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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
Elevation
4,055–8,166 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

How hard is North Dome?

CaliPeaks rates this route 13/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,100 ft puts this trip at 9% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 10.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 8,166 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Porcupine Creek Trailhead (8,166 ft) · 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. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.