The North Dome hike in Yosemite is a gem in so many ways. It's tough, but not super hard. You enjoy beautiful trails but without the major crowds. A quick side-trip takes you to Yosemite's only natural arch, which is worth a visit. There are picture-perfect views of Half Dome from directly across the valley. And then, of course, North Dome offers panoramic views from down the Yosemite Valley up to the high peaks on Tioga Road and beyond. I highly recommend this hike; give it a try.
The North Dome hike in Yosemite is a gem in so many ways. It's tough, but not super hard. You enjoy beautiful trails but without the major crowds. A quick side-trip takes you to Yosemite's only natural arch, which is worth a visit. There are picture-perfect views of Half Dome from directly across the valley. And then, of course, North Dome offers panoramic views from down the Yosemite Valley up to the high peaks on Tioga Road and beyond. I highly recommend this hike; give it a try.
Where Is the North Dome Trail?
There are a few routes to hike to North Dome, and this guide covers the shortest and easiest way to get there, which is from the Porcupine Creek Trailhead on Tioga Road. The trailhead is about 1 hour from Yosemite Valley, depending on the traffic.
If you want to do the North Dome hike as a day hike, which is how most folks do it, you DO NOT need a permit. If you'd like to do an overnight backcountry camping trip to the North Dome area, you do need a wilderness permit. The permit demand for Porcupine Creek Trailhead is listed as "medium," which means that you have a decent chance to land a permit. But again, for just a day hike, you don't need a permit.
If you were trying to hike to Half Dome and didn't get a cables permit, try doing this hike or the hike to Clouds Rest. Both hikes can be done without a permit and offer similar, spectacular views.
Gear For the Hike
I've listed this hike as moderate because, compared to other hikes in Yosemite of the same length, there's not much climbing. But at almost 10 miles and with 2000 feet of ups and downs, it's not a cakewalk. Ideally you should have proper hiking gear, including good footwear, to deal with the small stream crossings and granite sections. Bring 2L of water and some snacks. North Dome summit is a good place for a break and refueling. Mosquitos can be intense in the spring and early summer.
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.
Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.
Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.
Like most popular trails in Yosemite, the North Dome Trail is well marked and easy to follow. It can get confusing when the trail goes across the granite in places, but the directions below should get you through those without a problem.
You can follow the trail all the way to Indian Rock, but it's not as spectacular as the arch. For most folks, I'd recommend heading back down to the North Dome Trail after enjoying Indian Arch.
There's some spectacular backcountry tent camping sites straight toward the shortcut and then to the right.
North Dome was named in 1851 by the Mariposa Battalion. The battalion was a state militia that fought against the Native Americans who inhabited the area during the Mariposa War. The conflict started when gold rush miners wanted to force natives off the land.
The summit of North Dome has nice groups of rocks where you can sit and soak in the views. When you're done, you just turn around and go back the way you came to finish the hike.