Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome
5
About
At 4,150 feet high, this peak offers an extensive view.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Sentinel Dome and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
11 within 5 kms
Attractions
54 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
743 reviews
Excellent
654
Very good
87
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
JPatti1
Chicago, IL215 contributions
Jul 2020
This is the place to come for views if you only have limited time or are unable to undertake some of the more strenuous hikes. The short and fairly easy hike to the dome is followed by a marginally steep but also short hike up the dome itself, upon the summit of which truly glorious views of the region can be found in all directions - Half Dome, El Capitan and all the rest. This is a superior view to that from Glacier Point other than being somewhat further away from Nevada Falls.
Note that the trail leads to what appears to require a super steep climb up the dome's face, but you need to continue walking around the dome to its right and there will be a much easier climb to the top.
Note that the trail leads to what appears to require a super steep climb up the dome's face, but you need to continue walking around the dome to its right and there will be a much easier climb to the top.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State1,03,277 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is one of my favorite places to hike in Yosemite, and I was happy to ascend the dome twice during my October visit.
I chose to hike the 5 mile loop including Taft Point & Pohono Trail, ending with Sentinel Dome. The trail views are terrific in this direction and then I end on top of Sentinel Dome. Enjoying my picnic lunch from this viewpoint is amazing.
Another hiker pointed out a person on a slack line between Liberty Cap & Mt. Broderick (in the direction of Half Dome.) I watched with my phone camera and I wished I had brought my binoculars again.
I also wished I had some secret cleanser with me to eradicate the graffiti that another visitor "left" on one of the rocks on Sentinel Dome. Grrrr.
Sentinel Dome trailhead parking has been repaved and the vault toilet replaced with a “double.” There is also an additional parking lot to the west, slightly closer to Taft Point. I chose the Taft Point parking lot for both of my loop hikes, but it doesn’t matter as it’s a loop.
I saw that the “secret shortcut parking” for folks who just want to hike up Sentinel Dome has been paved as part of the Glacier Point roadwork. If I had not chosen to hike the longer loop, I’d definitely use this small parking lot across from the service road.
I chose to hike the 5 mile loop including Taft Point & Pohono Trail, ending with Sentinel Dome. The trail views are terrific in this direction and then I end on top of Sentinel Dome. Enjoying my picnic lunch from this viewpoint is amazing.
Another hiker pointed out a person on a slack line between Liberty Cap & Mt. Broderick (in the direction of Half Dome.) I watched with my phone camera and I wished I had brought my binoculars again.
I also wished I had some secret cleanser with me to eradicate the graffiti that another visitor "left" on one of the rocks on Sentinel Dome. Grrrr.
Sentinel Dome trailhead parking has been repaved and the vault toilet replaced with a “double.” There is also an additional parking lot to the west, slightly closer to Taft Point. I chose the Taft Point parking lot for both of my loop hikes, but it doesn’t matter as it’s a loop.
I saw that the “secret shortcut parking” for folks who just want to hike up Sentinel Dome has been paved as part of the Glacier Point roadwork. If I had not chosen to hike the longer loop, I’d definitely use this small parking lot across from the service road.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoranTravels
Palatine, IL146 contributions
Aug 2019
Our second favorite hike at Yosemite (Nevada Falls Loops was #1). The main portion of the hike is short and fairly easy. It's the last portion when you have to climb the dome to the top that is really tough. It is extremely steep and challenging to climb, but the payoff is immense. This hike isn't as crowded as some of the rest, and some people stop halfway up the dome and don't make it. We left early for this hike and were able to enjoy the top of the dome for 15 minutes before anyone else made it up..and the views were just spectacular. My key tip: don't give up half way up the dome like many...take your time and pace yourself...you won't regret it.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidwestAlpinist
Chicago, IL198 contributions
Aug 2020
The views from Sentinel dome are breathtaking. You can see Half Dome and the eastern half of Yosemite Valley on one side, and El Capitan, the Three Brothers, and the western half of Yosemite Valley on the other side.
The hike is relatively easy for anyone who is healthy. It's about 2 miles round trip. My wife made it and she's never hiked up a mountain in her life. The trail winds around the backside of Sentinel Dome and gently ascends to the summit. It is not as steep as it might seem when you look up at it from the approach on the opposite side.
