MODERATE HIKES
Dewey Point 8.2 miles (13.2 km) round-trip. 4–6 hours; 750 ft (225 m) elevation change. Begin at McGurk Meadow trailhead Begin by following the McGurk Meadow trail as described above. Continue one mile (1.6 km) past the meadow to reach an intersection with the Pohono Trail. Follow the Pohono Trail west (left) to Dewey Point, 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from the trailhead. Enjoy the unique views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome, and the Yosemite high country. Return the same way, or you can continue on the Pohono Trail west to more viewpoints and eventually the Tunnel View parking area 5.5 miles (8.9 km) beyond Dewey Point.
Taft Point & The Fissures 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip. 2 hours (200 ft (60 m) elevation change). Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead Begin with an easy walk through the forest past a wildflower-filled meadow (seasonal), the trail leads to an expanse on the south rim of Yosemite Valley. Taft Point is marked by a small railing at the cliff’s edge. Enjoy magnificent views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Near Taft Point, you’ll see the Fissures—narrow fractures in the granite called joints. Watch out for drops near these fractures of up to 2,000 feet!
Sentinel Dome 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round-trip. 2 hours; 400 ft (125 m) elevation change. Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead .This wide trail leads mostly across open granite with little shade. The trail meets an old road near the base of Sentinel Dome. Follow the road to the northeast side of the dome where the incline is less imposing. From here, scramble up the granite slope to the top of the dome. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the park. Consider taking this hike at sunset or during a full moon, but remember to bring a flashlight with fresh batteries!
Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Loop 4.9 miles (7.9 km) loop. 3–4 hours; 1,000 ft (300 m) elevation change. Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead The Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trails can be combined into a loop hike. For a counterclockwise loop, start by hiking Sentinel Dome’s northeast side as described previously. After descending the same northeast slope, follow the trail north to the Pohono Trail junction. Take the Pohono Trail southwest, descending to Sentinel Creek before climbing to the Taft Point trail junction. From here, Taft Point sits a half mile downhill to the west (right), while the trailhead is a half mile to the east (left). For a clockwise loop, begin with Taft Point and follow the Pohono Trail to Sentinel Dome, returning to the trailhead via the Sentinel Dome trail.