Turtleback Dome

From the top of Turtleback Dome the view is very much like Tunnel View.

Plan Around Turtleback Dome

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Turtleback Dome Details

From the top of Turtleback Dome the view is very much like Tunnel View; however, it's a far more peaceful and less-crowded experience. This section of the park demonstrates an erosional process known as "exfoliation" which results in the granite layers becoming exposed and breaking along parallel lines. Many of the domes in Yosemite were formed through a similar process, such as Half Dome and North Dome. The dome can be reached by an easy, short hike up the access road. Check out Turtleback Dome on [Yosemite Conservancy's web cam](http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/webcams/view-turtleback-dome). Roadside marker: W3

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

1.3 miles

Estimated time

40 minutes

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Turtleback Dome

Compare nearby parks around Turtleback Dome when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Turtleback Dome

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Turtleback Dome while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Turtleback Dome (W3)

At the top, you'll enjoy a stunning view of El Capitan and Half Dome without the crowds of Tunnel View.

0.6 mi away

Cascade Falls (M1)

This waterfall begins as a series of waterfalls tumbling through dense forest before plunging 500 feet into the Merced River.

0.6 mi away

Cascades Picnic Area

A popular picnic area near the Cascades waterfalls.

0.7 mi away

Old Coulterville Road (M2)

This road was one of the first pathways into Yosemite and has a lot of interesting history.

0.7 mi away

Wawona Tunnel

The longest tunnel in California that was bored through solid granite bedrock and travels through a granite mountain.