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    Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1.5-2h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    4.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    245 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama on the Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point hike in Yosemite Valley

    The hike from Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park is a wonderful day out with a summit of Sentinel Dome and a walk to one of the park’s best viewpoints.

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    Route Description for Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point

    The public bus from the ski hill is a great benefit for this hike, as it allows you to do a one-way linear hike. Best of all, you can jump the queue if you are only going to Sentinel Dome, as they will let you stand. Make sure you check when the last bus is – otherwise you could have a very long walk back to the ski hill (~10.0 km).

    This hike is best done starting at Sentinel Dome and then walking downhill to Glacier Point. It can be done as a circuit, with a return along the Pohono Trail out to Taft Point and then back to the Sentinel Dome parking lot as well, which is about 12.0 km, and is a lovely day out.

    From where the bus drops you off, walk past the parked cars and a washroom going roughly north towards Sentinel Dome, there is ample signage and you should have no trouble. At the first junction turn right. You are walking on a wide, slightly uphill path with scattered trees. You see Sentinel Dome and it looks like it will be hard to summit, however it isn’t.

    After reaching a ridge you will turn left to head up to the Dome itself, which can be walked but depending on your route you may have to use your hand to steady big steps. From the top of Sentinel Dome (which seemed to be pronounced “Centennial” by many) you will see excellent views in both directions of the valley – including scenery of the mountains, the Merced River and Yosemite village from the dome. The top can get quite busy during peak season, so a relaxing picnic might not be ideal. You can even get a cell phone signal from here!

    From the top, begin your descent and head over to Glacier Point, however the signage here isn’t great. There is a sign pointing towards Glacier Point, but it soon becomes unclear what to do when you come to a newly built telecoms tower (ahead on your left). Not surprisingly, you get five bars up there. The quick walk down to Glacier Point follows switchbacks down through the forest to get down to Glacier Point Road. You will cross over the road and pass the parking lot to reach the crowded yet stunning Glacier Point.

    The Glacier Point viewpoint is absolutely beautiful. There are numerous washrooms and a large gift shop. The gift shop also sells cold beverages, snacks, and has a small grill for lunch. It is a godsend on a hot day. There are many places to sit, both in the sun and shade, and nearly all of them have a great view of Half Dome.

    To return to your car you can either take a bus directly back from Glacier Point, or hike back. If hiking back you have two options: you can return the way you came or take the Pohono Trail around to Taft Point. The views along the trail are less stunning than the main path though Taft Point is worthwhile, with scenic views of the western part of the valley. Along the Pohono Trail there are a few very minor stream crossings, just large enough to make the hike feel like more of an adventure.

    Catch the bus from the main parking lot and it will take you back to the ski hill parking lot.

    If you want to find more great hikes in Yosemite, check out Clouds RestYosemite Valley or Panorama Trail!

    Insider Hints for Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point

    • If you’re only going from the ski hill to Sentinel Dome, or back, you can jump the lines, as you don’t need a seat! This is great on busy days.
    • The treats at Glacier Point are very cheap! Stock up and enjoy a nice break here.
    • It gets very busy, as does all of Yosemite, so getting out early or late is a benefit.

    Getting to the Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point Trailhead

    Go south from Yosemite Valley on Wawona Road (CA-41 South). Take Glacier Point Rd. and follow this. When busy, park at the base of the ski hill and take the bus, you can jump the lines since you are only travelling to Sentinel Dome.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June through October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Toilets

      Trailhead & Glacier Point

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      One Way

    Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point Reviews

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