The trail does not feature kilometres of steep switchbacking trail. Rather, it begins with crossing a stream via a bridge and gradually climbs the slope on a granite floor within a pine forest. Runners exit the gradually climbing trail through the forest and meet the base of the exposed dome.

The turnaround point is the summit of Sentinel Dome. Runners ought to take in the spectacular view before turning heels and cascading back downwards through the forest to Glacier Point Road. This trail run is an amazingly pleasant way to take in much of the Yosemite Valley—Half Dome, El Capitan, North Dome, the plethora of waterfalls, and the summit of one of the park’s great domes.