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An easy trail with some great westward sunset views on top of the dome.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

90%

Runnable

8,065' 2,458 m

High

7,715' 2,352 m

Low

350' 107 m

Up

349' 107 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Winter can bring a lot of snow and the road to the trail is often closed...but you can cross country ski in!

Overview

You won't find yourself on this trail for the trail's sake, but rather for the views at the top. The most worthwhile part of this journey is catching an awesome sunset from the top of the dome. The summit provides a unique viewpoint of the valley below, and you won't want to miss them! With most viewpoints in Yosemite Valley looking east, the top of Sentinel Dome gives you a nice Westward view.

Description

It's recommended that visitors head up shortly before sunset, and bring a blanket or extra layers to hang out to watch the sun go down. If there are a few clouds in the air, even better. After dark you can see some lights from small towns far off in the distance. Make sure to bring your headlamp for the descent!

The route is fairly easy, as the trail starts down from the parking area with a rocky incline up the dome, but nothing too difficult. The harder part is coming back up to the car in the dark! For daytime outings, this one is easy for families or most anyone.

Access is tricky since it's a long drive from the valley to the trailhead, but even being right off the road, you won't have to battle too many crowds. The Glacier Point Road, which you'll need to take to access the trailhead, is closed in the winter months, making trail access extremely difficult.

Most folks will use the trail as described above but it does, however, continue over Sentinel Dome and down to Pohono Trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

calico metzer

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 73 votes

#99

Overall
  4.7 from 73 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#10

in California

#99

Overall
2 Views Last Month
4,063 Since Sep 15, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sentinel Dome Summit
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Mount Starr King from Sentinel Dome
Dec 10, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Sundown on Sentinel Dome. with permission from AcousticWalden Flickr.com/kscherer11
May 19, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
North Dome and Half Dome from Sentinel Dome
Dec 10, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Mount Watkins and Half Dome from Sentinel Dome.
Dec 10, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Spindly trees at altitude.
Jan 4, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 87 days ago
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