Classic Yosemite Hike to North Dome and Indian Rock Arch

In Yosemite National Park exist quite a few popular trails. Some of them connect Tioga Road and Yosemite Valley. We chose one of them to "climb" North Dome - it's more a descent, the start at the parking on Tioga Road is about 500 ft higher than the actual summit. The hike is not to strenous and you get to see the typical Sierra landscape with its Pines and granite domes.
A highlight is the delicate Indian Rock Arch which spans about 15 ft - quite small compared to the ones in Arches National Park but unusual for a granite arch.

Easy hiking in great landscape to the nature miracle Indian Rock Arch


Start at Porcupine Flat Trailhead at Tiogoa Road. There you follow the iron signs that indicate the right path and mileage (11 miles return trip). The trail is easy (T2) and descends a little bit till it climbs again to the fork near Indian rock. There you go either uphill to the delicate and very attractive Indian Rock Arch (with attractive scrambling possiblies if you dare to cross it) or down to North Dome. One steeper and a little exposed part (T3) and the final short climb takes you to North Dome with nice views down the sacred valley or Half Dome.
Way back on the same trail or down to Yosemite Valley passing Yosemite Point and Falls, also described by RainiJacky.
A map of the trail is found here.