When you enter into Yosemite be prepared because it's a really huge national park. To get to Sentinel Dome and Taft point it takes about 40 minutes once you get inside the park however, Yosemite in general, especially this hike is worth the drive. This has to be one of the most scenic hikes that I've been on. You have full view of the Yosemite Valley, and all the peaks that come with it the hike itself is medium in terms of challenging. There is some uphill which will push you but worth it when you get to the top if you feel like cheating, you can actually park in the parking lot hike about a mile and you're already at Sentinel Dome. If you go the back way, which I did the whole trip is just under 6 miles. read more

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This was such a nice and beautiful hike. The views at Taft Point was unbelievable. Very peaceful. read more

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If you're looking for an easy to intermediate hike at Yosemite, Taft Point is a good one to choose! The hike is really high in elevation and once to reach the end, you'll see how deep the valley is! We drove up to the trailhead of Trail Point because we wanted a short hike, from there on is a 2.2 mile~ hike. It took about 30mins to 1 hour to reach the end of the hike. You can go to the edge of the cliffs to see the elevation, but of course, you'll want to caution getting too close the edge for your safety. Overall, Taft Point is a nice short hike that is moderately popular. read more

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By far one of the most enjoyable Yosemite hikes that I've ever done with some of the most breathtaking views of the park! Incredible can't even begin to describe how amazing Sentinel Dome and Taft Point truly are. We embarked on an 8 mile hike from Glacier Point to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point and were so amazed with everything that we saw. There are easier hikes that you can take to get to both viewpoints, but our 8 mile hike was so memorable. We took the Pohono Trail from Glacier Point and inclined through gorgeous trees, white snow, and small creeks. The views on the way up the Pohono Trail are spectacular! You'll get little glimpses of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and several other popular Yosemite Landmarks. Not only is the view from Taft Point amazing, but the view OF Taft Point is truly something that you have to see. You'll literally feel like you're standing on the edge of the earth. A look down might make the weak stomached a little queasy at first, but the views are just too amazing not to enjoy. The hike from Taft Point to Sentinel Dome can be a bit of challenge. If you push through it, just know that you'll be rewarded with the most spectacular 360 degree views of the park! You'll have to climb up the steep dome to reach the top, but once you're there, it'll feel like Heaven is right before you. The view from Sentinel Dome has got to be one of the best views with the entire park! I can't forget to mention the wildlife. Lizards, birds, squirrels... you name it! The wildlife is so rampant here. You'll even be able to spot several different species of flowers growing amid the rocks. It's crazy beautiful! I feel like I'm having withdrawals now, but the memories of my visit will always keep this experience alive in me. There are so many amazing landmarks and hikes within Yosemite National Park, but something about Sentinel Dome and Taft Point is just so special. If you're looking to access a more remote side of the park, take a trip out to Glacier Point and visit Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Although this part of the park is way more remote, it's still busy. Get here as early as possible to secure parking. Enjoy it! read more

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I loved these hikes, both of them including stunning views and were on the easy side. Both trails are about 2 miles round-trip. We chose not to do the loop because it was getting closer to sunset, and I think that was a good idea so that we could spend longer admiring the views. We tackled the sentinel dome hike first, which is relatively flat until you scramble to get to the top of the dome and are able to get the wonderful views. Then we went back and did Taft point, which is a popular hike to watch the sunset at, and there were multiple wedding photo shoots going on there. Unfortunately in late October, all of the falls had dried up but being able to see the valley below and El Cap the background while the sun was setting was just incredible. read more

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Did the sentinel dome hike which is a 2 mile loop. The trail is easy to follow - follow the signs and try to stay with a group of people (we saw some animal claws in the mud which we assumed were bear claws. It was scary but we saw more people and proceeded forward). Parking was easy to find at the trailhead. The hike is mostly straightforward until you get to the end of it. It's a sudden elevation to get to the topmost point but the views are incredible so hang in there if you can. You can see the true depth of the valley right at the top which is gorgeous. I recommend investing in hiking shoes or shoes with a firmer grip if you are going to hike in Yosemite - it's worth it. read more

