Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
Table of contents
The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop is a wonderful half-day hike in Yosemite that boasts breathtaking views of some of the National Park’s most legendary landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and more. What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Route Description for Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop is an exciting adventure along the southern rim of Yosemite Valley that exposes breathtaking views of the park’s famous granite features. Wander through mixed pine forests to not one, but two dramatic overlooks of Yosemite’s high country. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear, as much of the path is rocky and uneven. Additionally, make sure that your camera is fully-charged, as the stunning vistas warrant plenty of photo opportunities. Note: the National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional information. Glacier Point Road is also subject to seasonal closures.
Embark on your adventure along the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop from the Sentinel Dome Trailhead. From here, take the rightmost trail signposted as Sentinel Dome Trail. Here, the path will wander northeast through mixed woodlands and up the granite dome. From atop Sentinel Dome, revel in the breathtaking views of Half Dome and North Dome. After taking in the scenery, retrace your footing back down the dome before turning left to merge onto the Pohono Trail. Follow this wonderful path southwest, weaving through meadowlands and mixed pine forests, before crossing over Sentinel Creek to Taft Point and The Fissures.
Admire the views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls from the granite rock, but remember to watch your footing, as the rock here is divided with deep fissures. After appreciating the scenery, retrace your footing along the Pohono Trail briefly until you reach an intersection, where you will veer right to be guided back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop Trailhead
The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop departs from the Sentinel Dome Trailhead off Glacier Point Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
May-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Lollipop
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Four Mile Trail to Mist Trail
Yosemite National Park
Illilouette Falls via Panorama Trail
Yosemite National Park
Pohono Trail
Yosemite National Park
Taft Point via Glacier Point Hike
Yosemite National Park
Pohono Trail: Glacier Point to Dewey Point
Yosemite National Park
Pohono Trail to Sentinel Dome Loop
Yosemite National Park
Glacier Point to Union Point Hike
Yosemite National Park
Sentinel Dome Trail
Yosemite National Park
Taft Point and the Fissures Hike
Yosemite National Park
Four Mile Trail
Yosemite National Park
Glacier Point Hike
Yosemite National Park
Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park