Fresno Dome, Granite dome in Madera County, California.

Fresno Dome is a bare granite dome in the Sierra National Forest, Madera County, California. The rounded rock rises above a forest of pines and firs, with a broad, open summit that gives a wide view in all directions.

The Mono Indians knew Fresno Dome as "the greeting place" (wah-me-yelo). John Muir encountered it in the 1870s, called it "Wamello", and used its summit to locate Fresno Grove, now Nelder Grove. The surrounding forest later came under federal protection as part of the Sierra National Forest, established in 1893.

The Mono Indians knew the dome as "wah-me-yelo", the greeting place. John Muir encountered it in the 1870s, called it "Wamello", and used its summit to locate Fresno Grove, now Nelder Grove. The name Fresno itself refers to the ash tree.

The trailhead is reached via the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, and the walk to the summit takes a couple of hours at an easy pace. The final stretch crosses open granite with no marked path, so sturdy shoes with good grip are a good idea.

Unlike many granite domes in the Sierra Nevada that require ropes and gear, Fresno Dome can be reached on foot without any climbing equipment. On a clear day, the open summit offers a view that reaches as far as the peaks above Yosemite Valley.