Sentinel Dome in Yosemite National Park is a must do for any hiker looking to explore one of the most incredible landscapes in California. From breathtaking views of Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest, to an opportunity to take on a challenging yet rewarding trail, this hike has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know before setting out on your Sentinel Dome adventure.
Quick Navigation:
Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Directions | Pictures
Difficulty – Easy
Distance –2.2 miles (3.5 km)
Height – 8,120 feet (2967.23 m)
Elevation gain – 430 ft (131 m)
Duration – 2-3 hours round trip
Hike Class: Class 2
Trailhead Location – Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead
Dogs – Not allowed
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trail Map
Because Sentinel Dome shares the same trailhead as Taft Point, it is commonly hiked together with both as they are both relatively short hikes with incredible views, and are vastly different. We will cover the distance for combining both below as well.
Difficulty – Easy
Distance –2.2 miles (3.5 km)
Elevation gain – 430 ft (131 m)
Duration – 2-3 hours round trip
Hikers begin at the trail by the bathrooms at the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point trailhead.
The trail is easy to follow, and well marked. The trail takes you through some beautiful forest. As hikers approach the final ascent of the dome, a couple other trails split off to the right. If hikers simply stay left, they will make their way on the most direct trail to the summit.
Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance –4.9 miles (7.9 km)
Elevation Gain – 1,000 ft (300 m)
Duration – 3-4 hours round trip
Anyone looking to take these two short hikes and turn them into one intermediate hike should do both Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. Leaving from the trailhead, hikers can choose to go to either the Dome, or Taft Point first. Both are very unique and stunning in different ways, but highly recommended. This loop can be lengthened via the Pohono Trail to Roosevelt Point, but the quickest way to do the loop is to just walk back to the trailhead and continue on to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point in an out-and-back method for each hike.
Cliffs near Taft Point
Distance – 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip; 2 hours,
Elevation Gain –200 ft (60 m) elevation gain
Taft Point has incredible views of Yosemite Valley, particularly El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Once hikers get near Taft Point, they find dramatic cliffs, narrow fissures (large cracks/fractures in the rock), and these fishers and cliffs drop over 1,500 feet in several cases.
The views are incredible, and the rock formations are very unique.
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:
Today
Sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 23. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Wind chill values as low as 22. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday
A slight chance of snow showers after 5pm. Sunny. High near 41, with temperatures falling to around 37 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 24. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday Night
A chance of snow showers before 5am, then a slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Wind chill values as low as 9. West southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Monday
A chance of snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. West wind 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. North wind 5 to 20 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. West southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Directions to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead:
A fissure near Taft Point
Taft Point Views
Views from near the top of Sentinel Dome
Views from Sentinel Dome
