Sentinel Dome - Yosemite NP, CA
The panoramic view from Sentinel Dome is one of the best in Yosemite. You'll get a bird's eye view of large rock faces and thundering waterfalls all just a short hike from Glacier Point Road. This hike is a great way to enjoy the incredible views without the crowds of Glacier Point.
Want a slightly longer hike? Make it a loop to include the impressive Taft Point where you’ll experience cliffs thousands of feet above the valley floor!
Note: Glacier Point Road (and therefore this hike) is closed in the winter due to snow - check here for current Yosemite road closures.
Hike Info
Date: 6/16
Miles: 2.2
Elevation Change: 400 ft
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Google Maps
Cost: $35 park entrance fee, or free with National Park Pass
The Hike
The hike is well marked with rocks and cairns, and the trail was not too crowded on a summer weekend. Don't forget to keep an eye out for Jeffrey Pines along the trail and be sure to give them a whif!
Look for stacked rocks (called cairns) that mark the correct trail
As we made our way up the trail we started to get glimpses of the valley below, but it wasn't until we started climbing up the nape of the rocky ridge that the trees cleared and valley became fully visible.
The trail to Sentinel Dome is easy, well maintained, and even paved at this section
The Sentinel Dome hike is often done as a loop with Taft Point
Almost there!
Looking back at my brother making coming up the final stretch
The final steep stretch up to the top
The view from the top! You get a great view of Yosemite Falls from up here
From left to right you can see: Tanaya Peak, Cathedral Peak, Cloud's Rest, and Half Dome
You can look down on Nevada Falls from this point as well
It was windy at the top at 8100', but we decided to have lunch to enjoy the views. There weren't too many other people at the top, even though it was peak season. We headed back down to our cars to continue to Glacier Point.
Eric looking down at the other end of Yosemite Valley
There are lots of signs all along the trail
Other useful links:
Yosemitehikes
Summitpost
Alltrails