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Sentinel Dome: Yosemite's Panoramic Peak

Hike to Yosemite's Sentinel Dome for panoramic views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and iconic landmarks. An unforgettable vista awaits!

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Sentinel Dome, a granite peak in Yosemite National Park, offers an easily accessible 360-degree panorama of the valley's iconic landmarks. A relatively short hike leads to the summit, rewarding visitors with views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

A brief summary to Sentinel Dome

  • California, US

Local tips

  • Arrive at the trailhead early, especially during peak season, as the parking lot fills up quickly.
  • Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to stay for sunset, as the trail can be dark on the way down.
  • Wear sturdy shoes with good traction for the final scramble up the granite dome.
  • Check the status of Glacier Point Road before your visit, as it is typically closed during the winter months.
  • Bring plenty of water, as there is little shade on the trail and at the summit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Sentinel Dome, start from Yosemite Valley and take Highway 41 (Wawona Road) for 9 miles. Turn east onto Glacier Point Road and drive for 13.6 miles to the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead. The parking lot is on the left side of the road. Note that Glacier Point Road is typically open from late May through October or November. Parking can be difficult, especially near sunset, but overflow parking is available along the road. There are no fees to park, but Yosemite National Park has a fee to enter. As of July 2025, the entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.

  • Shuttle

    During the summer, a free shuttle operates along Glacier Point Road, with a stop at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead. The shuttle typically runs from Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (formerly Badger Pass) every 20 minutes, with the last shuttle leaving Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area at 4:30 PM. Check the YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) website for the most up-to-date schedule. YARTS provides bus service to Yosemite National Park from several gateway communities, including Merced, Fresno, and Sonora. From Yosemite Valley, connect to the free Glacier Point Road shuttle.

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Discover more about Sentinel Dome

Sentinel Dome, rising 8,127 feet above sea level, is a granite dome located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley. It's known for providing arguably the most comprehensive panoramic views of Yosemite National Park. The relatively easy 2.2-mile round trip hike to the summit makes it a popular destination for those seeking stunning vistas without a strenuous climb. The dome's original Native American name in the Southern Sierra Miwok language was “Sak’-ka-du-eh”. Later, the Bunnell survey called it “South Dome,” but the Whitney survey renamed it Sentinel Dome because its shape resembled a watch-tower. The trail to Sentinel Dome begins at the Taft Point trailhead, located off Glacier Point Road. The path meanders through a picturesque forest before opening up to the granite slope of the dome itself. The final ascent involves a short but steep scramble up the rock. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with views of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall, and Clouds Rest. Sentinel Dome was once famous for a lone Jeffrey Pine that grew from its peak. Photographed as early as 1867, it gained iconic status after being featured in an Ansel Adams photograph. Sadly, the tree died during a drought in 1976 and finally fell in 2003. Though the tree is gone, its weathered trunk remains on the summit, a reminder of the dome's past. Sentinel Dome is a popular spot for sunset viewing and stargazing, but hikers should bring a headlamp for the return trip after dark.

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