North Dome — Local services in Oakhurst

Took the hikers shuttle from the Yosemite Lodge in the Valley to Porcupine Flat with my eleven year old daughter and 17 year old son. Our plan was to hike down to North Dome, then over to Yosemite Falls and return via the falls trail back to the nearby Yosemite Lodge, which we did. Had supper at the Lodge Mess Hall, then hightailed it back to The Redwoods in Wawona and enjoyed a much deserved rest. Super hike, but looking back, I'd say a bit reckless on my part. We were not equipped to spend the night if need be, say due to injury, etc. No backup plan if something went awry. Always have a backup plan when hiking in the wilderness. Let people know the where and when of your intentions. Interestingly, we never ran into any other hikers until we made it over to Yosemite Falls. This hike took place in July of 2007, was a lot of fun, and an...

I love hiking to North Dome from the valley. I've done it three times so far; once in the spring (very challenging) and the other times in the summer. The way I like it best is to start by climbing to the top of Yosemite Falls using the Yosemite Falls Trail, and then walking along the Valley rim eastward along the Snowy Creek trail to the peak; and then returning by continuing on the Snowy Creek trail which goes up from North Dome and finally drops down to the Mirror Lake Trail which will take you back to a shuttle stop in the Valley. Total mileage this way is approximately 18 with more than 4000 feet of elevation gain. If you do this in the spring be sure to bring a mapping GPS because the trail is likely to be covered with snow...

This hike has some incredible views and definitely worth the effort. I approached North Dome via the Porcupine Trail which is the easiest way to get there. You can get there from Yosemite Valley via the Yosemite Falls trail but you are in for a very long hard day. Porcupine trail is still deceptively hard due to the technical approach to the dome itself and a return trip that is uphill at the very end when you are tired. It isn't necessary to go to the dome itself to get incredible views but just go to the ridge overlooking the dome. That last part of the trail involves a little scrambling and a drop off that may be un nerving to some. It is also a little hard to find. It is 10 mile RT for the Porcupine...