One of the most photographed trees in the world was made famous by photographers Ansel Adams (in 1940) and Carleton Watkins (in 1867). The iconic Jeffrey Pine once resided on top of Sentinel Dome in Yosemite National Park. Unfortunately, the tree died after a severe drought in 1976-77. The “skeleton” of the tree was standing for decades until it fell sometime in August 2003 after a series of severe storms.
Yosemite National Park is located in California’s western Sierra Nevada.
Life of a Gnarled Pine
This tree became an icon of Yosemite is partially due to its improbable location; it grew out of the cracks on top of a granite dome. That location caused it to be shaped by wind and weather. Park rangers say that the tree was around 400 years old, was 12 feet tall and the seed was probably dropped by a bird, and it germinated in a crack in the granite.
Sentinel Dome is the second highest point on the rim of Yosemite Valley. It was named due to its likeness to a watchtower. The US Geological Survey marker was placed atop the Dome in 1905 and records the elevation as 8117 ft above sea level.
The Jeffrey Pine is a species of North American pine tree that is mainly found in California but also in western Nevada, southwestern Oregon and northern Baja California. It was named in honor of the botanist John Jeffrey who first documented the species. These pine trees closely resemble Ponderosa pines and have a lovely vanilla-scented bark.
Death of an Icon
During the severe drought in 1976-77 which was the tree’s downfall, park rangers and visitors tried to save the tree by carrying buckets of water up the Dome to it but to no avail. Even after it’s death, it’s wind-battered, gnarled skeleton was still visited and photographed.
After a series of severe storms in August 2003, the dead trunk of the Jeffrey Pine broke off leaving the main stump. In keeping with the National Park Service’s principles, the remaining stump will be allowed to disintegrate over time. The tree’s life, death, and fall are part of a natural process.
Most of the upright portions of the tree are gone but visitors continue to photograph it. The views from Sentinel Dome are spectacular as you can see up and down Yosemite Valley and into the backcountry. It is certainly well worth the visit.
How to Visit
The tree is nothing but a stump, but it is still visited and photographed and the hike and 360-degree views from the top of Sentinel Dome are phenomenal. I highly recommend taking the hike to the top of Sentinel Dome and paying your respects to the tree stump that once was one of the most photographed trees in the world.
The Sentinel Dome Trail is located in the Glacier Point portion of the park. It’s a 2.2 mile (round trip) out and back “moderate” hike. This link has a full description on how to get to the trailhead and the particulars of the hike. Yosemite National Park – Sentinel Dome Hike – Just Go Travel Studios
Sentinel Dome can be seen from Tunnel View. In the picture below, the Dome is indicated with a red arrow.
Sources
45 Historical Sites That No Longer Exist — Best Life (bestlifeonline.com)
Yosemite landmark falls / Sentinel Dome’s oft-photographed Jeffrey pine topples (sfgate.com)