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point - Hiking Near Me

These hikes might be the lowest effort, best view hikes you can do in Yosemite. We were there in October and the small parking lot was full. We were able to park on the side of the road. It was about an hour drive there from Yosemite Valley. The hikes to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are both about 2.2 miles round trip. You can make it into a loop, but it's actually longer to do that than to do both separately. Because of that, we did both separately. We hiked to Taft Point first. It's a pretty flat very easy hike. The views are great at the end. Then we went back and hiked to Sentinel Dome. This hike was more steep, especially at the end. It was still fairly easy though. I thought these views were even better since you were higher up. You could see Half Dome on one side and El Capitan and the valley on the other. For the difficulty level, these are some of the best views you can get in Yosemite. read more

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Add Taft Point to your Yosemite itinerary... NOW!! Wow, Taft Point exceeded all of my expectations and was breathtaking beautiful- it provides unspoiled views of Yosemite Valley and El Capitan. You'll also be able to view multiple fissures in this area, which are deep narrow openings along the granite cliffs. Taft Point is not as known as other viewpoints such as Tunnel View, making it a great place to go if you want to enjoy incredible views without large crowds. There are multiple viewpoints and large rocks to sit on to soak in this scenic wonder! HIKE DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1/5- This 2 mi-roundtrip "hike" is more of a stroll. It's completely doable for people of all ages. Definitely not handicap accessible. GETTING THERE: The only way to reach the trailhead is by driving up Glacier Point Rd, which is about a 50-60 minute drive from Yosemite Valley. PARKING: There is a small lot that's located right at the trailhead. I went during November, so we were able to snag a parking spot immediately. Come early during summer months in case parking fills quickly. read more

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Sentinel Dome Trail (Yosemite National Park / California) Sentinel Dome Trail is an easy 2.2 mile out & back trail that leads to great views of El Capitan and Half Dome. There is a small parking area right off Glacier Point Road and can be found by using the directions on AllTrails or on Yelp. The trail is easy to follow. When in doubt, follow the signs. The elevation gain is a little over 450 feet and takes about 30 minutes to the top of the dome at a slow walking pace. The dome itself is grippy, which is a huge plus when climbing up it. Besides El Cap and Half Dome, views also include Nevada Falls, Cloud Rest, Taft Point, and the High Sierras. On most days, I bet these views are amazing. But we were here during the California fires and the smoke covered most of our view. By the way, El Capitan should be viewed from ground level and close-up any way. Sentinel Dome Trail is a nice, quick, and a good warm-up for the Nevada Falls Trail. read more

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Absolutely breathtaking and worth the hike. This hike is moderate in terms of terrain but distance is short. I am not sure I would recommend it to families with children under the age of 8-10 due to the steep nature of sentinel (it is a granite dome after all) and the sheer drop offs. When we got closer to the Sentinel, it definitely took a quick moment to adjust to the depth of the valley (best overwhelming landscape feeling I have ever gotten). We could have spent hours hanging out and taking it all in. If you are heading the Yosemite rim, this trail is a must. read more

