North Dome, Yosemite

Overview: This is a great hike right off the Tioga Road in Yosemite that takes you through some great meadows, past a rare granite arch called Indian Arch, and onto the granite of North Dome. North Dome is on the North Rim of Yosemite Valley right across from Half Dome, making the North Dome view spectacular. North Dome juts out into Yosemite Valley, giving you a sweeping panorama of the Valley to the West, Half Dome to the South, and Clouds Rest and the Yosemite high country stretching out to the East.

There are a couple great camp sites right near the dome giving great access for sunrise and sunset viewing and pictures.

The trail actually decreases in elevation from the road to North Dome, but only by about 800 ft. A few ups and downs along the trail make the trail a moderate hike, but not strenuous by any means. On the way back, the last mile up to the road seems a lot longer than it did on the way down.

Tips: You will need shoes with good traction on the granite and trekking poles are always recommended for stability.

There is no water other than little streams at the beginning of the hike and none on the granite, so bring all the water you will need.