Sentinel Dome

Leaving Yosemite Valley on Highway 41 (Fresno or Wawona Road), about 7 miles after exiting the tunnel, take the left onto Glacier Point Road. The marked parking area for Sentinel Dome is on the left, about 14 miles along Glacier Point Road. Most of the 1.2 mile hike is pretty level on a well defined trail, but the last few hundred yards is an unguided scramble up steep, exposed granite. Don't be alarmed by this description-you'll find an entire range of visitors here, from young children to senior citizens, undaunted and well rewarded.

Note: Glacier Point Road is not plowed, so it generally closes with the first snow, usually in October or November, and doesn't reopen until around Memorial Day (varies each year).

©Gary Hart