Sentinel Dome Hike
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Yosemite Hikes

Sentinel Dome Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 18, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance
2.2 miles
Time
1 Hour
Total Climbing
530 feet
Difficulty
Moderate
Crowds
Crowded
Dogs
No Dogs
Gear
What I Use
Weather
Latest Report
Park
Yosemite National Park

The Sentinal Dome hike offers everything that's great about Yosemite National Park in an easy 2.2-mile package. You get to hike on the iconic trails of the Sierras, you get to climb a big granite dome, and you get the best panoramic views of all the attractions in the park. Even if you're not an experienced hiker, you need to put this trail on your list, it's worth it.

If there are thunderstorms or lightning, do not attempt this hike. The domes frequently get struck by lightning.

Where is Sentinel Dome?

The trailhead for Sentinel Dome is on Glacier Point Road, which is closed in the winter. Check the park website for the status of any road closures.

Use this trailhead address:
Taft Point Trailhead, Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

The trailhead is about 6 miles after you turn-off onto Glacier Point Road, and the parking lot is on the left-hand side of the road. There is also parking along Glacier Point Road if the lot is full. The trailhead is about 2 miles before the end of the road at Glacier Point.

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Here's the lot on the left as you drive toward Glacier Point.
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The parking lot fills up quickly, but there are always people coming and going. If you can't find a spot, you can park down on the side of Glacier Point Road.
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The trailhead has primitive bathrooms.

Gear for the Hike

  • This is a pretty straightforward and short hike. Ideally you have light hiking gear, but you can also get away with fitness clothes or even casual wear. Bring 0.5L of water and of course, a camera.
  • The hike is great to do at sunset or on a full moon. If you go at sunset, bring a headlamp because it will be dark on the way down.
  • If you want snacks or supplies, head up Glacier Point Road for a few minutes to Glacier Point which has gift shops, snacks, etc.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Sentinel Dome Trail Maps

The trail to Sentinel Dome is easy to follow and sees hundreds of hikers each day. There are some short sections that go over granite and are marked with cairns (small stacks of stone).

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Here's a cairn on a granite section of the trail to Sentinel Dome.
Click to activate map
CalTopo
Print Map, Work With It Yourself
GPX
Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Elevation Profile

Sentinel Dome Hike Elevation
The beginning of the hike has a little up and down, followed by a gradual climb, and then a last little steep section up to the top of Sentinel Dome.

3d Map

Sentinel Dome Hike 3d Map
The hike heads from the trailhead to the bottom of Sentinel Dome, where you turn to the left and climb to the top.

Sentinel Dome Hike Directions

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From the bathroom at the trailhead, head straight.
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In a minute you'll reach this trail junction. Make the right onto the Sentinel Dome Trail.
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The trail meanders through the pine forest and is nice and shady.
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Soon you'll climb up over the exposed granite. Just head straight up.
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And then you're hiking back through the trees.
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You'll start to get glimpses of Sentinel Dome to the right.
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There's a small use trail off to the left, keep on the main trail to the right, toward Sentinel Dome.
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There's another section of granite to cross that's well marked by cairns.
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Soon you'll be back on a trail.
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And shortly after that, you'll reach the junction with the fire road, which is off to the right. Keep left.
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When you see the sign, make the sharp right.
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After that last turn you'll hike up the rocks and granite of Sentinel Dome. Stay towards the middle and make your way up to the top.
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As you climb you'll get nice views of Upper Yosemite Falls on your right.
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And here you are at the summit, where you'll get incredible panoramic views. There used to be a lone Jeffery Pine by the big rock in this shot, which was immortalized in an Ansel Adams photo. The tree fell down in 2003.
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To the north you'll see Half Dome.
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To the west you can see El Capitan and the Yosemite Valley.
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To the east, Nevada Falls and the Yosemite backcountry.

Use common sense and don't go too close to the edges. If you see thunderstorm clouds building in the distance, it's a good time to start heading back down to your car.

From here you just head back down the way you came up, and that's the hike!