Mount Dana Trail

Mount Dana is Yosemite's second-highest peak at 13,061 feet, and the summit route starting at Tioga Pass is one of the most direct ways in the park to gain serious elevation on foot. This isn't a maintained trail with switchbacks — it's a boot-worn use path that climbs straight up the mountain's flank, gaining roughly 3,000 feet over about 5.3 miles round trip. Plan on a hard half-day out and back, not a casual stroll.

What to Expect

The trailhead sits across Highway 120 from the Gaylor Lakes parking area, right at the Tioga Pass entrance station. The first stretch crosses open alpine terrain with a little tree cover, then the shade disappears entirely for the rest of the climb. The final push to the summit is the steepest section, gaining over 1,000 feet in the last three-quarters of a mile over loose rock and talus.

Why Hike It

The payoff is a view that on a clear day reaches roughly 150 miles, from the Sierra crest and Mono Lake's alkaline waters some 5,500 feet below to the Central Valley in the west. Because the entire route sits above 10,000 feet, altitude affects most hikers here more than the mileage suggests — pace yourself, and watch for weather, since afternoon thunderstorms build fast at this elevation with zero cover on the ridge.

Good to Know

• The Tioga Pass trailhead already sits near 9,945 feet, so give yourself time to acclimatize before starting.
• There's no maintained trail or switchbacks — footing is loose and uneven for much of the route.
• Only accessible while Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) is open, typically summer through early fall before seasonal snow closures.