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- Taylor Dome
8,811 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Taylor Dome
Taylor Dome is an 8,811 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slope and Face: 4 mi, 1,340 ft of gain, Class 3.
Taylor Dome at a glance
- Elevation8,811 ft2,685 m
- RouteNorth Slope and FaceClass 3
- Distance4 mi1,340 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slope and Face
From Kernville, drive Mountain 99 north to Sherman Pass Road, turn onto Cherry Hill Road (22S12), then follow Big Meadow Road (22S07) to the Big Meadow trailhead just past South Manter. Cherry Hill Road is gated in winter and usually opens in May. Take the Big Meadow Trail about 1.3 miles to the saddle where it starts dropping, then go cross-country east along the north side of the ridge. The summit is the northern of the twin domes, and its summit block is a short, exposed Class 3 crack. Lichen makes the rock slick when wet.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rapid weather shifts
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Taylor Dome
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Taylor Dome?
Taylor Dome is 8,811 feet (2,685 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Taylor Dome?
The North Slope and Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 4 miles with 1,340 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Taylor Dome?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the North Slope and Face, covering 4 miles with 1,340 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Taylor Dome dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Taylor Dome?
It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the North Slope and Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Taylor Dome?
The usual climbing window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Taylor Dome with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list