Porcupine Creek Trailhead

Panorama of Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome at sunset from North Dome

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Trailhead

This longer day hike provides rewarding views of classic Yosemite landmarks. Wind through mixed-conifer forest, crossing Porcupine Creek within the first mile. 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, Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite Valley.

Along the trail, hikers can take an optional short, steep spur (0.3 mile or 0.5 km each way) to Indian Rock, a natural granite arch.

Distance: 10.4 mi (16.7 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 580 ft (180 m) on return
Time estimate: 5-7 hours

Tips & Seasonal Information

Pets and bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. A vault toilet is available at this trailhead. Parking is limited.

This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November.

Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).