Indian Rock and Indian Arch in Yosemite National Park are two unique rock formations that is often hiked to by backpackers passing by to other gorgeous spots like North Dome. This area has some great camping nearby, and while it is a long hike for just Indian Rock, this is a great pit stop for longer adventures.
In this article, we will talk about hiking North Dome, Indian Arch, and Indian rock, as if you are going to see Indian Rock or Arch, you should also be visiting North Dome.
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Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance –8.72 Miles Round Trip (14.03 km)
Height – 7,467 feet (2275.94 m)
Elevation gain –1,995 Feet (608.08 m)
Duration – 5-6 hours round trip
Hike Class: Class 2
Trailhead Location – Porcupine Creek Trailhead (8,117)
Dogs – Not allowed
The main route to Indian Rock is from Tioga Road, which is closed in winter often until late May or June. This route is significantly shorter than the alternative necessary when the road is closed.
The route to Indian Rock and to Indian Arch is a simple out and back route from any trailhead. So they are usually tacked on to other hikes. Here is the information on adding on both Indian Arch and Indian Rock.
0.4 miles (.64 km) round trip
200 feet (61 m) elevation gain and loss
1.2 (1.93 km) miles round trip
403 feet (122.5 m) elevation gain and loss
Distance: 8.72 Miles Round Trip (14.03 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,995 Feet (608.08 m)
Starting at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead, hikers begin several hundred feet higher than North Dome, so they begin descending for about a mile before gradually ascending a little before a mile into the hike. Hikers turn left to head towards Indian Arch and Indian rock (a cool detour) but follow signs towards North Dome. Hikers will reach a trail junction above North Dome with the end of the hike in sight. From here they will drop a steep portion of trail down to the dome outcrop with incredible views. This drop is about 750 feet.
Hikers are rewarded with pretty incredible views just about the entire hike, but the majority of the elevation gain is on the way back to Tioga road. (About 640 feet of incline to North Dome total, and about 1,355 feet of total incline on the way back.)
Distance: 14.88 Miles Round Trip (23.95 km)
Elevation Gain: 7,565 Feet (2305.81 m)
This is not the recommended route due to the very long hike required for a single day. That being said, it can be done, or this is an amazingly awesome starting point, or end point for an overnight trip (if you get wilderness permits).
This is probably the most efficient way to get to North Dome if Tioga Road is closed.
Refer to trail closures and winter hiking info here.
Nearby lodging and campground information can be found here.
And getting backcountry/wilderness camping permit info can be found here.
Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:
This Afternoon
Mostly sunny. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 69 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 45, with temperatures rising to around 47 overnight. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny. High near 60, with temperatures falling to around 54 in the afternoon. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Wind chill values as low as 31. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tuesday
Rain and snow showers likely before 11am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday
A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. South southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Directions to Mist Trail Trailhead:
Directions to Yosemite Falls Trailhead:
Views approaching North Dome near the final descent to the Dome
Indian Arch
