Adventure 092 - Climb a Rock

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 092 – Climb A Rock

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  July 3, 2012

Location: Glacier Point area, Yosemite

Description:
Prudential may want you to own a piece of the rock, but as a US Citizen, I already own a rock and the rock is called Sentinel Dome. This Dome is 8,122' above sea level and gives you a great view of all of central Yosemite. What more can you ask for?



JD Whitney in his book Geology, says that Opposite the Three Brothers is a prominent point, which … from its fancied likeness to a gigantic watch-tower is called “Sentinel Rock”. All other names derive from this original calling. The Native American guides would call this Dome, Loya or Olia the Spanish word for earth water-pot. And there are many water-weather scoured holes on top of the dome which would make you think this name would also be appropriate. Also early explorers would call Sentinel Dome, South Dome since it stands opposite from North Dome across the way in Yosemite Valley.

We find the climb up the Dome fascinating as you get to watch Yosemite Falls, El Capitan come into view. And of course, there is Half Dome, looming behind you. Once on top, you have a 360 degree view of Yosemite. From Yosemite Valley at your feet to El Capitan to the West, The Clark Range to East, with half Dome of course. As a treat you get to see Clouds Rest looking over Half Dome. To the South is only rolling mountains, which anyplace else would be noteworthy. To the North is Mt Hoffman dominating the skyline, along with North Dome.



See also Adventure 008, Hike 031.