Pohono Loop Trail - Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls from the Pohono Loop Trail

This week we celebrate Yosemite National Park’s 131st birthday, and next week the park opens back up to the public without reservations needed. Fall in Yosemite is one of my favorite seasons (my first visit here was on a crisp October day many years ago), and today we’re visiting one of my all-time favorite trails…join me for a hike along the Pohono Loop Trail.

Cliff top along the Pohono Loop Trail with El Capitan in the distance

Panoramic views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls from Sentinel Dome

About the Hike

The Pohono Trail is one of Yosemite’s incredibly rewarding yet extremely strenuous day hikes. Just one way the full Pohono Trail covers 13 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation change…however, the Pohono Loop Trail covers just a 5 mile section of the full trail from Sentinel Dome to Taft Point. A major bonus for the hike is that it starts & ends at the same trailhead/parking area (unlike the full 13 mile Pohono Trail). It’s important to note that Glacier Point Road (which leads to the trailhead) will be closed for major road construction next year, so now is the perfect time to hit up this hike…so let’s go!

Sentinel Dome

This loop hike can be done in either direction, but my preference is to start by heading to Sentinel Dome first. Heading northeast from the trailhead, it’s just over one mile and 400 feet in elevation to the base of Sentinel Dome. Then a short scramble will lead you to one of the most incredible 360º views in all of Yosemite. This is one of the most exposed spots in the park, so always check weather forecast before heading out…and if you see storm clouds coming it’s best to move down from this spot swiftly. For detailed information on Sentinel Dome, see my full blog post and YouTube video here.

Roosevelt Point

This is probably my favorite section of the hike. You will encounter the fewest people and truly feel like you’re stepping into Yosemite’s back country (without the strenuous multi-day backpacking journey). Along this trail you get multiple unique views of Yosemite Falls and El Capitan from incredible cliff top overlooks. In under one mile you reach Roosevelt Point, which opens up to the valley below. In Spring you get a unique prospective of Sentinel Falls (this incredible waterfall consists of 6 major drops totaling nearly 2,000 feet, but it’s often overlooked for some of Yosemite’s more famous waterfalls). For more from Roosevelt Point, see this blog post.

Sentinel Falls seen from Roosevelt Point

Taft Point

The next 2 miles lead to Taft Point as you leave the the exposed shear cliffs for the forest and tall trees. You gain over 400 feet along this section of the trail, but there are several shaded areas you can take a break and enjoy a snack out of the direct sun. The last 1/2 mile of this section meets up with the Taft Point Trail, and this is when you’ll reconnect with those hikers. Taft Point is a favorite sunset spot and its giant fissures are a must see. For full details on this area see my full Taft Point blog post & YouTube video here.

Taft Point with views of El Capitan and the Yosemite Valley

Trailhead

The last section of this loop leads back to the trailhead and parking area in just over a mile and 300 feet in elevation gain. This Pohono Loop Trail is far less taxing than the full Pohono Trail at just over 5 miles, but you’ll absolutely feel like you’ve gotten a good hike in by the time you reach your car. Depending on your skill level, this hike can be completed as a half day hike…but I’d encourage you to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy every overlook as well as the beauty along the way (I’ve seen mountain quail, mule deer & black bears along this loop).

Views of El Capitan from cliff top edges near Roosevelt Point

Know Before You Go

• This loop is only safe to hike during the Spring to Fall months (think around May to October). Once there’s snow on the ground, slick icy areas and covered trails would make this a very unsafe trail.

• In the Spring water levels may still be high and you may have a muddy hike with the stream crossing that will get your feet wet. Downed trees from Winter storms cover parts of the trail as well.

• Always plan ahead…check the NPS website and weather before heading out and take reliable GPS directions/map with you (I’ve led lost parties back to the trailhead more than once here). And it should go without saying, but always bring plenty of water (and snacks) when hiking.

• Glacier Point Road is scheduled to be closed all of 2022 for major road work, and this hike will be extremely challenging to reach from the strenuous Four Mile Trail or via the full Pohono Trail all the way from Tunnel View.

• Please be considerate of the Leave No Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

• Glacier Point Road closes for Winter, but skilled cross country skiers can still enjoy the area in the Winter months.

Yosemite Points of Interest

• Firefall
• Sentinel Dome
• Taft Point
• Roosevelt Point
• Glacier Point
• Yosemite Valley
• Tunnel View
• Lower Yosemite Falls
• Cooks Meadow/Lower Falls Loop
• Pioneer Yosemite History Center
• Wawona Swinging Bridge
• Tioga Pass
• Mammoth Lakes
• Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me in Yosemite this week. For a virtual visit along this trail make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video below…and until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!

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