Taft Point/Sentinel Dome
Summary
These two easy hikes start at the same place but head in opposite directions about
a mile each way. They are two of the best short distance hikes in Yosemite with
the finest payoffs in scenic beauty. If you plan on hiking one trail you might as
well do them both. After you're done with the hikes, continue the drive towards
Glacier Point to experience even more fantastic views of the valley below and the
surrounding landscape. Besides, you can get a hot dog and soda at Glacier Point!
Parking/Trailhead
The trailhead for both trails lies on the Glacier Point Road 13.2 miles after turning
off of the Wawona road at Chinquapin junction. Driving towards Glacier Point the
trailhead and parking is on the left (north) side. Don't be surprised if all the
easy parking is already taken as these two hikes are very popular and there isn't
much parking space. If you need to, drive a little farther down the road until you
find a large enough turnout to park in.
Trail Description
At the trailhead there is a public restroom so if you need to do your business it
should be done here. There are no appropriate locations on these two trails for
this kind of business. I know . . . some of you are snickering but I've seen the
results of not saying the obvious stuff like this before and it ain't pretty!
Fissures at Taft Point
Head down to the trailhead from the road and find a sign that points left to Taft
Point. Almost immediately to the right of the trail you find a large and beautiful
quartz protrusion that many day-hikers have chipped away at over the past century.
Please don't be one of them. Hike a little further and you cross the seasonal Sentinel
Creek and then on into the forest towards Taft Point.
Most of the overlooks at Taft Point have no railings so beware. The faint of heart
or those with acrophobia would do well to stay away from the edge. The best and
safest (which means sturdy railings) view is at the edge of Profile Cliff. This
cliff has 5 primary fissures straight down. A natural wind tunnel is often created
when a steady and gentle stream of air comes up the side of the cliff. Periodic
debris caught in this updraft floats in midair. I know . . . big deal but sometimes
I just can't help but stare at the simple stuff (i.e., flowers on the wall).
I once encountered a party of closely huddled and highly observant day hikers at
Taft Point. One of ladies in the group had a utility belt with a can spray something
that appeared to be a short fat can of bug spray. I had never seen a utility belt
that was designed solely to carry a can of whatever and was curious as to its purpose.
After asking her about it, she proudly informed me that it was her bear repellent.
I expressed my genuine astonishment at the existence of such a product. At this
the Bear Spray Lady recognized my apparent ignorance of the outdoors and started
to explain the dangers of the local grizzly bears in the Yosemite backcountry. Now
I know (heard) it all! (P.S. Don't worry, the last grizzly bear in California was
killed near Sequoia Park in 1922.)
Sentinel Dome
As you approach the trailhead from the road a sign will point you to the right and
on your way to Sentinel Dome. Sentinel Dome at 8,122 feet in elevation is the second
highest point on the rim of Yosemite Valley with Half Dome
coming in first at 8,884 feet.
Compared to the Taft Point trail, the route to Sentinel Dome has less trees which
translates to less shade and a hotter trail. But this in new appreciable diminishes
the value of the hike because from the top of Sentinel Dome you gain a fantastic
360ยบ view that includes El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mt.
Hoffman, Half Dome, Mt. Starr King, and Clark Range.
Sentinel Dome is also famous for its lone Jeffrey pine. The tree is still there
but it's been dead since 1984 due to carving and climbing. Up to this point it was
dying slowly and all the visitors that knew this were watering the tree with their
drinking water before heading back.
Supplies
Use the standard Day Hike Checklist for this
hike less a few items. Some of the items you may wish to omit include: Water Filter,
Food, TP, Flashlight, Gloves, and even a jacket if it's a really warm day. Most
of the people that actually hike these two trails usually only bring a large bottle
of water, shade hat, and some sun screen.
Itinerary
The following times are estimated at a leisurely pace. It takes about 1 hour and
45 minutes to reach the trailhead from the Fresno area.
|
Time
|
Location
|
|
0 hour
|
Head to the Fissures at Taft Point
|
|
1 hour
|
Reach Fissures at Taft Point
|
|
1.5 hours
|
Head Back to Trailhead
|
|
2.5 hours
|
Head to Sentinel Dome
|
|
3.5 hours
|
Reach Sentinel Dome
|
|
4 hours
|
Head Back to Trailhead
|
|
5 hours
|
Go for Hot Dog at Glacier Point
|
(Back to Top)