Indian Arch

Indian Arch is a small, easy-to-miss oddity in a park built around giant domes and waterfalls: it's the only known natural arch in Yosemite, and one of just a handful of granite arches anywhere in the Sierra Nevada. Most arches form where wind and water wear away softer sedimentary rock; a granite arch needs the stone underneath to fracture and fall away instead, which is part of why this one is so unusual. It spans roughly 15 to 20 feet — not a landmark that dominates from a distance, but a striking spot to stand under, with Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome laid out below.

Getting There

The arch sits on Indian Ridge, reached from the Porcupine Creek Trailhead on Tioga Road. Most hikers fold it into the longer North Dome day hike, following the North Dome Trail before branching onto a short, steep spur signed for "Indian Rock." Combined with North Dome, the round trip runs close to 10 miles with roughly 2,100 feet of elevation gain — a full-day, strenuous outing, not a quick detour.

What to Expect

• Open granite slabs and some scrambling right at the arch — solid footwear matters more than technical gear.
• Wide views of Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and Yosemite Valley from the ridge.
• No railing or barrier at the arch itself, so watch footing on the granite and keep kids close.
• Far fewer people than the Valley floor trails; this feels like backcountry even though it's a day hike.

Tioga Road is seasonal and typically closed by snow from around November into late May or June — confirm current road status with the park before you plan around it.