North Dome Hike
| In This Guide |
|
| Total Distance | 9.5 miles (15.3 km) |
| Hike Time | 4-6 Hours (Total) |
| Difficulty (?) | Moderate |
| Total Ascent (?) | 2,170 feet (661m) |
| Highest Elevation | 8,150 feet (2484m) |
| Fees & Permits | Park Entry Fee |
| Dog Friendly | No |
| Park Website (?) | Yosemite National Park |
| Park Phone | 209-372-0200 |
| Stay In Touch | Newsletter - Instagram - YouTube - Facebook |
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.
Use this trailhead address:
Porcupine Creek Trailhead, Tioga Road, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Do I Need a Permit to Hike North Dome?
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.
I try a lot of hiking boots and shoes, and there are some great options out there, but the La Sportiva Spire is the best combination of comfort, protection, low-weight, and durability. They are waterproof, and the high cuff keeps debris out without the need for a gaiter. Time tested over thousands of miles. Use them with a two-layer sock system to end blisters for good.
Reviews & Lowest Prices: Women – Men
On a medium or longer hike I recommend a pack like the Osprey Talon 33 (men) or Osprey Sirrus 36 (women) which is a little bit larger. These packs are on the upper end of the (35L) daypack range, but they only weigh a small fraction more than a pack with less capacity. Having the extra space gives you more flexibility and means you don’t have to jam things in there. I use the space for things like extra layers in the winter, extra water on desert hikes, and even a tent & sleeping bag on overnights.
If you’re not familiar with the Garmin InReach technology, it allows you to send and receive text messages where you don’t have cell phone signals. You can also get weather reports and trigger an SOS to emergency responders. Even if you don’t have an emergency, sending a quick message telling a loved one that you’re okay or are running late is well worth the cost. The Mini fits in your palm and weighs next to nothing. Read my review and see the lowest prices and reviews at REI (or Amazon).
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated August 2020.See All of My Best Gear Picks Here
No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps offset website expenses. There is no cost to you.
North Dome Trail Maps
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.
North Dome Hike Map Downloads
Elevation Profile
3d Map
North Dome Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Watch This Video In 360/VR
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Turn by Turn Directions
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.
Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.