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1. We had driven directly from the western Yosemite entrance, through the Valley, Past Bridalveil Falls, past the Tunnel View, and onto Glacier Point road, arriving 13 miles later at Sentinel Dome on the first day of standard time November 1, 2015. 2. The weather forecast is for heavy sustained rainfall the next day, so we were anxious to see Sentinel Dome, Taft Point and Glacier Point before they closed for the winter. 3. The road was recently paved and in excellent condition with both bike lane lines and center lines, but heavily potholed around the parking lot for the two hikes . 4. The parking lot holds about 30 vehicles, and was full when we arrived at 130pm, with cars parked on both sides of the road. We had to park about 100 yards up the road, while cars whizzed by, well over the 35 mph speed limit. 5. There is a single pit toilet with toilet paper at the parking lot, but no running water, so bring your own water to drink and wash your hands. There is also no electric bulb in the toilet, so bring a flashlight if here after sunset. 6. One time in the spring we trailed a small shuttle bus into the parking lot. My wife ended up waiting 20 minutes in the newly created toilet line! 7. The trail head for Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are the same, with 1.1 miles to each destination in opposite directions. 8. About seven tenths of a mile, we approach the dome itself, where the trail consists of climbing upward on crude stairs and trails over open areas of granite rock. 9. We circle around the dome, hiking another tenth of a mile through forests, with a view of Half Dome in a distance across the valley. 10. At the nine tenths mile mark, one trail branches out to go completely around Taft Point, and the other trail turns to go up the Dome itself. 11. The climb up to the Dome is the hardest part of the two hikes. Normally it is not difficult under dry conditions, as one can cross traverse in a zigzag fashion up the slope. Hiking boots are a must. The slope is shallow enough so that even if one slipped, one would not fall very far. 12. In April 2014 there was snow everywhere on this side of the Dome, with the footprints of previous hikers turning the packed down snow to slippery mush and ice. That was definitely treacherous, as the snow was knee deep in areas. 13. As one hikes up the Dome, my wife uses hiking poles for balance and leverage, with views of Yosemite Falls in the background. 14. We get to the top of the 8500 foot Dome in about 45 minutes from the parking lot. Here we can see 360 degrees all around 15. There is a metal plaque on one of the boulders, which lists out the sights according to their place on the horizon, including Taft Point, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls. 16. Glacier Point has closer views of Half Dome and the valley, along with Vernal and Nevada Falls. 17. Sentinel Dome has a better angle and more elevation to see the drop area of the three Yosemite Falls, including the splash area of Upper Yosemite Falls. 18. In April 2014 one entire section of mountains is snow covered, and reminds me of Rocky Mountain National Park. 19. In April there was only one family of adults and teenagers up there when we arrive. One lady has a baby in a cloth carrier strapped to her chest. Elementary school kids come up. 20. Going downhill is easier than going uphill, and we are back in the parking lot in half an hour.. 21. We hike 1.1 miles in the opposite direction at the parking lot to Taft Point, but one can hike 2.8 miles through the scenic route, overlooking the valley, to Taft Point. 22. The hike is through dense vegetation and forests, reminding me of Olympic National Park. It's like a scene out of the Hobbit, with the trees so dense that the forest path is very dark with shadows, and minimal overhead skylight. 23. We see a couple with a long range zoom camera shooting pictures. A brown bear at long distance is scampering away -camera shy! 24 The forests recede, and we climb down into an open area of granite. Signs warn us to keep on the trail, as there are openings in the granite rock, called fissures, leading to the valley floor below. 25. There is a scenic viewpoint on Taft Point, right on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the Yosemite Valley, 3000 feet below. 26. El Capitan can be seen in a distance -sort of the opposite view of the Tunnel View. 27. We hike back to the near full parking lot in half an hour, with our car the only car now parked on the side of the road, at 4pm. 28. We drive the 6 miles to Glacier Point to see Half Dome in the sunset. 29. It rains heavily the next day, with Glacier Point Road closed the entire following week and perhaps for the winter season, due to snow and ice on the road. read more

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I proposed to my gf at this point this past Saturday and it was perfect. It's something out of this reality as this hike will get you to a point where you think you might fall to your doom with a simple wind gust. It's scary, but beautiful all the same. So in case you didn't get it the first two times I said it, this location is really high up with no real barriers to prevent you from falling, but if you have steady feet and a a calm nerve about yourself, this will be a magical spot to visit. The trees at the top are quite cute. This place will hold a spot near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life as how many spots do you actually propose on? It was a great choice. read more

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Love Taft Point. It's an easy two mile in and out hike and if you feel like that's not enough, you can make a loop to Sentinel Dome and add extra 5 , 6 miles. I've done these trails from both Glacier Point and the official trail head at the parking lot off Glacier Point Road. From the official trail head is much easier , less inclination and shorter. My son who has autism did Sentinel a few times from Glacier and had no problem. He was 11 then. Absolutely gorgeous view of the valley and Merced River from the top of Taft Point. I just love hiking up there. The trail is well maintained and well marked. When we went on November 11,2018 Sunday , it was crazy crowded. Parking was a mess!! Cars parked on both sides of the road for miles and tons of people on the trail , it was like a mall during Christmas season. It was crazy!!!! I had never seen this much crowd on this trail before. While I enjoy solitude on the trail for the most part , it was kind of fun to see so many hikers on this trail. read more

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Best hike we've done at Yosemite so far!! We only did Taft Point as that's all the time we had for. The views are breathtaking. Be careful hiking the trail during this time as there is snow and it covers the trail. Almost everyone we bumped into got lost. There was even a sign at the start of the trail recommending people not to do either hikes as the trail is covered. It's a 1.1 mile hike to the point but it took us 45-60 minutes due to loosing the trail. Luckily we paired up with other hikers and were able to make it to the point and back. It was an amazing experience and can't wait to come back next time and watch the sunset here. We read more

I think I found the easiest hike in Yosemite with the most incredible view...Sentinel Dome. Sure, Half Dome might be higher & have a better vantage point, but why hike 14 miles when you can hike 2 to get equally stunning views? I've hiked to Taft Point before which is awesome, but a little bit unsettling for those of us who are afraid of heights. Those fissures that have you looking straight down 3000 feet to the valley floor had me feeling a bit queasy. The lookout point is amazing as well & there's even a guard rail so you can inch your way as close as possible to the edge. Now Sentinel Dome is like a mini Half Dome with no cables or permits required. The 1.1 mile trail each way is easy & climbs gradually. Once you arrive at Sentinel Dome, it's a quick climb to the top. There was snow on the dome on our recent visit but plenty of other folks had carved steps in the snow so it made the climb much easier. Heck, families were doing it with their infant children so how hard could it be? Once you arrive at the top, you are immediately bombarded with incredible views of the whole valley & its surrounding landmarks. Cathedral Rocks, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls. Where else can you see a vista like this? You will want to spend hours up here & will find it very difficult to leave. Next time I'll do the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point triangle. read more

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point - Ahhhh, can life get any better than this? View of Yosemite Falls from Sentinel Dome - Hiking Near Me

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The trail to Sentinel Dome is fantastic. It isn't too long, strenuous, or crowded, & the 360 view of the entire park is worth the apprx hour-long trip up to the top. It gets pretty chilly, but try to stick around for sunset hour... it's amazing to see the sun drift down behind the layers of mountains. Don't forget your flashlight since it gets dark pretty quickly on your way back down. The trailhead is at a small parking lot along Glacier Point Rd (and if you reach the Glacier Point parking lot, you've gone too far!) There isn't a sign but rather a strip of parked cars and a bathroom. You'll see a trail marker a few meters beyond the bathroom - left is for Taft Point and right is for Sentinel Dome. While we saw several kids along the Sentinel Dome trail, I wouldn't recommend it - the final ascent up the dome has lots steep drop-offs and no rails. read more

This is a off the beaten path place but deserve a visit as much as glacier point. It does not have half dome as part of its back drop but it does have the Yosemite valley below and Sentinel point to look at. Spectacular views, and not to be missed if you can hike a bit to it. read more

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This spot is absolutely breathtaking!!! 360 panoramic views of Yosemite, what more can i say!? We made it to the top just before the sunset and pretty much rushed so that we wouldn't miss it. The hike is easy compared to others in Yosemite, being only 1.1 mile from the trailhead. And the views are so worth it! I was blown away by how well you can see all of Yosemite valley and how high up we were! And watching the sunset from up there was just the cherry on top. We tried to stay to stargaze but the group was ready to hike back down before we could completely see all the stars. But we did get to see some stars come out as it got darker and as much as I saw, it was amazing from up there. easily 10/10 recommend Sentinel Dome read more

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While it's not exactly a hidden gem, it's far enough off the path of the crowds to make this a pleasant and relaxing hike. The hike to Taft Point is an easy one, with most of it well shaded. It's beautiful and the trail is well marked. One of the best things about hiking to Taft Point is the chance to see the fissures. These are huge rifts in the rock that drop hundreds of feet down to the valley floor. The view from Taft Point is unrivaled. From the top, you look down on the Valley, including El Capitan. Be warned, this hike is not for people with a fear of heights. While we were there, we saw many people turn around without ever seeing the view they hiked for. It was almost funny to see people confidently approach the overlook, only to suddenly stop and admire it from a safe distance. I admit, my stomach dropped when I first looked over the edge too. If you aren't willing to brave the unsecured cliffs, there is a very small lookout with metal railings. Parking is easy at the trailhead. You can go left for Taft Point or right for Sentinel Dome. Both hikes are equal distances, so I recommend doing both of you are there. There is a bathroom in the parking lot. Go early, though, there are only a parking spots! read more

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This was my first trip to Yosemite, and I specifically visited both Sentinel Dome, and Taft Point based on others reviews. I would encourage anyone to first visit Glacier point. The trail head to Sentinel Dome, and Taft Point are easiest to park at if you are returning from Glacier point. Sentinel dome is to the right, and Taft is to the left when you approach the trails. Neither trail is particularly difficult to navigate, however there are a few areas where you must watch your steps navigating up some rocky areas. The biggest issue (for me) was the altitude. I'm in pretty good shape, but was really sucking wind coming back from Taft. It is very noticeable how thin the air is. I had a throbbing headache until I got back down near the valley. 1. Sentinel dome is spectacular, and offers the best view of both, specifically of Yosemite falls, El Capitan, and the half dome. It offers a 360 view of the park. That being said, if you take your children with you pay attention to them. There are no rails, or other impediments to literally falling off. It is very gently sloped at the top and in the area where you get to the top. 2. Taft is a different kind of 'WOW'. Spectacular drops, and there is a railing at the peak where you can hold on and look over. It's a great view. El Capitan is right across the valley, and you can also see Yosemite falls. On a good day there are several slack lines placed, and there may be people walking on them (they are literally 3000' off the valley floor in space). Not for the faint of heart, but incredible to watch. The day I was there they were pretty chatty and talked to others (when they were not out on the line). read more

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point - Slackline walker at Taft Point @ Yosemite National Park. - Hiking Near Me

Amazing hike from the valley floor up here and back, but took half a day. You can't beat the 360 degree view and it's not as crowded as other places. I think it's the best view in Yosemite and you're almost as high as Half Dome. There's also a cell tower on the hike up so the Dome has great reception. I was able to FaceTime my parents who were disappointed they couldn't be there because they were not physically able to hike the trail. read more

Thirty-four miles into the Yosemite entrance, I arrived at the trailhead for Sentinel Dome. The trail's pretty easy to follow and a relatively short one. The reward is a panoramic view of Yosemite's landmarks, including Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, etc. At the top of Sentinel Dome itself is the ever so famous Jeffrey pine tree that appeared in Ansel Adams' 1940 photo. It's dead now, but I'd say it aged pretty well. read more

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This is not really hardcore trail, but incredible view from the Taft point. Sentinel Dome is not very popular for tourists, so it's nice. read more

The problem with hikes out of Yosemite Valley is that they all have nowhere to go but up. I certainly don't mind, but if you're looking for a less strenuous hike that still packs in jaw-dropping views, then head up Glacier Point Road to the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Loop. It's long enough to feel accomplished, but you won't feel like you just spent the day on a stairclimber. This is my go-to recommendation to visitors who want to be active but aren't exactly in top shape. Good hike for families, as long as you keep a hold of your kids near Taft Point and the Fissures. The good news is if you are scared of heights, the trail stays far away from any drop-offs. Plus, it's just gorgeous, and the crowds are nowhere near as big as what you'll find on the Mist Trail/Upper Yosemite Falls. read more

If you and your man are having a lull in your relationship, come to Taft Point. Your near death experience and want for the other person to live will increase your dopamine and serotonin levels. However don't go if you don't trust each other. The only barrier here is at its highest point, and even dangling your feet off its cliff feels challenging. Hold hands while you both lay flat on your stomach and creep over to stare beyond the cliff. You can see rivers, waterfalls, and the valley. It's beautiful and vertigo inducing at the same time. If you're coming in Spring, plan to come early as there are only 12 parking spaces and for this to be a 2 hour trip. It takes 30 minutes to walk from the lot to the tip of the point. Sunset is at 8pm, so start heading back at, the latest, 7pm or you might get stuck along the uneven forest trail with no light. read more

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point - Hiking Near Me

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Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are two fairly easy but highly rewarding trails in Yosemite. Both conveniently starts at the same trail head. The features of these two are very different though. Sentinel Dome gives you an awe inspiring panoramic view of Yosemite Valley while Taft Point gives you a butterflies in stomach edge of a cliff sensation. Both are must see in my opinion. The sweeping view at Taft Point is every bit as impressive as the more popular Glacier Point, only without the handrails, the gift shop and the sea of people. You can get as close to the edge of the cliff as you want. Just be extra careful and watch out for the cracks in the fissures. A 1000ft fall would be rather brutal. This is the best place to really test if you are ever so slightly acrophobic. read more

I know what you're thinking... you haven't worked out in weeks and you came to Yosemite, one of California's iconic national parks.... BUT YOU CAN DO IT! This hike was pretty easy for the most part, except for one manageable incline at the end of the hike once you're going up to see the edge and views. This hike was breathtaking! I had butterflies in my stomach looking over the edge of the cliff. I went in the summer so there were a lot of bugs but that's normal. Bring water and snacks! The hike is a little more than 2 miles round trip, not as bad compared to the other hikes in Yosemite. I recommend coming here, the crowd is smaller compared to glacier point and the view looks more natural and not touristy. Oh!!! While we were walking we saw a deer prancing around the trail. Such a cool experience. read more

The most underrated hike in the Yosemite Valley. The hike up to the top of Sentinal Dome is so easy a 5 year old could do it yet the views are so amazing everyone will love it. Plus- it isn't crowded! We went on memorial day weekend and while glacier point is jammed with tourists, Sentinal Dome (only 2 miles before the glacier point parking lot) was totally empty. Plus, the views are as good, if not better than glacier point. The fissures and taft point are only a few miles from the summit of sentinal dome and are awesome. Again, a very easy hike and well worth it. Check them both out! read more

We stopped here for the hike on our way to Glacier Point. I enjoyed the hike and the area was beautiful. There were very few people on the trail. There were other parts of the park we enjoyed more but it was a nice way to break up the drive. We also attempted to hike to Taft but there was no easy way to get across the fast moving creek. read more

This is probably the BEST 4.5 mile relatively easy hike in the world because the reward at the end of both destinations is absolutely unbelievable. From the trail head, Sentinel Dome is 1.1 miles to the east (to the right) with 400" elevation gain and Taft Point is 1.1 miles to the west with 200' elevation gain. We decided to go to the dome first. The trail had some ups and downs and at the very end, we need to just go up on the dome at a steady incline. Once we got on the top, the view simply took my breath away. 360 degree view of the entire Yosemite!! This is the 2nd highest point only after Half Dome!! A round metal piece at the center of the dorm tells us all the landmarks. I even saw Mt Florence (named after me? Thank you :)). We stayed there for quite a bit because it was just too beautiful to for us leave. After tracing the trail back to where we started, we went on west to Taft Point. The trail is even easier. The view at the Point, again, took my breath away. The fissures are also very impressive. I'm scared to death of heights so i didn't want to go too close to the edge of both destinations. However, my fear did not stop me from enjoying the view at all. There is plenty of room for me to feel safe at the top for both. Like others, I also dropped to my stomach and inched forward to the edge at Taft Point for the view down below. There is absolutely no shame in doing so - I saw many guys do that too :). A couple tips - 1. go early. The parking lot is quite small although it does have a restroom available. We got there before 9 on a Monday on May 4th and we were good. 2. Please watch the kids and don't let them run loose because except for a tiny portion of Taft Point with about 10' of railing, the rest are not "fenced" like Glacier Point. I know there is plenty to see in Yosemite but I think this should definitely be one of the "not to miss" on your "to do" list. It's short and the payout is handsome!! read more

I went to Yosemite with my family so I was limited from going to the strenuous and challenging hikes such as Half Dome, Cloud's rest, and Upper Yosemite Falls. However, Sentinel Dome and Taft point had amazing views of all of Yosemite. The views were breathtaking once you get to the top of Sentinel Dome, which was only a little more than a mile away from the parking lot. The elevation is about 8,100 feet and you had gorgeous views of Yosemite falls, Nevada falls, Half dome, and a 360 degree view of Yosemite. Taft point was also worth the hike, it was about 3 miles from Sentinel Dome. There were wide fissures and a cliff where you can see 8000 feet straight down to the valley. I'm not afraid of heights, but I had a strong queasy feeling when I stared down from the edge at the valley floor. There was a bird next to the edge, and my sister threw a piece of an apple down and witnessed the bird dive down and catch it midway down. Truly amazing sights that I'm sure my family will never forget. A must-see if you're visiting Yosemite! read more

Took this hike to Sentinel Dome via the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead off of Glacier Point Road. The hike was pretty easy, even for someone as out of shape as myself. I rate it on a difficulty scale of 4 out of 10. A 1 being walking on a flat sidewalk, and a 10 equaling the brutal hike to Half Dome. It's about 2.2 miles to get to the dome and back round-trip. Once you get to the top of Sentinel Dome, the view is breath-takingly spectacular! It's almost as good as the view from Half Dome, and you even get a good view of Half Dome from here. There's still left over the remains of famous old tree that once grew here that has since died. HIghly recommended if you just want to get in a half day of hiking. Should also check out Glacier Point if there's still time. If it didn't take me 4.5 hours to drive here from the Bay Area, I'd probably be coming here a couple times a month. read more

Both Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are completely amazing, and quite different from one another. Sentinel Dome comes with a complete 360 degree view of Yosemite and its surroundings, it's just so extremely amazing. A good place to see everything and to figure out where you want to hike next! GO HERE! Taft Point offers an amazing view as well, but the extreme edges and the fissures give you an adrenaline rushing experience. I'm afraid of extreme heights but spending some time up here definitely worked on it. It's just such an amazing place!! I would suggest doing both, starting at the trail head along glacier point road, take it towards Sentinel Point, then walk around the dome for a trail towards Taft Point, and take the trail from there back to the parking lot. That way it's a full loop and you don't walk the same trails twice! read more

The dome itself is another of the classic viewpoints in the park, but Taft Point is well worth the walk. Not strenuous at all, but hot and dusty in the summer. Bring beverages, the colder the better. Parking is generally easy. read more

1.1 mi from the road. Great views. Nice for families and those that can't do a long hike. read more

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point - Hiking Near Me

Fantastic 360 degree view of the whole of Yosemite ... Who knew? ... It did not rate highly in the brochure, but was the highlight of our trip and less than 2 mile moderate hike from Glacier Point parking lot thought Sequoia forest .., highly recommended. read more

Sentinel Dome & Taft Point - 180 degree view .. There's more ... - Hiking Near Me

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Only did the Sentinel Dome hike, wanted to do Taft point too but got LOST on the way back because this is quite possibly the WORST marked trail ever. Once you're closer to the the dome, it's marked fine, but in the beginning (which is also the end on the way back) there're ZERO markings! Nothing! It's a pretty wide open space in that section so if you're not careful and, like me, like to look around, you can easily wander off. It was a miracle my GPS worked, otherwise, they'd have to call in a search party to find me. While not the most experienced hiker, I've hiked plenty to know how a trail should be marked. read more

Two ways to get here. From Glacier Point, it's an uphill hike. From the trailhead, it's closer (1.2 miles) and good for families. This is a must see. 360 view of the valley. Nice place to have lunch. A bit windy, but that's why it's a clear view. So fun and beautiful here. read more

Views! So this hike is suppose to be easy to moderate. I would say the first 4/5 was easy and the last part is the incline. I suggest you pace yourself and be very cautious when you're at the top. There's so many yellow jackets/wasps there so if you're afraid don't go to the edge. read more

A great late day hike or warmup hike for more difficult hikes in Yosemite. I went out here late, headed over to Taft Point, which is fantastic and gives one the first taste of the incredible heights and views at Yosemite (and the fear of hanging over the cliffs). It is only about a mile from the parking area and is quite flat. There were very few people out there, as well, so I was pleased with the serenity of it. I then went over to Sentinel Dome, which was a more difficult hike (much steeper at the end...pretty challenging even if short), but an AWESOME summit for such a short hike. The views were spectacular (I think better than Glacier Point), with an amazing 360 degree panorama of Yosemite, including stunning views to Half Dome, but really everywhere. I had dinner up there and stayed for sunset, which was remarkable. I highly, highly recommend this hike. It can easily be done in a few hours max by those who are fit, but is also a good hike for those who are less so or families - short hike to truly stunning spots. DO NOT skip this hike if going to Glacier Point anyway. For folks with kids who are a bit worried about the cliffs, just do Sentinel Dome (no real cliffs on the large top of the dome) and skip Taft which has some serious dangerous spots on the edges. read more