Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Village Travel Guide

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Hike to the top of Sentinel Dome for unmatched 360° views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and El Capitan.

Sentinel Dome, a granite peak in Yosemite National Park, offers arguably the most accessible 360-degree views of the valley. A relatively easy hike leads to its summit, rewarding visitors with vistas of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

A brief summary to Sentinel Dome

California, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sentinel Dome.

Arrive early, especially during peak season, as the parking lot fills up quickly.
Bring plenty of water, as the trail is exposed and can be hot during the summer.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as the summit can be windy and cold.
Consider hiking at sunset for stunning views, but bring a flashlight for the return trip.
Be mindful of lightning if there are thunderstorms in the area.

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Getting There

Driving

From Yosemite Valley, take road 41 nine miles (14.5 km) to Glacier Point Road. Follow Glacier Point Road for 13.6 miles (21.8 km) to the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead. The parking lot is on the left side of the road. Parking can be difficult, especially around sunset, so arrive early. An entry fee to Yosemite National Park is required: $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, and $20 for pedestrians or bicyclists, valid for 7 days. Alternatively, an America the Beautiful National Park Pass can be purchased for $80, or a Yosemite-specific annual pass for $70.
Hiking

From the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead, the trail to Sentinel Dome is a relatively easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) hike. The trail gradually ascends through a forest before reaching the base of the dome. From there, it's a short scramble up the less steep northeast granite slope to the summit. Follow the cairns (rock piles) that mark the route across the granite. Be careful on the exposed granite, especially if it is wet.

Discover more about Sentinel Dome

Sentinel Dome, rising 8,122 feet (2,477 meters) above sea level, is a granite dome located on the south side of Yosemite Valley. Its original Native American name was Sak'-ka-du-eh. The Bunnell survey named it 'South Dome', but the Whitney survey renamed it Sentinel Dome due to its likeness to a watch-tower.The relatively easy 2.2-mile (3.5 km) round trip hike to the summit makes it a popular destination for those seeking panoramic views. From the top, you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and many other Yosemite landmarks. It is known as one of the best spots in the park to watch the sunset. The hike itself is mostly a dirt trail through the trees, eventually opening up to slabs of rock.Sentinel Dome was once home to a famous Jeffrey Pine, photographed by Ansel Adams in 1940. The tree died in 1977 due to drought and fell in 2003. The remains of the tree can still be seen on the summit.