Pothole Dome
A short granite-dome hike above Tuolumne Meadows with broad views across the meadow and surrounding high Sierra.
Route overview
Walk from the parking area and climb the open granite dome for expansive meadow views.
Pothole Dome is a compact introduction to Yosemite’s high-country granite. The route begins beside Tioga Road, crosses open terrain and finishes with a straightforward scramble onto the dome. Although short, the exposed granite and high elevation make weather awareness important.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California
- Distance
- 1.6 km round-trip
- Typical duration
- 45–75 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- 60 m
- Best season
- July to October, when Tioga Road and the trail are open and snow-free
- Trail type
- Out-and-back dome walk
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No wilderness permit for a normal day hike; check current park entry and road requirements
Safety context
Stay off the dome during thunderstorms; granite can become dangerously slick when wet or icy Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Stay off the dome during thunderstorms; granite can become dangerously slick when wet or icy
Highlights
Tuolumne Meadows, open granite, high-Sierra skyline, short summit experience
Why find a buddy
Useful for less-experienced hikers who want company on exposed granite and help judging weather
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.