The best place to enjoy the view of Half Dome from the top. 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. Washed my feet with soap and got into the tent right before 9pm. I ate humble pie and we revisited our map to come up with Plan B. After descending for 350 feet in elevation, you arrive at a beatiful meadow. After the first 1.5 mile hike on the relatively flat trail, you begin to climb up the lower slope below Sunrise Mountain. 3. mirror lake trail via John Muir Trail. I just got back 2 weeks ago from Clouds Rest and yes the creek is still running. Yay, only 4.7 miles to go! Sunrise in the Valley from Clouds Rest. Despite an elevation change of 2,700 feet, the biggest challenge on the hike was the extra weight in water we had to carry. To my surprise, 4 people were already enjoying sunrise at the top when we arrived there. Enjoy lunch at the top while soaking in panoramic views of Yosemite’s wilderness. Should try to make it all the way up to see half dome and Yosemite Valley. Recreation. The hike from Sunrise Trailhead to Clouds Rest makes for a strenuous yet rewarding day in some classic Yosemite wilderness scenery. Be sure to bring a lot of water or water filter instead. Nearby Hiking Trails. The spine isn't as steep as it looks in videos. Once at the summit, you can get a wonderful 360-degree view all around Yosemite. Clouds Rest & Half Dome Sunrise This was taken from Glacier Point at 5:46 a.m. with a Nikon D700 and 16 35VR @ 18mm. by evona » Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:17 pm . The last part of the hike, however, has very beautiful parts and incredible views of the Yosemite Valley. At the junction, turn right and continue hiking on the trail for Clouds Rest. Get an early start and drive the Tioga Road to the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead in the dark, trying to arrive before sunrise. To hike south to Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes, or Sunrise High Sierra Camp: Sunrise; What is the difference between the two Glen Aulin trailheads? Once the trail hits the first exposed teaser view down into Tenaya Canyon, the effort will all seem worth it. 99% Upvoted. For people who have hiked Cloud's Rest, they are most impressed with the thrilling feeling they have while scrambling up the narrow ridge, with sheer drop-offs on both sides, to the summit. 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. Hop on the Sunrise Trail for a flat, 1.6-mile warm-up to the glittering azure of Sunrise Lakes. This campground and parking lot is located on Tioga Pass Road 31 miles from where the road junctions with Highway 120. A couple felled trees but trail was easy to follow. Firstly the trail is one of the highest in … You pass a lake and running stream around mile 3-4 to filter water from if needed. I also used to think I could hike just fine without a pair of hiking poles, which I considered the requisite sign of bad knees and getting old. We made breakfast and shivered a bit in the early season predawn before breaking camp at … 1. Once re-connected to the Clouds Rest trail you begin a brief descent before you come across the only lake on the CR Trail. We were out of water and since we were so high and still climbing it wasn’t likely that we’d find any without a long hike back down the mountain to a stream about 2.5 miles and 1,000′ below or we could hike up higher and melt some snow. the view at the end is magnificent. Posted by 1 day ago. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. You asked about water between Sunrise and Clouds Rest. You can certainly do all of Cloud's rest in a day if you're so inclined. Part two of our adventure from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park past Sunrise Lakes then up and over Clouds Rest before camping at Sunrise Creek. This is right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. It turns out, we were well on our way to Clouds Rest and miles up the wrong trail. Let someone else handle the drive, and visit some of the park’s best sights in just one day. Length 23 miElevation gain 5682 ftRoute type Loop Clouds Rest is a great hike if you are unable to secure a permit for Half Dome or if you are looking for a longer trail with more elevation gain. Tough hike. Clouds Rest/Sunrise Creek by bbmq » Sat Mar 26, 2011 3:08 pm I have a 4-day trip on the 1st week of August and I'm considering starting at Sunrise trailhead, to Clouds Rest (taking the horse trail bypass) and then staying at Sunrise Creek on the first night. How to predict the best sunrise and sunset. Hop on the Sunrise Trail for a flat, 1.6-mile warm-up to the glittering azure of Sunrise Lakes. Behold: an endless mid-angle slab climb of truly epic proportions! The fastest way to day hike Cloud's Rest starts from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. To camp your first night in the Glen Aulin backpackers' camp: Glen Aulin Trail. would have been waaay easier to hike in from tioga, but I love the hike up. http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm Close. Have a snack, drink some water and be glad that the hardest part of the hike is over. There are multiple ways to reach Clouds Rest, but this route from Tioga Road is the easiest and most direct. It turns out, we were well on our way to Clouds Rest and miles up the wrong trail. You can certainly do all of Cloud's rest in a day if you're so inclined. At the top of Clouds Rest, enjoy the overlooking view of Half Dome and its subdome. During spring melt, this crossing can be a much bigger obstacle. (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.) We’ve seen a couple of other people on the trail but it wasn’t super busy and definitely no comparison to Half Dome! BUY PHOTO: An early morning stroll through the lovely granite formations. Fabulous. View from the secret spot at the “landing” Trail from the Landing to Clouds Rest begins on a decline – Which means you have to go up it on the return On the meandering part of the Clouds Rest trail More meandering – Enjoy the shade First sign of Clouds Rest Gradual incline and exposed Almost there Perfection! The trail has multiple ascends and they are all a bit strenuous. Your adventure will culminate with the summit of Half Dome (8,836’) before returning to Yosemite Valley on the Mist Trail passing two spectacular waterfalls. CLOUDS REST (via Sunrise Trailhead) Trail Description Photos 1 2. Hi, You still didn't mention when you planned on going so I will venture to give some advice at this late date. If you want a parking space, make sure you get there bright and early. Comments and Critique welcome. 