Use caution if it is raining or wet outside, unless you are experienced. The granite stone is smooth and polished and it can get extremely slippery when wet.
The hike is relatively easy for anyone who is healthy. It's about 2 miles round trip. My wife made it and she's never hiked up a mountain in her life. The trail winds around the backside of Sentinel Dome and gently ascends to the summit. It is not as steep as it might seem when you look up at it from the approach on the opposite side.
Use caution if it is raining or wet outside, unless you are experienced. The granite stone is smooth and polished and it can get extremely slippery when wet.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharonbQ7070AK
Novi, Michigan39 contributions
Jul 2021
Don't miss this hike! It's pretty short but the pay off is amazing. It took us about 30 minutes or so to get to the top where there is a panoramic view. The view is probably better than at Glacier Point and it wasn't crowded. Definitely worth the time. Would be amazing to see the sun set here.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gsgman777
Columbia, IL799 contributions
May 2021
We were in Yosemite for 2 full days between our time in San Francisco and Las Vegas. Honestly, I thought this would be the low point of the trip but we enjoyed it just as much or more than the the other legs.
We started out that morning going to Glacier Point, then climbed Sentinel Dome and ended in the Valley. It was an awesome day. The hike from the parking area to the dome was about 30 minutes (I think). Then we went to the top of the dome and took in the full 360 view. It was brilliant. You could see everything up there and if you push yourself to the top you won't regret it.
We started out that morning going to Glacier Point, then climbed Sentinel Dome and ended in the Valley. It was an awesome day. The hike from the parking area to the dome was about 30 minutes (I think). Then we went to the top of the dome and took in the full 360 view. It was brilliant. You could see everything up there and if you push yourself to the top you won't regret it.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hagay D
34 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
In Lonley Plant they say that this hike seems like a cheat. You get to such wonderfull Vista point with relatively short trail which is fairly easy. The view is astonishing, you can see the entire valley with it magnificent rock formation. You can also see the Nevada falls. The trail it self is relatively flat and just in the very end You climb to the Dome. We saw several small children doing the trail
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelS848484
Pittsburgh, PA577 contributions
Jun 2021
The hike up to Sentinel Dome is relatively easy, especially in comparison to many of the other hikes in Yosemite. It is mostly flat until you get around the dome, and then you climb up. It's just over a mile each way, but not overly strenuous. Even the climb at the end isn't that bad. Once you are up there...
WOAH! The views from the top are astonishing. You can see in EVERY direction. Half Dome, El Capitan, and Nevada Falls... it's all there, along with a ton more. There are some boulders on top that are good for sitting/climbing on for pics. The scenic views are endless.
We did this the day after we did the Nevada Falls loop, which was a strenuous, long hike. This was a bit of work, but not that bad; our tired legs easily handled it, and the views were well worth it. We also visited Glacier Point while in this area, and while that pales in comparison with this, the views were good, and these two tourist attractions combined for a decent amount of the day.
Sentinel Dome is well worth the short hike.
WOAH! The views from the top are astonishing. You can see in EVERY direction. Half Dome, El Capitan, and Nevada Falls... it's all there, along with a ton more. There are some boulders on top that are good for sitting/climbing on for pics. The scenic views are endless.
We did this the day after we did the Nevada Falls loop, which was a strenuous, long hike. This was a bit of work, but not that bad; our tired legs easily handled it, and the views were well worth it. We also visited Glacier Point while in this area, and while that pales in comparison with this, the views were good, and these two tourist attractions combined for a decent amount of the day.
Sentinel Dome is well worth the short hike.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boutip
Gatineau, Canada736 contributions
Aug 2019
This is a great place to get a 360 degree view of the Park. The trail to get access to the dome is pretty easy. The parking lot does get full pretty quickly so ensure to visit outside of busy hours.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State1,03,277 contributions
Jun 2022
Since Glacier Point Road is closed this year, it’s not really feasible to enjoy the short hike up to the top of Sentinel Dome. So this year we just viewed Sentinel Dome from North Dome across the Valley. It is a very different perspective to look at Sentinel Dome rather than being on Sentinel Dome.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So, start of this hike tour is from Glacier point? It takes around 1 mile?
Written 1 July 2018
Hello! This hike is on the way to glacier point. You will see the signs for sentinel dome there is a small dirt parking lot with a restroom. It is 1 mile to the top of the dome and 1 mile back... So 2 miles total.
