Pothole Dome

Getting There

From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, head west on Tioga Road/ Hwy 120 towards Tenaya Lake. You'll only travel about 1 mile down the road until you see Tuolumne Meadows open up again on your right, and there will be a very large gravel pull out where you can park. Pothole Dome will be the prominent rock rising from the meadow. 

The "Hike"

Looking out at the meadow, continue west to your left and follow the parking area fence until you see the worn social path, which is obvious and you will take to the bottom of Pothole Dome. Abide by Leave No Trace and do not short cut across the meadow, as it is under restoration. Once you reach the bottom of Pothole Dome, simply walk up the granite slope! There are endless ways to get to the top and no path, so explore away (Just remember approximately where you came up so you can take the same social path back to the parking area). Check out the amphitheater near the top, and then head north to reach the very top of the dome and see even more of Yosemite's high country. 

Geology enthusiasts will love to see the glacial erratics all over Pothole Dome. Go at sunset to see Tuolumne Meadows under pink skies, and possibly glimpse deer eating their dinner in the meadow. Because this "hike" is so short, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views!