Pothole Dome

Pothole Dome sits at the west end of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, beside Tioga Road. A short loop combines a climb over the rounded granite dome with a walk along the Tuolumne River. From the top, you can look across the meadow to the surrounding mountains and canyons. The lower route passes river cascades, including the Secret Tuolumne River Cascade, where the water can form a clear pool suitable for a swim. The climb is manageable for families, though reaching the summit involves scrambling over rock.

The route over the dome

The loop is about 2.4 to 2.5 miles round trip, with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. It begins at the parking area beside Tioga Road and follows the base of the dome. The route across the rock is not clearly marked, and reaching the summit means scrambling rather than following a defined trail.

For a less steep ascent, walk clockwise from the west end of the parking area. At the first fork near the dome, the left-hand route climbs toward the top; the other branch follows the meadow edge toward the river. After the summit, head north to rejoin the riverside route, then follow it back toward the parking area.

Along the Tuolumne River

The lower part of the loop follows the Tuolumne River past a series of cascades. One small cascade can flow over a rocky rise and form a pool apart from the main river. The water there has been described as clearer and warmer than the nearby river, making it a place to pause for a picnic or swim when conditions permit.

On the return, look toward Cathedral Peak and the surrounding mountains. The route gives you both the open views from the dome and a closer look at the river landscape without a long climb.