I spend the day hiking through 5 miles of beautiful ponderosa and white pine forest along the Valley Rim in Yosemite National Park.
The Climb to Sentinel Dome
It’s a blue bird day in May, 55 degrees and calm, and I’m in Yosemite National Park, standing at the trail head to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. The trail route for today starts off on the Sentinel Dome Trail to the summit of the dome, with 360° views of the valley to the west and the crest of the Sierra Nevada range to the east. Our group sets off along the trail as the sun starts to peak through the pines, talking amongst ourselves until the trail starts to ascend towards the summit.
The first part of the ascent is mild compared to many of the hikes in the park. It ascends only about 250 feet over the majority of the one mile hike until you begin hiking up the granite face of the dome. Hiking through the forest of white and ponderosa pines, surrounded by manzanita just beginning to fruit, it is easy to forget that a world exists outside of Yosemite Valley. The forest seems to engulf you, its massive trees standing like pillars supporting the vast sky above. Invisible furry and feathered inhabitants call out to each other as we pass, warbling and whining away.
The wide path runs out along a small plateau through the forest before reaching a large granite face and angling upwards towards the summit. At first, the trail skirts around the edge of the granite, climbing gently upward until you reach the tree line. As you exit the tree line, the trail disappears on the granite and you begin to climb up the side of Sentinel dome, gaining 100 feet in about a tenth of a mile. The climb is well worth it, however, as the views are spectacular.
Sentinel Dome to Taft Point
After a brief pause for photos and refreshments, the Yosemite Valley rim hike continues. We head back down the side of Sentinel Dome and turn left on the Pohono Trail towards Taft Point. The Pohono Trail runs the 13 miles from Tunnel View to Glacier Point along the eastern rim of Yosemite Valley. However, the distance between Sentinel Dome and Taft Point is only about 2.4 miles. You also have the option of continuing to Glacier Point instead of doing the loop to Taft Point, about a mile from the intersection.
We hike through the pine forest again, though this time the trees are covered in neon green algae that give them an almost fairy-tale look. Every now and then, there is a sneak peak of the grand view that awaits us at our lunch stop, an outcropping known as Roosevelt Point just off the trail that offers spectacular views of Yosemite Falls across the valley, as well as views towards El Capitan and the mouth of Yosemite.
Lunch is a turkey sandwich, sugar snap peas, and peanut M&Ms and as much water as I can force down. Even at 7,500 feet, the temps are in the mid-80s. And with little humidity, I feel like I can never quite get down enough water to sufficiently hydrate myself. This is an issue to be aware of when hiking in Yosemite National Park, or really anywhere arid. The National Park service recommends at least 3 liters of water per person per day when hiking, and more when on a strenuous hike. Today, I’m carrying a 2-liter camel back and another 16 oz bottle and wishing I had more. I suggest a heavy focus on hydration in the mornings and at night to help stay hydrated on the trail.
After lunch, the group continues towards Taft Point, crossing a snowmelt stream over a bridge made of a gigantic pine log. The pines stand tall, showing off their neon adornments and guiding us onwards. The trail leaves behind its relatively flat profile as it begins to climb up ridge towards Taft Point. Winding through the forest, the group clambers over fallen trees that haven’t yet been cleared since the snow melted enough to allow access only a few weeks ago.
Taft Point
Almost without warning, we emerge from the forest to see a spectacular granite expanse, dotted here and there with pines. To the right are the Fissures: deep and extremely thin crevices in the granite that seem a death trap if not for the signs warning of their presence. Directly in front of us, Taft Point juts out over the edge of Yosemite Valley. As we move closer, the full valley comes into view, and I am speechless all over again. This place is special. Yosemite National Park is special. There is nowhere else like it on Earth.
This is our last stop before heading back to the trailhead about a mile-and-a-half away, so the group spread out among the granite boulders, seeking shade and a cool drink. I can’t sit still, however. There are too many good photo opps, and I start to wander around, snapping photos until my SD card fills up. Finally satisfied, I sit down near my pack and attempt to finish off the rest of my water.
Parker Outside 