Mount Dana

There's something special about the landscape that Yosemite National Park offers, and the scenery around Mount Dana is no different.

The trail begins at the Tioga Gate entrance to Yosemite with the trailhead at the north end of the small parking lot south of the gate. It winds through the ponds, streams, and meadows of Dana Meadows. You'll start gaining elevation once out of the meadows until you get to a plateau beneath the last 1000 feet to the summit. At this point you'll already start getting some views of the lakes to the west.

The trail leading up to the summit is pretty well marked by cairns, but takes a bit of effort to ensure you don't stray off as everything is just a big ol' boulder field. Remember that you are at a pretty high elevation and that any light-headedness or nausea shouldn't be taken lightly. Remember to take your time.

Once at the summit, you'll have all of Yosemite National Park to the southwest, and Mono lake and Nevada to the east. It's pretty spectacular, especially if you're not used to the rolling terrain that the Sierra Nevada presents. I've been on top of many mountains, and while it's not the most elevation I've ever gained, it was definitely an accomplishment for me to get to the top of Mount Dana in the short time I had in Yosemite.