Trip Highlights:
This hike offers a little bit of everything, from meandering trails through majestic alpine forests to some of the most stunning panorama views Yosemite has, without the crowd factor. It ends with one of the most majestic 360-degree views, including a close-up of the famous Half Dome directly across Tenaya Canyon from you. Start off with a gorgeous walk through the north rim woods on a moderate, downhill trail surrounded by pines and firs, crossing two creeks along your way. You can extend the hike by taking a side tour to Indian Rock Arch, the largest of the few natural arches in Yosemite! Emerging from the woods, the hike takes visitors to Indian Ridge for an expansive view of Tenaya Canyon and the Merced River Canyon. Nearing North Dome, the breathtaking scenery opens up to a larger-than-life view of Half Dome, with the best view of all coming from the peak of North Dome itself!
All Tours Are Private
You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.
Book with confidence, knowing you can cancel for any reason 30 days before your trip date and receive a full, lifetime, transferable credit.
Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so 30 days before both the current and the new trip dates, subject to our guide’s availability.
Meeting Location: Porcupine Creek Trailhead at 7,205′
North Dome Elevation: 7,536′
Mileage and Elevation Gain/Loss: 9 miles, +/- 1,864′
For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.
This hike offers a little bit of everything, from meandering trails through majestic alpine forests to some of the most stunning panorama views Yosemite has, without the crowd factor. The trail starts downhill on an old paved road that is slowly being chipped away by nature. Once off the road, the trail passes over several creeks and back into a gentle walk through the forest. Soon, the trail hits a junction where we head past one of many great Valley overlooks. After stopping to take a few pics, we continue on the trail over Indian Ridge with the option for the short side hike (approximately .6 miles roundtrip) to see the Indian Rock Arch up close. Continuing on the main trail, we descend to North Dome on some loose granite as the sweeping panoramic views start to come into play. Past the final junction, we then climb a bit to the summit of North Dome and the epic views upon it.
Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.
Yes, we book all of our Day Hikes as private and do not have an option to join a group. The only exception is our Half Dome in a Day hike in Yosemite, which allows up to 5 guests and 1 guide per trip.
Unfortunately, no, we do not schedule half-day tours. However, as every Day Hike is private, you can modify and customize your day with the guide as needed upon meeting and/or throughout the tour. For example, if you need (or prefer) to end at a specific time, just let the guide know when you meet, and they can make that happen.
Yes, and lucky you, as you will have a private guide for that day.
Yes, see here for our Day Hike Equipment List.
Our Guides will supply trekking poles, the gloves for Half Dome cables, and will also carry first-aid supplies and water purification devices for water along the way. They also carry bathroom supplies (toilet paper, trowel, hand sanitizer), bug repellent, suntan lotion, and they are always armed with fun, natural facts and stories from the park.
No, and we suggest you bring your own trail lunch, snacks, and full water bottles.
Yes, parking is always available at our meeting point, and your vehicle can remain there throughout the day.
Although past clients have said they were glad they rented a vehicle, there are limited public transportation options for most of the trips we offer in Yosemite. See here for additional information: Yosemite Transportation Options.
See our Day Hike Cancellation Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page, which is summarized below:
Availability
