Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake is a 13 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Clouds Rest hike of the Yosemite National Park is not as popular as the other hikes like the Half Dome. The hardest part at the summit is making the effort and deciding it’s probably time to make the long hike back! We did this in September and snow had began to settle already, so having gear for cold conditions is highly recommended. We summited Cloud ‘s Rest in about 3.5 hours and several stops along the way to rest and take in the views. If there is any threat of thunderstorms, get off of the summit and head for lower ground. This is the first really great view from the trail and a good place to stop for a break if you need to. A hike in from Tioga Road to the north makes for a more reasonable day hike through some beautiful wilderness scenery. It’s a windy road though so it will probably take at least 1 hour 15 to get to. Unauthorized public or commercial use of any of the images or text on this website without explicit permission is strictly forbidden. Late spring through early fall is the best time of year to hike to the peak of Clouds Rest. Otherwise it's a mostly downhill return hike to Sunrise Trailhead. The lake is about the midway point of the hike, and offers a little more flat ground before it is uphill all the way to the top! Few peak-bagging efforts begin with a photographing frenzy, but this 6-mile hike to Clouds Rest starts right off with can't miss photo-ops. Read next: Sentinel Dome - Yosemite’s hidden gem, The view before you get to the ridge near the summit of Clouds Rest, Read next: 16 mistakes you will want to avoid in Yosemite. If you make it the whole way the satisfaction will be on another level. The Clouds Rest summit offers outstanding views, looking down on Half Dome - a place which is over 8839ft tall, Clouds Rest is over 1000ft taller It’s the perfect place to have lunch and explore. :-). The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from March until October. It is truly one of the best views in the whole of Yosemite (which is a competitive field!). If the hike does not deter you, you will be rewarded with epic views on a knife-edge ridge of rock known as an arête. Clouds Rest has a thin peak formed as the result of erosion with the height of 9,926 feet (3,025 m). The main advantage of Clouds Rest is its proximity to the valley and great 360-degree views of the park. However, the hard work is worth it. You can use the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass to get into Yosemite (US80 per annum). The Clouds Rest Trail winds its way through wildflower-covered meadows, forests and rocks before it starts the steep switchbacking (at times stair step) climb. Of course we’d always say do both if you can : ). In all directions we were in awe, and never felt any fear. Use caution when along the upper portion of the trail if there is snow or ice. (Rocks have been put in place to help with the stream crossing, but in spring melt conditions, you are still likely to get your feet wet.) Roughly 2000-feet of elevation gain in two separate pushes with a 400-ft descent in between. The truth is that the ridge here is breathtaking. This may feel like a welcome break, but it’s a debt you’ll have to pay on the way back! For the excitement factor, Half Dome wins in the sense that it has the cables and - love them or hate them - they certainly get everyone’s heartbeat going. Interestingly, we met very few that wanted to hike El Capitan, which is pretty surprising given how iconic it is. If you do not have the Half Dome permit but you still want to witness the great views and in fact look down upon the Half Dome , Clouds Rest hike (from Yosemite Valley) is THE hike for you. Edit: Accomplished the hike! Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. All Rights Reserved. The next year we went back, and hiked up Cloud's Rest from the trailhead at the west end of Tenaya Lake.The top is really fun---s sort of easy scramble on big pillow-sized boulders. After the lake, you head back into the forest and uphill again. Just south of the high point are several nice spots to relax and take in the view with the profile of Half Dome and the Subdome standing prominently in the distance. Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. If you prefer a quieter hike with a truly spectacular summit - or don’t want to take on the somewhat dangerous cables - then go for Clouds Rest. Behold: an endless mid-angle slab climb of truly epic proportions! Second it’s very long and thirdly it’s very steep - especially at the start of the trail. It made us out of breath and pretty lethargic. The trail starts at 8,150ft, which may not seem so high at first, but it really kicks in when you start climbing. As you reach the south side of the meadow, the trail begins another 1000-foot ascent and after the next junction, the trail turns west to head for the Clouds Rest ridgeline. Sunrise Mountain can be seen prominently to the east. Do not push yourself beyond your limit.) Started from the sunrise trailhead in CA-120 at 6:30 am and hiked up to cloud's rest. View, Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, just south of Tenaya Lake, 7-10 hours to summit of Clouds Rest and back. Clouds Rest is at a higher elevation, so we felt more breathless at first, but otherwise it is significantly shorter and easier than Half Dome. The final push up the narrow and exposed ridgeline is a thrilling experience. Marcus and I took on the hard way of hiking Clouds rest in our attempt to get to the top. I would freak myself out one night before the hike looking at you tube videos :). This is Yosemite glacial geology at its finest. Soon enough we have our first big push of the hike as the trail ascends roughly 1000 feet to gain the ridgeline east of Tenaya Canyon. Are you planning a trip to Yosemite? Starting at Sunrise car park by Tenaya Lake, the trail heads straight into the forest before coming to a riverbed. Miles: 12.5 miles round trip; Trip length: 10-12 hours; Difficulty: Strenuous; Altitude: 9,926 feet. Clouds Rest is a mountain located in Yosemite National Park, northeast of Yosemite Village. Check out on REI or Amazon, This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. The trailhead is just under 50 miles from Yosemite Valley, along the Tioga Pass Road. Luckily we realised our mistake quickly, when people are talking about the easier route on the left they just mean to the left side of the ridge, not left at the start of the ridge. On Half Dome you only need to look at our pictures to see the crowds that flock to this iconic track. Hiking Time: 4-6 hours; Location: Tioga Road, at the Porcupine Creek trailhead lot; Best hiked in late summer or early fall, this trail gives you one-of-a-kind views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest. 1 1 11. comments. Check them out on REI or Amazon, Icebreaker Base Layer: What we always wear in the winter and makes a huge difference for keeping warm. The remaining 40 percent are available on a first-come, first-served basis no earlier than 11 am the day before your hike begins as long as permits are available. The lake which marks roughly half way on the Clouds Rest hike. Having hiked both Clouds Rest and Half Dome (although we couldn’t get all the way up the cables after finding it too scary! That’s the reason why it’s one of the most popular hikes in the park - the stellar views that make you feel like you’re towering above giants like Half Dome and El Capitan. Otherwise it will cost $35 for entry with a car, $30 for a motorbike or $20 per person on foot or bike for 7 days. I am afraid of heights. We hiked up Half Dome in 2006 and I kept looking over at Cloud's Rest. Our campsite was just a short walk away from Clouds Rest After setting up camp, we hiked about 5 minutes back out to Clouds Rest to enjoy the sunset and a little bit of whiskey. Any tips? The final half-mile stretch to the summit is simply spectacular as you ascend a narrow ridgeline of granite slabs with tall drops on both sides. This helps towards the costs of running our website. To be closer you could camp at Tuolomne Meadows, here’s our guide to camping in Yosemite to help you with booking. At about 2.5 miles, you'll reach an intersection with the Sunrise Lakes Trail that heads off to the east. So overall, we’d say if you’re looking for adventure and a scenic track, and don’t mind the less beautiful summit, go for Half Dome. After that it steepens again - but never close to the first climb - and you’ll see the trees begin to thin out and realise that you’re not so far away from the top now! The Cactus to Clouds hike should only be attempted by the very experienced and very fit hiker, and only under the right conditions. It’s not awful but it is tiring after all you’ve already done! While it is possible to hike from Yosemite Valley up to the summit of Clouds Rest, the strenuousness of the 16-mile round trip with 6000' of elevation gain will discourage all but the strongest hikers. The trail starts at 8,150' and the summits "only" top out at 9,926' (Clouds Rest) and 8,839' (Half Dome), but twice you'll fall to below 7,000' on the JMT between the peaks. Winds increasing (calm on Sun afternoon, fresh winds from the WSW by Mon night). This is an awesome hike. It’s actually a sprawling