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North Dome

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 13/100 · Easyout and back#north-rim#half-dome-views#viewpoint#beginner-friendly
Distance
10.4 mi
Total gain
1,100 ft
Net gain
1,100 ft
Net loss
1,100 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

North Dome is the dome across the canyon from Half Dome: a 7,542-foot summit on Yosemite Valley's north rim reached by a gentle 5.2-mile descent from Tioga Road. The view straight across at Half Dome's north face — with the Valley between — is one of the great unguarded vistas in the park.

Highlights

  • Half Dome's entire profile across Tenaya Canyon, at eye level
  • A net-descending hike from Tioga Road — easier out than back
  • Indian Rock's natural arch along the rim
  • Sunrise light on Half Dome from the dome's edge

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Porcupine Creek Trailhead · parking: Porcupine Creek pullout on Tioga Road
  • Water: Porcupine Creek and seasonal seeps; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tioga Road resorts and stores nearby in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Porcupine Creek entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, August, September, October.

Snow: Usually snow-free June through October.

Heat: The dome summit is open and warm by midday.

Bugs: Moderate in the forest.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The return climb is the real work — 1,100 feet on the way back
  • Water is limited on the rim; carry for camp
  • The summit edge is exposed; keep well back with children

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Tioga Road Backpacking Trails — North Dome. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga-road-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (10.4 mi round trip) and elevation gain (1,100 ft) from the Porcupine Creek trailhead.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.