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. Hiking to Cloud’s Rest, whether from Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne, will likely prove to be the most rewarding hike in all of the park. If anyone sees a brown carhartt beanie on the trail, somewhere after the first set of switchbacks, please text me and let me know!! From here on, you'll gain nearly 1,500 feet over 4.5 miles and climb, literally, into the clouds. From here on, you'll gain nearly 1,500 feet over 4.5 miles and climb, literally, into the clouds. Day 4: After a hearty breakfast hike approximately 3.5 miles to the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,926′. Absolutely beautiful views of the valley. Keep hiking up on the trail until you encounter the marker for Cloud's Rest Foot Trail. Then, let the climbing begin. The switchbacks on the slope will surely pound your heart as you are gaining 1,000 feet in elevation in just one mile before reaching the top of the slope. Water between Sunrise and Clouds REst. Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) At the top of the slope, go for the trail for Clouds Rest and you start descending right away. level 1. In 1.5 miles, you will arrive at the north end of the infamous Clouds Rest foot trail. A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. Ah, to be in my 20s again. Lots of elevation gain and super rocky switchbacks on the way down. 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. Sunrise Mountain to Echo Creek, with a side trip to Clouds Rest 11 miles +1,000ft/-3,600ft with packs, plus 3.5 miles +1,050ft/-1,050ft summit trip. Extra parking can be found along the sides of the road but look out for any "no parking here" signs. Amazing! 201-468-7447. Visit Yosemite’s largest lake (Tenaya) before hiking up to the Sunrise Lakes area where you will camp before tackling Clouds Rest (9,926’). Hiking guide and photographs for the hike to Clouds Rest starting at the Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, offering great views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley! Clouds Rest Trailhead: Start at the Sunrise Trailhead, located on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. 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. BUY PHOTO: Make this an overnight with a scenic stay Sunrise Lakes. If the lot is full, you can park along the road as well just abide by the signs. I ate humble pie and we revisited our map to come up with Plan B. Clouds Rest from Sunrise Trailhead, out & back A fantastic, hard, hike in Yosemite National Park, beginning at the Sunrise Parking Trailhead at Tenaya Lake and culminating in Clouds Rest peak with amazing view of Half Dome, the Yosemite Valley, and the wilderness all around us. Awesome trail, great views and a killer workout! 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. 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. Clouds Rest Elevation: 9,926 feet (3,025 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) The red line marks the Clouds Rest trail, and the blue line marks the fork that leads you to the Sunrise Lakes (and just beyond them, though it's not shown, the Sunrise High Sierra Camp). My first night of camping by myself. 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. Can view it here for reference: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoFCcB03vM-nepESoPJ4KvA. Lower Cathedral Lake via John Muir Trail. View from the secret spot at the “landing” Trail from the Landing to Clouds Rest begins on a decline – Which means you have to go up it on the return On the meandering part of the Clouds Rest trail More meandering – Enjoy the shade First sign of Clouds Rest Gradual incline and exposed Almost there Perfection! This information comes to us from Sophia Armata, a meteorologist at NBC12 in Richmond, Virginia. (There are other ways to get to Clouds Rest, but this is the most common route and the route we are talking about here in this post) Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet. We awoke early and in good spirits. Last bit on the spine was not bad at all. 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. @sertanusanmaz, Incredible hike. From the parking lot, follow the trail south and cross Tenaya Creek. Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes Loop is a 23 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. 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. A hike in from Tioga Road to the north makes for a more reasonable day hike through some beautiful wilderness scenery. In about 1.2 miles, you start hiking on a steep slope below Sunrise Mountain. Feel free to follow me on my Instagram account for more dope hiking adventures! The fastest way to day hike Cloud's Rest starts from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. save hide report. Easily my favorite hike in Yosemite. Clouds Rest hike Clouds Rest hike stats. We were out of water and since we were so high and still climbing it wasn’t likely that we’d find any without a long hike back down the mountain to a stream about 2.5 miles and 1,000′ below or we could hike up higher and melt some snow. I did everything in a hurry since the sun was going down fast. Also enjoy the views of Mt. The hike up was easier than I anticipated, hike down was harder. The sunrise lakes trail to Cloud's rest is 12 miles round trip, I think. 