Twenty permits are issued each night for the Porcupine Creek Trailhead. Backpacking anywhere in Yosemite requires a wilderness permit. Water settles in the pockets of North Dome in Yosemite (Photo: Grant Ordelheide) Can You Camp on North Dome?Ĭamping is not allowed on North Dome itself, but you can camp in the area just before you get to the dome. Pack a small first-aid kit in case of injury along with a headlamp in case you end up spending more time on the trail than you’d bargained for. On long hikes it’s better to be prepared for the worst and never need some of the items you packed than to be stranded without them. This means at least two to three liters of water per person, plenty of snacks and a lunch, and layers you can put on in case the weather gets cold, rainy or windy. Plan on utilizing most of the day to hike to North Dome and pack accordingly. It’s always a good idea to overestimate the amount of time you think you’ll spend on the trail. Fast hikers who don’t stop often might be able to do the whole hike in four or five hours, but slower groups might find themselves on the trail for upwards of eight hours. The time it will take to hike to North Dome is dependent on the speed of your group. How Long Does It Take to Hike North Dome? Take in the views of Yosemite Valley to your right and Half Dome and Clouds Rest to your left over a snack or lunch before returning the way you came. Follow cairns and the sign when you reach the junction with the trail for Yosemite Falls.Īfter one final, gentle climb, you’ll reach the broad, flat surface of North Dome at 7,546-feet. The views are deceiving as you still have one more section of dirt trail to traverse before you get to North Dome itself. Since there is no protection on this portion of the trail, do not head out on the ridge if you see storm clouds or lightning in the area. You’ll see your destination, North Dome, in the distance. Then, continue along until the trail leaves the trees to follow a granite ridge. Stop for a break as the side view of Half Dome becomes visible. Follow the most well-worn path and look for cairns (which are stacked rocks) to show you the way. Indian Rock, a natural rock arch in Yosemite (Photo: Grant Ordelheide)įrom here, the trail can get a bit hard to discern. Detour 0.6-miles roundtrip to the park’s only natural rock arch before continuing on towards North Dome. However, if you have some extra energy, a side trip to Indian Rock is well worth it. To continue to North Dome, stay straight on the main trail. You’ll steadily climb to the intersection with the Indian Rock Trail. Be sure to follow signs for North Dome at each junction. There will be several trail junctions along the way. The trail meanders through a beautiful coniferous forest and crosses some streams. You’ll hike along an old, paved road for just under a mile before hitting a dirt trail. It takes over an hour to get to this trailhead from Yosemite Valley, so be sure to plan accordingly if you’re staying in the valley.įrom the trailhead, follow the sign toward North Dome. Don’t confuse this trailhead with the similarly named Porcupine Flat Campground, a mile west. Start at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead on the south side of Tioga Road. You’ll gain just over 2,000 feet in elevation as you climb to what feels like the top of the world. The hike to North Dome is approximately 10-miles roundtrip if you take the shortest route. How Long is the North Dome Hike in Yosemite? This hike is only accessible when Tioga Road is open, usually June through early November. If you do attempt this incredible hike, start early to make sure you don’t get stuck on the trail during afternoon thunderstorms or after dark and be prepared with plenty of water, snacks and layers. If you’re not an experienced hiker or don’t have experience hiking at higher elevations, a more moderate trail in the park might be a better choice. This hike is long and strenuous and will be challenging for most hikers. Plus, the trail doesn’t involve any treacherous cables to ascend. Best yet, there are no permits needed to day hike to this incredible view. This incredible hike brings you to the top of a granite dome with gorgeous views of Yosemite Valley and the massive wall of Half Dome. Yosemite National Park is full of granite domes and while the infamous Half Dome tends to get all the fame, the more moderate (but still challenging) North Dome shouldn’t be overlooked.
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