Porcupine Creek Trailhead

Quick Facts

Amenities

6 listed

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Parking, Recycling, Restroom, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

A day hike to North Dome will reward you with exceptional views of the dome of all domes, Half Dome, and the landscape that makes up Yosemite Valley and beyond.

Wind through mixed-conifer forest for 0.7 miles (1 km) on a paved path, and cross Porcupine Creek. At each of several trail junctions, follow the signs toward North Dome. The trail passes through a small grassy meadow and descends along a ridge. Near the end of the hike, descend steep rock steps to the base of North Dome. Climb the dome's rounded summit to take in a magnificent view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. On the return trip you can take a short detour on a side trail, 0.3 mile (0.5 km) to an unusual natural arch, Indian Rock.



North Dome (strenuous)
10.4 mi (16.7 km) round-trip.; 5-8 hours
580 ft (180 m) elevation gain

Other hiking destinations accessible from this trailhead include the top of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley via the Snow Creek Trail or the Yosemite Falls Trail.

For hiking and trail information, please visit a wilderness center or visitor center.

Hours :
Accessible only while Tioga Road is open to vehicles, from late May or early June to sometime in November.

Getting Here :
Begin at the Porcupine Creek Trailhead, along Tioga Road, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) east of Porcupine Flat Campground

Rules & Regulations :
- Stay on established trails
- Pets are not allowed on hiking trails
- Pack out what you pack in
- Overnight backpackers need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at the Big Oak Flat Information Station.
- Bear canisters are required for wilderness food storage for overnight hikers.
- Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal! Be sure to properly store your food.
- Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road ends October 15.For current road and weather information, please call [phone].

Hazards & Warnings :
- Carry (and drink) plenty of water: a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration. Be sure to treat river, stream, lake, or spring water.
- Always carry a map and compass, and know how to use them, and wear sturdy footwear with good traction.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and conditions.

Accessibility :
This trail is not accessible.