North Dome
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The summit of North Dome is an exposed granite slab with steep drop-offs on multiple sides and no guardrails. Stay well back from edges, especially when the rock is wet — polished granite becomes dangerously slick after rain or morning dew.
There is no water source along this trail. Carry at least two liters per person, more on hot days. The exposed summit section offers zero shade, and afternoon temperatures on bare granite can be significantly hotter than the surrounding forest.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Park at the Porcupine Creek trailhead on Tioga Road (mile marker T-19) and start early — the small pullout lot fills by mid-morning on summer weekends, and there's no overflow option nearby.
The trail trends downhill on the way out, which means the return trip is the grind. Save more water and energy for the hike back than you think you'll need — that final uphill stretch through the forest feels twice as long with tired legs.
For the best photograph of Half Dome, continue past the North Dome summit about 100 yards to the eastern edge where the granite drops away. Late afternoon light hits Half Dome's face perfectly from this angle, and you'll have it mostly to yourself while day-hikers are already heading back.
