays during the summer, and provide first hand knowledge and guidance. Glacier Point can accommodate hundreds of people with plenty of viewing opportunities, and the view of Half Dome is hard to beat. The stars be...

Sentinel Dome Trail

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Sentinel Dome Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

Taft Point

Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point

Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point

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