![]() |
|
This trail starts from the same trailhead as the Fissures at Taft Point, the Taft Point / Sentinel Dome trailhead. When you get to the first fork in the trail, go East (right). Shortly after leaving the trailhead, you can see Sentinel Dome. When viewed from the West it is rather impressive. When viewed from the Valley or the tops of Yosemite Falls or Half Dome it seems insignificant. But that's ok because it will be our little secret.
While approaching
Sentinel
Dome you often question if this trail is really going to the top.
The trail actually climbs Sentinel Dome from the East which is a very
easy
trail. The route to the top isn't on an exact trail, but the goal
is within sight so who needs a trail.
![]() Sentinel Dome viewed from the trail |
![]() Joy's reaction to finding out she was going to the top of Sentinel Dome |
Once on top, you are
treated
to the most wonderful 360 degree view of Yosemite National Park.
I know of no other spot which gives you a 360 degree view. Half
Dome gives you a great view which you truly earn, but the view from
Sentinel Dome rivals that view (especially because you're not as tired
so you can enjoy it) and definitely surpasses the view from Glacier
Point.
![]() Panorama from top of Sentinel Dome, scroll right to see image |
There is a round 360
degree
monument at the top which identifies all of the peaks and monuments
around
you. The view includes, but is not limited to: El Capitan, Yosemite
Falls, Half Dome, North
Dome, Basket Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Starr King, and the Clark Range.
![]() Famous Jeffrey Pine at summit of Sentinel Dome |
![]() Landmarker at summit of Sentinel Dome |
While at the top you will notice a lone Jeffrey Pine. We believe this tree to be the most photographed tree in Yosemite. I personally took at least a dozen shots of the tree at various angles. At one time, it was a living tree, but this tree fell victim to vandalism in 1984 is no longer living.
This trail is a good introduction to "Peak Bagging", the trail is short and the view is sweet.
Trip References:
Schaffer, Jefferey P. 1996. High
Sierra Hiking Guide Yosemite. Berkeley: Wilderness
Press, p. 47-48 (day hike #15).
Number of Visitors who
have
visited this page: