Yosemite National Park is well known for its iconic and dramatic peaks, including the famous Half Dome and El Capitan summits that can only be reached with hard-to-get hiking and climbing permits.
The Half Dome cables is one of the most sought after permits in the National Park System. Out of over 30,000 pre-season applicants, only about 20% are successfully awarded a permit.
While these bucket-list summits are popular for a reason, there are plenty of other accessible viewpoints that you can reach without a permit that will give you amazing views of the park.
Sentinel Dome
At only 2.2 miles out-and-back, Sentinel Dome is one of the most accessible peaks in Yosemite Valley. The over 400 feet elevation gain is rated as moderately challenging, and offers amazing views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.
This trail is accessed from Glacier Point road and leads mostly across open granite with little shade, so be sure to bring your water bottle.
This is a great sunrise or sunset option, since the hike back to the parking lot is quick and easy.
Eagle Peak
Starting from the Yosemite Falls trailhead, climb up to Upper Yosemite Falls and then go even farther to reach the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley.
Eagle Peak is an out-and-back trail totals 11.5 miles with over 4,000 ft elevation gain and is generally considered a challenging route. The average trail time is about 8.5 hours and is possible as a day hike, but there are opportunities for backpacking along the way for those with a wilderness permit.
From the top of Eagle Peak, you get expansive views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and the high country. John Muir considered the view from the summit to be “most comprehensive of all the views” available from the north wall.
Clouds Rest
Definitely the most intense climb on our list, Clouds Rest sits about 1,000 feet above Half Dome and follows much of the same path. Beginning from the Mist Trail trailhead, the hike takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls and up to Little Yosemite Valley, where there is a backpacker campground (which does require a camping permit).
Many hikers recommend applying for a camping permit to break up the hike to Clouds Rest, as the trek is a strenuous 18 miles with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain.
From Little Yosemite Valley, the hike to Half Dome and Clouds Rest share a trail for a few miles until Half Dome splits off. Those who continue to Clouds Rest are met with panoramic views of Tenaya Lake, Half Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Sentinel Dome, North Dome and bits of Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan.
HIking this trail is a great option for backpackers who snagged a camping permit but not one for Half Dome, ambitious hikers who want to stay extra days in the backcountry and complete both Half Dome and Clouds Rest, and day-hikers training for more intense peaks such as Mount Whitney.
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