Hike Sentinel Dome to get an Amazing 360 Degree View of Yosemite

Sentinel trail is a nice easy hike just over 2 miles round trip (out and back). When you get to the last bit of the hike, it’s a bit steeper and you have to climb the rocky dome to get to the top. Once there, you get stunningly picturesque vistas of El Capitan and Half Dome. The granite looks like grey mountains with shadows in shades of purple and blue, with the green of pines cascading across the valleys. It’s relatively safe, but watch your step as you wander the granite dome. Be sure to take in every angle of the 360 degree view. This is a Yosemite hike you won’t want to miss!

Hiking Info

Trailhead location: Trailhead
Loop Trail Hike: 2.1 miles
Rated: Moderate
Elevation change: 456ft
Route: Out and back

To Get There

Map yourself to Sentinel Dome Trailhead.

When To Go

The best time to visit Yosemite is in the Spring or Fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are a bit lighter. Although most of the year the park is pretty crowded.

The Hike

Start this trail through a wooded area filled with pines trees.

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As you get closer to the Dome, the trail turns into a large slab of Granite.

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Below you can see the dome behind me.

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From the top of this short hike are spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley from above.

In the image below we are staring out at the rock face of El Capitan (the tall white face without tress on it). Alex Honnold was the first person to free solo the route in 2018 as featured in the movie Free Solo. The face is about a 3,000 foot climb from the base to the summit.

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View of the face of El Capitan

View of the face of El Capitan

From the other side of the dome can you can look out to see Half Dome. I climbed this back in 2018 and it was scary, but exhilarating. In the photo below, it’s the tallest mountain with a deeply shaded left side.

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Black Pouf Jacket by Basin & Range

Black Pouf Jacket by Basin & Range

Love my Danner Boots, cute & functional

Love my Danner Boots, cute & functional

In case you missed it, this is Half Dome I’m pointing to below.

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Yosemite Sweatshirt by Indy Brand Clothing

Yosemite Sweatshirt by Indy Brand Clothing



This was definitely a favorite hike. It’s a short one, but some of the best views I’m seen in Yosemite.

What are your favorite hikes in Yosemite? Leave them in the comments below.


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