Pothole Dome

The Pothole dome is a short easy trail. Total distance is about 2.5 mile, elevation gain is about 200 feet. The trailhead parking is right along the Tioga Road (T18 if you looks for Road mark). The Parking lot can hold about a dozen cars. The trail is better to be hiked clockwise. It starts at the west end of the parking lot, a big curve to the foot of the Dome. There is no clear path to the top of the dome, but most people will start to climb when they meet the first fork , left side leads you to the top of Dome, it is less steep. The right fork leads along the edge of the meadow to the Tuolumne River. Once you climb to the top, and plan to descend the dome, you just head straight North, you will reach the trail along the river. Follow the trail and the water sound, you reach the Secret Tuolumne River Cascade. It is a picturesque cascade and a good swimming pit. Once you are done with the cascade, you can follow the trail between the river and dome, and return to the parking lot in a mile. Be sure to check the Cathedral Peak and other surrounding mountains along the return path.

Definitely one of best views of all the hikes we did in Yosemite. It’s not very long so you get an beautiful view that most everyone can do. On top you get amazing 360° views of the mountains and canyons. This is must do hike.

One of the most beautiful areas of Yosemite but you have to stroll up to the top for the view.

Great hike. Short uphill hike to the top of the some , with beautiful 360 views . Favorite hike I've had in Yosemite

Absolutely stunning 360 views. Easy hike to the top and hardly any other people there!

A giant rock

트레일을 따라 가다 보면 경사가 완만한 곳이 나와 쉽게 정상까지 오를 수 있습니다. 어렵지 않고 오르는 재미가 있습니다. 저는 그렇게 하지 못했지만, 지나가는 어떤 사람이 경사가 급한 곳으로 성큼성큼 올라가는 것을 봤습니다. 정상에서 주변을 구경하는 것고 좋고, 8월의 후반 더운 시기임에도 정상에 오르니 아주 시원한 바람이 부는 것이 좋았습니다. 어떤 가족은 어린 아이를 데리고 오르기도 했습니다.

Pothole Dome is a great hike for kids. Like Lembert Dome nearby, Pothole Dome is a roche mountonee, a dome shaped by the overlying glacier. It has a steep side and a more gentle side. A trail takes you from the road through the meadow and then sort of disappears to let you scramble up.

This is a fun hike for the family just outside of Tuolumne Meadows. You can park right next to the trailhead and even scramble up the dome if you're feeling the "vibe". Or you can walk around the meadows on the trail, which is what 98% of most people do. You can walk around to the lip and start to climb up the dome where you will be able to view the mountains, Tuolumne Meadows, and the Tuolumne River. As you reach the top of Pothole Dome, the scenery gets better and better. Picture time! If you keep hiking on the mountaintop (Northward) you can walk all the way to the top of another mountain, which is even taller and has better views. Most only hike to the top of Pothole Dome, but there are other mountains and areas to explore. You can even make your way down to the river. I will definitely do this again with family!