North Dome - Yosemite National Park - US Trip 2006

North Dome is an absolutely stunning rock formation that gives you amazing views across the Yosemite valley to the infamous Half Dome. Although this is not a major 'to do' peak, it has got to be one of the best in the park and should be completed by all seasoned day hikers.

The trail head was a short drive down the road from Porcupine Flats, so after sorting out 2 weeks of disgusting filthy dirty clothing, we headed out in search of a sunset from hell and hopefully a breathtaking view of Half Dome. There were a few cars in the car park but we soon realised that there were hardly any people on this trail at all which led for an even more enjoyable experience. The trail was not technically difficult and was reasonably flat with only a few slight gradients and took us through a fantastic pine forest which after dark, was more akin to the Blair Witch project. After several miles we reached what we class as a 'false summit' which although provides you with fantasic views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest is not even close to the spectacular view you will be rewarded with if you continue onwards down a set of zig zags and upwards to the exposed summit of North Dome.

Ohhhh myyyy Gooddddd.. the views across the valley were spectacular and the near vertical drops mindblowing. The sun had just started to set and North Domes sheer face glowed like a beacon in the distance. This produced a range of different colours that we had not seen in the park before. On the way back we took a short detour to a really interesting geological formation called ‘Indian Rock’ a small arch thats sits at a prominaent elevation and provides you with a picture frame of the entire valley.From here it was a leisurely stroll back to the car and then a short drive back to an icey campground. Remember, this is September and you are at nearly 8,000ft so be prepared for the cold. The fire got lit first of all and that generated welcomed heat before we tooked into a couple of chilled lagers and an apple pie.

Word of warning if you do decide to ever stay at Porcupine Flats.. Its an official but somewhat wilderness campground. It does has primitive drop toilets but no tap water (carry water in or boil/ purify the stream water). You can only collect dead wood (so dont start hacking trees down) and remember its a long way to the nearest shop (which has limted foodstuff).... just be prepared. Also watch out for things that go bumph in the night.. namely black bears trying to rip your tent to shreds.. do the right thing and store literally everything in the metal lockers provided on each camp site... A fed bear is a dead bear.. or should i say.. a hungry bear can equal a dead tourist..

Thanks for reading.... Olly..