Sentinel Dome — Attraction in Oakhurst

There are many great trails around Glacier Point, sentinel dome is one of the most rewarding short trails. Sentinel Dome is the 2nd highest point around Yosemite Valley, only after Half Dome. The trail is about 3.2 mile round trip, with an elevation around 400 feet. It is definitely not a challenging trail. But the last part of the trail to the top is steep, and may be demanding for some people because it is above eight thousand feet.

Sentinel Dome shares the trailhead and parking lot with Taft Point trail. It is 7 miles west of Glacier Point. The parking lot fills up quickly in the morning. You can park along the Glacier Point Road once the lot is full. The trail head has a small restroom, but I would avoid it if possible.

The trail starts with crossing a wooden bridge over a stream, like every place of the Yosemite in May, lots of water. Then the trail gradually climbs up with granite rocks among the pines. You will reach the base of the dome after 0.8 mile, then take a sharp left straight up onto the exposed dome. The last 0.3 miles are straight up. In May, there are still many spots with snow, melting water trickles down the rock surface, which can be slippery.

Once at the top, you will be rewarded with the panoramic views that include Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and over a dozen High Sierra peaks, which can be identified using a metal plaque embedded in a boulder at the summit. Not far from the plaque is the fallen skeleton of a gnarled Jeffrey pine. Be sure to take a picture with it as a souvenir.

The Sentinel Dome has the best sunset view in the valley, better than Glacier Point. But it is kind of tricky to hike down the dome and walk all the way back to the parking lot in the dark. Personally I prefer to enjoy the sunrise instead to sunset.

Update: The parking lot will be expanded and...

Sentinel Dome offers some of the best panoramic views in the park with minimal effort. Located just a short distance from the Glacier Point parking lot, the hike to Sentinel Dome is approximately a mile each way, making it an accessible adventure for most visitors.

The trail to Sentinel Dome is well-marked and manageable, winding gently up the mountain and offering glimpses of Yosemite’s stunning scenery along the way. The relatively mild climb is well worth the effort, as the reward at the summit is truly spectacular. From the top of Sentinel Dome, you are treated to one of the most breathtaking 360-degree views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the High Sierra peaks. It’s a vantage point that rivals the more challenging hikes to places like Half Dome or North Dome, but without the strenuous effort.

One of the highlights of Sentinel Dome is the unique perspective it offers. The unobstructed views allow you to take in the full grandeur of Yosemite’s landscape in all directions. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual visitor, the sense of accomplishment and awe you’ll feel at the summit is unparalleled. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Yosemite in a single...

The hike to Sentinel Dome is not a long hike but it’s a hike that spans the whole spectrum when it comes to types of terrain. Be on notice that this is one of a few hikes that is very, very well worth the moderate physical strain it will take to get to the top. Make sure you have shoes that fit well and stay on you feet as the first half of the trail starting from the Sentinel Dome parking lot is very rocky and off camber. After about the first half mile you are greeted by some shade and your first views of Half Dome to your right. After that you have the choice to go all the way to Half Dome, another 2-3 mile hike, or finish the hike up the dome. The last part of the hike up the dome is pretty steep and there are no ropes to help you up or guides to make sure your on path but it’s easy enough to tell where you are. Once at the top you are able to see almost the entire Valley, with El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome all in site. Again, it’s a short hike that will challenge you, but it’s worth it! If this review was helpful, hit the...