Written 2 July 2018
Is there transportation from Yosemite Village/Half Dome Village, to Sentinel Dome trail head?
Written 18 June 2018
No. There is no transportation from anywhere in Yosemite Valley (not Yosemite Village where you'll find the Visitor Center nor Curry Village /HDV where there is lodging) to the Sentinel Dome trailhead. The only transportation option is the fee Glacier Point Tour Bus from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Glacier Point.
For general tourism questions about your time in Yosemite, I highly recommend using the TripAdvisor forum for Yosemite NP.
Written 19 June 2018
Hi we are planning to visit yosemite om the 1st of April, can we drive up to the sentinal dome? how can we go here?
thanks!
Written 2 March 2018
Hi
No, you cannot drive up to Sentinel Dome trailhead. Glacier Point Road will still be closed.
For information about enjoying Yosemite and especially Yosemite Valley, I highly recommend asking on the TripAdvisor Yosemite National Park forum page. There will be plenty to do in Yosemite Valley and elsewhere in the Park when the high country roads are still closed for the winter.
Written 2 March 2018
Is there any way to get to Sentinel Dome from Yosemite Village on public transport?
Written 28 July 2017
There's a shuttle from Yosemite Village up to Glacier Point that will drop you off. There's a fee and you can book tickets ahead, I believe, from either Curry Village (Half Dome village as they call it now) or Yosemite Lodge, where the shuttle starts from.
Written 5 August 2017
Yes, but you might be carrying her for some of the way, and need to hold her hand at the steeper parts. Good views without having to go up the very last steeper dome part. Need hats and sunscreen too, plus water.
Written 5 August 2017
herbscore
Westlake Village, California
Hi Everyone. The internet shows the Glacier Point Road closed at Badger Pass and yet I see recent posts from visitors who describe hiking to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. How are they doing that . . . I thought the area was inaccessible due to snow. Thanks for your help. Richard
Written 31 March 2017
Hi
Recently posted reviews are showing travel dates from last fall. The only folks who have visited Sentinel Dome recently are on skis or snowshoes. And now that Badger Pass has closed for the season, no one will be allowed up Glacier Point Road during the plowing and repairs. So there shouldn't be current experiences on Sentinel Dome.
Written 11 April 2017
Hi Helen,
How long took you hiking from Glacier point to sentinel dome then to Taft point?
Best Regards,
Feng
Written 13 March 2017
Hi
I assume that you want to end at the Sentinel Dome parking lot / shuttle stop.
It's about 1.5 miles from Glacier Point up to the top of Sentinel Dome. Then the loop down the dome, around, and then west to Taft Point is just over 2 miles. Then it's 1.1 miles to the Sentinel Dome Trailhead parking lot. How fast do you walk at high elevation? Are you doing this hike after the snow has melted?
I suggest doing this hike in the reverse direction so that you're walking eastbound on Pohono Trail from Taft Point to Sentinel Dome.
More information and conversations about Yosemite are on the Yosemite forum page.
Written 29 March 2017
What tips does anyone have for seeing the most wildlife possible? Any safety tips should we see bears? We'll be in Yosemite at the very beginning of June and will have 3 full days there. Also, any ideas about what equipment we should we take for the walks would be helpful - water carriers etc.
Thank you!
Written 16 April 2016
Please post your excellent questions on the Yosemite National Park forum page. This is a seldom viewed Q&A feature for one single hike / attraction in the park.
The Top Questions on the right side of the Yosemite forum has topics about enjoying Yosemite Valley, enjoying attractions along Glacier Point Road (including Sentinel Dome), and what to do if you see a bear.
Written 27 April 2016
707ParisBound
Paris, France
Is this the hike for us: husband with a heart that won't let him walk fast or more than 2 miles. Young adult children in their 20's that are in excellent shape. What trail can accommodate both level of hikers?
Written 6 January 2016
Park at the shortcut parking. The best views are from the dome but you can see okay views from the base. It's about 3/4 mile from the shortcut.
The Top Questions on the Yosemite forum has a topic about Glacier Point attractions including Sentinel Dome. The location of shortcut parking is in that article.
Written 6 February 2016
Showing results 1-9 of 9
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing