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A route to North Dome with stunning views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite Valley.


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Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

Point to Point

8,088' 2,465 m

High

7,424' 2,263 m

Low

326' 99 m

Up

670' 204 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly The older kids will enjoy a hike along this trail out to North Dome with plenty of views and wildlife to keep both the kids and adults entertained.

Tioga Road east of Crane Flat and west of Tioga Pass Entrance station is closed in the winter and spring until the road is cleared of snow. You can check road conditions at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/… or by dialing 1-209-372-0200, dialing extensions 1/1.

Description

Park at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead and make your way out 1.5 miles to pick up this trail. The trail down to Snow Creek goes off to the left while the Lehamite Creek Trail goes off to the right. Your trail is straight ahead.

The trail moves steadily uphill either through forest, or over open rock until you reach Indian Ridge. Here, you encounter the spur trail to Indian Arch, which is worth the trip either now or on your way back from Half Dome.

The trail continues south along Indian Ridge before it drops sharply to the left where it picks up a ridgeline. You now start to encounter stupendous views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, the Three Brothers, and Mount Starr King. You'll descend over slick granite rock at this point until you hit a junction at 3.9 miles.

The trail goes to the left and south, and while you feel like you are on the wrong trail or moving away from North Dome, you are on the trail. You pass Basket Dome on your way up to a saddle, and then work your way up the crown of North Dome.

When you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded for your work by some of the finest views in Yosemite. Merced Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Illiouette Gorge, and Tenaya Canyon all meet below North Dome. Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Quarter Dome, Glacier Point, Mount Starr King, and the stars of the valley are all in view at this point.

Once you have enjoyed the views and explored the area, return to the trailhead via the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, bear, chipmunks, squirrels, and porcupines can be seen in this area.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 7 votes

#8645

Overall
  4.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#770

in California

#8,645

Overall
12 Views Last Month
1,154 Since Feb 2, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Views galore en route to North Dome.
Jan 28, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Descending Indian Ridge to North Dome.
Jan 27, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Beautiful wildflowers along North Dome Trail.
Jan 28, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Trail as it approaches Indian Ridge and the trees begin to thin.
Jan 27, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking back at Indian Ridge from North Dome.
Jan 27, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Trail across Indian Ridge as you descend toward North Dome.  Cairns mark the way, as you can see it is an exposed decent.
Jan 27, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

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