North Dome

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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