Sentinel Dome Hike - Yosemite Panoramic Views

The Yosemite Wilderness has over 750 miles of trails to explore, but today we’re taking one of my favorite afternoon hikes in all of Yosemite National Park. Let’s enjoy some spectacular views at the top of Sentinel Dome.

The Hike

A round trip hike to the base Sentinel Dome is just 2.2 miles. The trailhead starts at 3,500 ft above the Yosemite Valley, and this is a relatively easy hike with a 400ft elevation change. There are a few shaded areas under tall trees, as well as a couple spots where you can briefly lose the trail, having to scramble around rocks. It is a gradual uphill hike and there are some slippery fine gravel patches throughout, but nothing a recreational hiker won’t be able to handle easily.

Sentinel Rock

The real treat (or trouble) on this hike is the final climb up onto Sentinel Dome itself. It’s just a tenth of a mile up and less than 100 feet to the top, but I’ve seen people turn around without completing the last section due to slick granite, lack of any clear trail, or fear of heights...which is a real shame because the views on top are incredible! I recommend staying to the right as you scramble, it is slightly less traveled, the granite is more accessible, and when you reach the top you can turn to see Half Dome directly in front of you.

Views

Epic 360 degree views meet you once you reach the summit. There is a giant compass that can show you what you’re viewing in any direction. So many classic Yosemite points of interest are visible here: Half Dome, North Dome, Clouds Rest, El Capitan, Nevada Falls, and Yosemite Falls…just to name a few! It’s also worth taking a moment to admire what’s left of the famous Jeffery Pine Ansel Adams once photographed. It stood here for over 400 years before it died during major drought in the 1970s.

Location

Located less than a mile from Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome is located 8,127 ft above sea level. Taft Point Trailhead, which is the closest trailhead to this massive granite rock, shares a parking lot with the trail to Taft Point. Most Summers you are required to take the shuttle to this trailhead between 10am and 4:30pm, but this year due to Covid-19 shuttle service is not running, so parking is always available. The parking lot is located 13 miles up Glacier Point Road, and it’s worth noting that this road is due to undergo major repairs next year. It’s scheduled to be closed to vehicles all 2021, so this Fall is a great time to plan a visit here.

-Update as of 12/20 the road rehabilitation project has been pushed back to 2022 due to Covid.

Know before you go

• Reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park through Oct. 2020, which can be attained here.

• Sentinel Dome is a wonderful place for a golden hour picnic, and the evening crowds aren’t as big as Glacier Point.

• Stargazing at night is spectacular here. Just be sure to bring a headlamp for hiking in the dark.

• There is no shade at the top, and it can get windy in the evening, so plan protective clothing accordingly.

• Bathrooms and food storage are available at the trailhead.

• Always bring twice as much water as you think you might need. This is a relatively short hike, but if you’re not used to higher elevations, you can still break a sweat here (I’d plan at least 1-2hrs to really enjoy this hike).

• Be mindful that the weather can change quickly here, and never climb when there’s a threat of thunderstorms. This is one of the highest and most exposed spots around.

• Glacier Point Road closes for Winter, but skilled cross country skiers can still enjoy the area in the Winter months.

• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

Other Yosemite Points of Interest

Taft Point
(same trailhead)

Glacier Point
( 1 mile N)

Yosemite Valley
(30 miles)

Cooks Meadow/Lower Falls Loop
(29 miles)

Pioneer Yosemite History Center
(27 miles)

Wawona Swinging Bridge
(31 miles)

Tioga Pass
(38 miles)

Mammoth
(120 miles)

Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP
(170 miles)

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me today atop Sentinel Dome. For more information see my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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