area so you could spend quite a while up there. It won’t take you more than 5 min to get along the spine and reach the very top. Enjoy the views of Half Dome and the Valley from the top of Cloud’s Rest before heading back down. In late summer it’s easy to skip across the meager trickle of water, but during wet peri… Spent an hour there. The air is thinner here than the valley floor, so you feel breathless a lot more. The Clouds Rest hike is one of the hardest in Yosemite for a few reasons. Second it’s very long and thirdly it’s very steep - especially at the start of the trail. Clouds Rest hike - a complete guide on what to expect, The 16 Best Hikes in Yosemite (and yes we did them all! It’s pretty wide. (While the exposure might not be considered perilous, it can definitely be intimidating to those with a fear of heights. Video and Turn by Turn Directions for the Clouds Rest Hike; Parking and Trailhead for Clouds Rest; Gear Recommendations and What to Expect on the Hike; Clouds Rest Trail Maps; Total Distance: 12.5 miles (20.1 km) Hike Time: 6-8 Hours (Total) Difficulty : Hard: Total Ascent : 3,260 feet (994m) Highest Elevation: 9,926 feet (3025m) Fees & Permits: Park Entry Fee Cloud's Rest is just about my favorite Yosemite hike. You will feel the strain on the trail is rewarded at the end. You can summit Cloud’s Rest on a day hike but it’s most spectacular as an overnighter, which we did after backpacking in from Sunrise Lakes. The ridge is wide, has a lot of grip and is actually the kind of section of trail we love! We got less breathless from this point on which was a welcome relief! Sunrise Trailhead: 8151' Clouds Rest summit: 9931' Seasons: With an elevation over 1000 higher than Half Dome and massive bare walls that slope thousands of feet down into Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest is an impressive peak that can be seen from all over the park, including Tunnel View and Olmsted Point. We did do this hike last year so I've experienced that mileage/elevation gain, but there was no snow at the time. (Early in the season, there may be a few spots where your feet may get wet.). Although there are many peaks in the park having far greater elevation, Clouds Rest's proximity to the valley gives it a very high degree of visual prominence. You’ll have a slight downhill and then just over a mile of flat walking before the steep ascent begins. At the saddle and junction with the trail to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, continue south as the trail starts its descent into a forested meadow. This guide gives you all the info you need to do this incredible hike safely. Starting in Yosemite's High Country, this trail will take you to the top of Clouds Rest (10,000ft) and to the top of Half Dome (9,000ft). 4 min read. save. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. – Troy S. They said to take our time, think it through and take the path to the left. The plan was to hike about 6.5 miles to the Clouds Rest Junction, camp there for the night and climb Half Dome early next morning. Get an early start and drive the Tioga Road to the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead in the dark, trying to arrive before sunrise. This stretch of trail has a lot of intricate old tail work (steps, etc.) You will pass two trail junctions very early in the hike; make sure you follow the signs to Cloud Rest and or Sunrise High Sierra Camp. This will be your first dose of the thin air and we really struggled! The elevation definitely plays a factor in difficulty and helps keep away the crowds. When it comes to the crowds, Clouds Rest - whilst still popular - is much quieter than Half Dome. NOTE: There is an old alternate trail that wanders around the east side of Clouds Rest avoiding the actual summit, although it may be a bit washed out and hard to follow in parts. Most emails are boring, ours aren’t! After all, everyone wants to look at Half Dome, which you clearly can’t do when you’re standing on it. We started from the Tenaya Lake trailhead and had no problem finding a parking place early morning. Thinking about doing this hike around August 3rd! The trails passes through meadows and forests, but expect to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail. After a stiff climb you’ll reach the top of the hump and start descending. Updates in: hr min s. Update imminent Choose Forecast Elevation: Elevation: 3025 m; 2500 m; 1500 m : Clouds Rest Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. If you plan to take on one of Yosemite’s big hikes, chances are you have Half Dome or Clouds Rest on your list. Admiring Half Dome from the Clouds Rest summit. Heading towards Clouds Rest will take you down about 300 feet. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are pleasant and mostly level as the trail wanders south through the forested landscape of rolling granite formations. With Half Dome you may or you may not get to the summit, as around 30% of people hiking on our day didn’t get up the cables due to fear of slipping on the smooth granite (and the fact a woman had tragically fallen to her death two weeks before which had everyone rattled). Along the way you will get 360 degree views of never ending granite, hike through high elevation forests, and cool off as you pass the Merced River on the Mist Trail. You have probably seen a video like this: and are worried about your acrophobia kicking in on top of the ridge. Geography. ), The 23 best things to do in Banff for an unforgettable trip, Sentinel Dome Trail - Yosemite's best kept secret, The Lembert Dome hike - one of the best trails in the Tuolomne Meadows, The El Capitan Hike - how to walk to the top of Yosemite's icon, 14 Things No One Tells You About the Half Dome Hike, Upper Yosemite Falls hike - a stair master with epic views, 14 Things no one tells you about camping in Yosemite, The dream two day Yosemite itinerary for hikers, One day in Yosemite - the perfect itinerary and tips, 15 Yosemite photography spots to get the best views in the park, The North Dome hike - epic views on one of Yosemite's quietest trails, 16 Big mistakes to avoid in Yosemite National Park. Would you take on the altitude on the Cloud Rest hike? Check out REI or Amazon. Once the trail hits the first exposed teaser view down into Tenaya Canyon, the effort will all seem worth it. Have you done both and have an opinion on which is better? ), we can tell you that - contrary to what most people say - we think the Half Dome hike is actually more impressive. The trailhead for Clouds Rest is at Sunshine at Tenaya Lake. Check them out on REI or Amazon. Then the soul destroying climb begins. If you are lucky enough to be doing a one-way through hike, it's another 8 miles and 6000' descent to the floor of Yosemite Valley. The ridgeline at the very top of Clouds Rest is very narrow and … although much of it has crumbled over time. The road is closed due to snow for part of the year making hiking from Tenaya Lake impossible, we have more details in this post on visiting Yosemite in fall. It was beginning to sound like the Half Dome Cables and more than a little intimidating. For the most part we were hiking on our own. It's the worthwhile destination of this hike, but the entire day is spectacular. At this elevation, most people will feel somewhat out of breath from the constant uphill; take it easy and know that you are almost there! The Clouds Rest hike is one of the hardest in Yosemite for a few reasons. Sign up below to receive stories and tips from Walk My World. However, Half Dome needs a permit which has to be obtained via a lottery. However, thankfully it was nothing like that! It is more varied, with more to see for most of the hike. The area is beautiful with views of Sunrise Peak, water crossings, and lots of plants and trees. Issued: 3am Sat 19 Dec Local Time. We did choose the path to the left on the way there as that was what we were advised but on the way back we went straight down the middle and it wasn’t difficult at all. VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! Clouds Rest hike Clouds Rest hike stats. The path will keep going downhill and then undulate (much more gently than the first climb) before you reach a lake. Close. Share. So I took the shuttle to Happy Isles , where the JMT trail head is, filled up my Platypus, applied sunscreen and started the long adventure. We recommend starting early so you’re not in a rush. Check on Amazon, REI or direct with Osprey, Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). Extra parking can be found along the sides of the road but look out for any "no parking here" signs. We begin our trek along the shores of beautiful Tenaya Lake at an already high elevation of 8149 feet. Clouds Rest is a towering summit ridge that looks down on Half Dome and the spectacular Yosemite Valley. Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Strenuous day hike: Access: Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, just south of Tenaya Lake: Time Required: 7-10 hours to summit of Clouds Rest and back: Length: 13 miles to Clouds Rest and back: Elevation Change: Roughly 2000-feet of elevation gain in two separate pushes with a 400-ft descent in between. The Sunrise Trailhead is located along Tioga Road, roughly 1.4 miles east of Olmsted Point at the south end of Tenaya Lake. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. We didn’t see a single person who wasn’t able to finish it, so don’t be deterred! Those photos look awesome, but given that I don't have a a lot of experience hiking in snow, it is more snow than I'd be comfortable walking through near the Clouds Rest summit :) I will call up the rangers to ask about current conditions and suggested gear. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 5°C on Sun morning, min -3°C on Mon night). This was one of the few hikes in Yosemite where we really felt the altitude. Clouds Rest Trail from Yosemite Valley is a 20.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. We're Cat and Joe, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. The ridge is unlike anywhere in the park and the views from Clouds Rest are one of the best in Yosemite. There’s nothing technical or scary about Clouds Rest, so you will definitely have the gratification of making it to the summit. Be very careful where you choose as people drive incredibly fast round the corner here, so try to pick somewhere along the straighter part of the road! Scott was extremely knowledgeable about the park and was able to provide great stories about past hikes, history of the park, and great general commentary. Any tips? The trick is not to look down and take the left side. We were actually quite impressed with our pace although we certainly weren’t trying to rush the hike. In fact many rangers rate it as a better walk than the more famous Half Dome hike. Distance: 12.7 miles (20.5km) Elevation: 4860ft (920m) Time taken: 5 hours 45 Type of trail: out and back. Despite not making it to the very top we were still pretty happy to have had the opportunity to get even part way up. It isn’t as relentlessly steep as the start and feels a lot easier for the next mile. share. The small parking lot on the south side of the road is well-marked but is almost always full. More. Time of year open to the public: May be inaccessible in the winter As the National Parks Pass is $80 for the year, it is well worth it if you plan on visiting more than three national parks in a year. Firstly the trail is one of the highest in Yosemite, making those uphill climbs even harder! The trail is in the forest but it’s not dense so you get some views as you follow several switchbacks across very rocky terrain. This is nice when you are going this direction but tough when you are heading back after summiting. We hiked in fall and didn’t have to cross the river (which had obviously dried up but I’d read sometimes the water can be calf height). From Clouds Rest's airy and cozy summit, the most undeniable natural feature is the Northwest Face, a stunning 5000-foot drop into Tenaya Canyon. hide. We took just under 6 hours to both the walk to the lookout and back, but you may want to add in more time. Luckily this is the hardest section of the whole trail so you know when’ve you’ve got up this bit you can make it the whole way. The trail descriptions mention a 1,000 foot elevation increase during the second mile and from there on it gets easier. After the adventures of the ascent, the return is a relatively mundane affair, but pretty lengthy at over six miles! The first mile is the toughest but you can take your time with plenty of rocks to sit on for a break. Archived. Early on in the hike, there are some watery obstacles. Once at the summit, you can get a wonderful 360-degree view all around Yosemite. How hard is the clouds rest hike? This is not a hike for folks looking for a leisurely stroll! Our first hike of the trip was a 15 mile roundtrip trek to Clouds Rest. I did that hike (Little Yosemite Valley Camp to Clouds Rest) in a day (and continued on to a backcountry campsite off the ridge), but it was a helluva pull, to the point that I spent much of the next morning evacuating the altitude adjustment out my arse. 1. We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Please note: This web site and all images on this site are the property of Joe Braun ©2020. You can check them out REI or Amazon. Give yourself time and have plenty of breaks to catch your breath. Once the rocky descent is done the last mile or so is flat and easy to the car park at Tenaya Lake. The hike from Sunrise Trailhead to Clouds Rest makes for a strenuous yet rewarding day in some classic Yosemite wilderness scenery. Let us know in the comments below! Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Reached cloud's rest by 10 am. You walk so high and have 360 views of one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Joe's Spin: It starts by going downhill towards the lake which is pretty straightforward. The ridge at Clouds Rest was all that people were talking about on the trail! However, it’s definitely no walk in the park, you have to work for those views but it is definitely worth it and a must for your Yosemite itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know about the Clouds Rest hike before you go. Despite an elevation change of 2,700 feet, the biggest challenge on the hike was the extra weight in water we had to carry. Check for sunscreen on Amazon or REI, Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Then, let the climbing begin. On the way back, take the 0.3-mile detour to Indian Arch. © 2020 - Walk My World. Once you reach the saddle it’s steeply downhill across a rocky path which can be a little slippery on the way down and fairly tough on the knees. In order to reach Clouds Rest, you will either have to hike 7 miles from the Tioga Pass Road or attempt the 9-mile trail from Happy Isles in Little Yosemite Valley. The ridge formed when glacier eroded either side of the rock faces. If you are reading this page, chances are you are going to hike Clouds Rest and you have fear of heights. Be wary of the 1,000 ft drops on either side as you make your way across. Detailed Description: It get’s a little steeper and rockier but it’s not a slippery path and by now you know you’re moments away from the much anticipated ridge. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years: Sunscreen: A lot of the trails in Yosemite have very little shade and the sun is brutal most of the year! Life straw: Something that it useful on the longer hikes as you can fill up and drink from the creeks. If you don't mind the exposure, hiking along the summit ridgeline is an absolutely stunning experience. Imagine virgin Sierra Nevada granite, uplifted from its deep burial place by compressional tectonic forces, canyons eroded rapidly by generous spring runoff, and finally, the odd glacier to smooth the slope. There are bear lockers available so that any scented items can be left outside the car. We’d love to hear it! Please make sure you’ve fully prepared for this hike and are doing it under the right conditions. The car park here is pretty small and you will inevitably have to park on the road unless you arrive early. Read next: The North Dome hike - a quiet gem in Yosemite. Was so ready to abort the mission when the alarm went off later on in the morning, but somehow did it. On the way up, we met a couple who were eager to share their tips on how to tackle it. We loved this hike and the chance to explore a completely different part of Yosemite away from the valley floor. Firstly the trail is one of the highest in Yosemite, making those uphill climbs even harder! Read next: The Lembert Dome hike - for the best views of the Tuolomne Meadows. Clouds Rest hike - the view from the summit, Distance: 12.7 miles (20.5km)Elevation: 4860ft (920m)Time taken: 5 hours 45Type of trail: out and back. Check then out on REI or Amazon, Yak Trax: A game changer for hiking in the snow. Once you get to the summit of the Clouds Rest hike, you fully understand the name. The one thing that was slightly tricky was the snow and ice in patches but these were fairly easily avoided. Posted by 3 years ago. After buying a one way ticket to Istanbul we spent a year making our way through Asia before arriving in Australia, where we have been living ever since. Hop on the Sunrise Trail for a flat, 1.6-mile warm-up to the glittering azure of Sunrise Lakes. Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. However, from everyone we’ve spoken to, and pictures we’ve seen, the Clouds Rest hike has a much better view from the summit. A word of caution on the path to the left, initially we thought they meant the actual trail to the left by the start of the rocky ridge but this takes you back down to Yosemite Valley! People die on this hike. Be careful not to sprain your shutter finger at Tenaya Lake, a beautiful, crystal-blue tarn gouged by glaciers eons ago. The hardest thing to contend with on the Clouds Rest hike is the altitude (yep you read that correctly!). 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But there was no snow at the summit ridgeline is a mountain in Yosemite to help you with booking or... Great 360-degree views of Sunrise Lakes year, the trail hours and several stops along the way back went later... Northeast of Yosemite Village, California a scramble and a Half effort and deciding it ’ s windy! Whole way the satisfaction will be on rolling ups and downs for the next mile backpacking and is used... Give yourself time and have 360 views of Half Dome you only to. Then undulate ( much more gently than the first climb ) before you go or ice a person.