loop distance if combined Taft Pt & Sentinel

[capran]

Just getting started planning for Early September visit (first timer). In reading links I saw a mention that it is possible to combine Taft Pt and the Fissures and Sentinel Dome using part of the Pohono trail, rather than doing each (Taft and Sentinel) as an out and back (which NPS says is 2.2 miles each). Wondering if anyone knows the distance if done as a loop using pohono to connect, and also if there is a recommendation as to clockwise or counter clockwise for that "loop", even though looking at the topo it's not a true loop as it would include a short out and back up to the top of Sentinel Dome and also an out and back where Pohono connects to the Taft Point trail. Or should we just pick one, and if so, which one?

[balzaccom]

We've done exactly this. We prefer Sentinel Dome first, but it may depend on the time of day. It's all very easy hiking, and you may spend more time staring at the view from Sentinel Dome and Taft Point than you do actually hiking the trail. There is only one steep section, maybe 100 yards, dropping down into Taft Point.

If you do go to Sentinel Dome and then Taft Point, make sure that on your way back from Taft Point you don't miss the trail to the parking lot....or you'll add a bit of repeated distance to your hike!

[Phil]

All said and done on a loop, including any backtracking, is 6.7 miles. Unavoidable backtracking is about 1.6 of that: 0.6 at Taft/0.2 at Sentinel/0.8 on the Pohono back to the GP parking lot.