Sentinel Dome Trail - Yosemite National Park, California

Address:Trailhead off Glacier Point Road about a mile before Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park, California
Tel: (209) 372-0200

If you have time to hike only one short trail in Yosemite National Park, then Sentinel Dome Trail is the place to go. This trail, which climbs one of Yosemite's typical granite domes, offers breathtaking 360° views of the Yosemite Valley and of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Sentinel Dome is a moderate hike, 2.2 mile long (in and out), with an elevation gain of 400 feet. It is a one mile, relatively flat hike to the base of the dome. A short climb up the smooth granite leads to the dome's summit. From the summit, located at an altitude of about 8,100 feet, hundreds of feet higher that Glacier Point, you'll find absolutely stunning views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

The Sentinel Dome trailhead is located off Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park, nine miles from Hwy 41. This is also the trailhead for the magnificent Taft Point Trail. The best time to hike Sentinel Dome is late afternoon since viewing the sunset from the dome's summit is particularly beautiful. This hike is great for families with kids – they'll love the scramble up the granite! Do not attempt to climb this dome during thunderstorms. Glacier Point Road is closed in winter. This trail is usually snow-free from late June to October. Have fun hiking this special trail, and enjoy the majestic California sunset!