North Dome
Key information: North Dome
- Hike through forest to this stupendous dome directly above the eastern Yosemite Valley for enormous views, with the extraordinary sheared-off face of Half Dome directly across.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating82
- Beauty32
- Natural interest16
- Human interest2
- Charisma34
- Negative points2
- Total rating82
- Note: Negs: Some crowding.
Vital Statistics
- Length: 14+km/9 miles
- 4-6 hrs return
- Maximum Altitude: 2,470m (8,100ft)
- Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.
WALK SUMMARY
Hike from Porcupine Creek to this stupendous dome directly above the eastern Yosemite Valley, to enjoy enormous views over that great chasm, with the extraordinary sheared-off face of Half Dome directly across, and Cloud’s Rest on the ridge to its east: it will be hard to tear yourself away.
The trail is an enjoyable but fairly standard forest walk for much of the way, but it winds up to a thrilling finish. There will be some small streams to cross if you hike early in the summer. The final approach is view-rich, a good preparation for the fireworks at the end.
North Dome is rounded on top, so sloping down to vast cliffs above Yosemite Valley and Tenaya Canyon, so caution is needed.
Return, or drop into Yosemite Valley via Yosemite Falls and the trail beside it.
If time allows, take in the 0.6-mile detour to the Indian Rock Arch, a natural granite arch about 5 meters high.
This trail is relatively empty, by Yosemite standards, but North Dome itself will be quite crowded.
Porcupine Creek (not to be confused with Porcupine Flat, over a Km to the west) is roughly half way along the Tioga Road, which is open June to November (ish).
Further practicalities at the excellent: https://www.yosemitehikes.com/tioga-road/north-dome/north-dome.htm
See our Yosemite page for more general and practical information (including on getting there) and photos.
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Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
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