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. difficult but doable! From the trailhead, you start the hike by following the trail markers for Sunrise H.S.C. (There are other ways to get to Clouds Rest, but this is the most common route and the route we are talking about here in this post) Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet. Sunrise Lake #1. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes.This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. We then hike through some of the most spectacular mountain vistas on the planet exploring the views from Clouds Rest, Yosemite's largest expanse of granite. Clouds Rest is a massive granite peak just northeast of Half Dome.The peak can be seen from Yosemite Valley, and at 9,930 ft. is about 1,080 ft. higher than the more famous Half Dome.The peak offers excellent views of Half Dome and the surrounding area. Previous comment mentioned creeks to fill up/filter midway but those are either dry or stagnant in late Oxy when we went. Clouds Rest — 3,025 m (9,926 ft) — is a massive granite formation just northeast of Half Dome in Yosemite. The uphill workout goes on for about 2.5 miles and then finally levels out at the junction that directs you to Sunrise Lakes Trail or Clouds Rest. Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest is one of the top walks in California, Yosemite, USA, and one of the world's best walk, treks, hikes and climbs. EASY 3.8 mi. You could smell the ongoing fires and the view at the top was not fully clear due to the smoke. High Altitude effects kicked in above 9000 elevation and the smoke from the nearby fires made it difficult to breathe at times. Depart Sunrise High Sierra Camp - 9AM: Skinny-dip & lunch at Sunrise Lakes -2.1mi: Pump last water for dry camp on Clouds Rest - 4mi: Take in views from Clouds Rest - 6mi: Make camp below Clouds Rest … a Must do !! Majority of it is through shaded forests with the last section being exposed. We parked in the sunshine lot so the trip was a total of 15 miles. Have a snack, drink some water … The red line marks the Clouds Rest trail, and the blue line marks the fork that leads you to the Sunrise Lakes (and just beyond them, though it's not shown, the Sunrise High Sierra Camp). 4. … Another cool thing is that I've hiked clouds rest in all seasons by doing this fall hike. Sunrise Lake #1. The Clouds Rest Trail begins here, while the Forsyth Trail bends east for a while then descends steeply into the Sunrise Creek drainage where it meets the John Muir Trail. (Joe's Guide to Yosemite National Park) Cloud's Rest, a massive granite formation just northeast of Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, is famous for its very high degree of visual prominence in the valley as well as its razor-sharp ridge near the summit. There are three main ways to access the summit of Clouds Rest; via the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead off of CA-120 (commonly known as the Northeast Ridge Route); via the Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley (commonly known as the South Slope); or via the Northwest Face of the mountain. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from May until September. Today’s Mileage: 7.3 mi / +800′, -2,800′ It was definitely a bucket list moment for me. Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. This stretch of trail has a lot of intricate old tail work (steps, etc.) you can always crawl on the way back if you need to! The viewpoint is absolutely gorgeous and a little scary (if you're afraid of heights) but soo worth it! Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest is one of the top walks in California, Yosemite, USA, and one of the world's best walk, treks, hikes and climbs. Best day hike in Yosemite. The narrowest section of the trail is probably just under 10 feet wide with sheer drop-offs on both sides. VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! I did this one earlier in the season before Tioga Pass Road closed for the season due to snow. Distance: 12.7 miles (20.5km) Elevation: 4860ft (920m) Time taken: 5 hours 45 Type of trail: out and back. This is it. John's Clouds Rest Trip Report and Photo Gallery September 19, 1999; 3-D shaded relief map; Half Dome/Clouds Rest dayhike; Clouds Rest/Half Dome from Sunrise Trailhead; My Favorite Things IV 5.10a New route completed in fall 2003. Eichorn Pinnacle via Cathedral Peak Climber's Approach. (While the exposure might not be considered perilous, it can definitely be intimidating to those with a fear of heights. At 9,930 feet of elevation, and with a distinctive knife-like arete ridge, Clouds Rest can be viewed easily from Yosemite Valley and various other peaks in the park, particularly as it towers above nearby Tenaya Canyon. DIFFICULT 15.4 mi. To hike south to Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes, or Sunrise High Sierra Camp: Sunrise; What is the difference between the two Glen Aulin trailheads? Sunrise from Clouds Rest, Yosemite A cairn is viewed in silhouette in the early morning light from the Clouds Rest base camp. If you are afraid of heights this will freak you out a little at the very top of clouds rest. We decided to continue on and past Sunrise Lakes (obviously the “Sunrise” the earlier hikers had referred to). Fairly challenging but fun hike! If you wimp out on it, you are missing out big time, Amazing hike. Expected more to be honest. Please note that Tioga Pass Road is closed down in the winters due to road conditions so make sure to check that it is open! Two moderate-advanced hikers and took us a bit under the recommended time. Since you're approaching Cloud's Rest from its back, you only begin to see it after passing the junction. 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