level 1. Clouds Rest Trailhead: Start at the Sunrise Trailhead, located on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. … After the first 1.5 mile hike on the relatively flat trail, you begin to climb up the lower slope below Sunrise Mountain. I used the tent rain fly even though it was warm and it wasn’t going to rain. After a possibly spectacular sunrise we hike from Sunrise Lakes and over to the summit of Clouds Rest. The trail on the land is about 1.7 miles long and traverses beautiful woods and a nice lake before you encounter the next junction. 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. This stretch of trail has a lot of intricate old tail work (steps, etc.) 12.9 round trip for us. Despite an elevation change of 2,700 feet, the biggest challenge on the hike was the extra weight in water we had to carry. Another cool thing is that I've hiked clouds rest in all seasons by doing this fall hike. Yes, Sunrise Creek is where you'll need to get the water before you head to the camping spot you describe. From the summit, hike down 5 miles to Sunrise Creek for the final night of camping. I ate humble pie and we revisited our map to come up with Plan B. a Must do !! 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. Behold: an endless mid-angle slab climb of truly epic proportions! 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. After the first 1.5 mile hike on the relatively flat trail, you begin to climb up the lower slope below Sunrise Mountain. 152. A hike in from Tioga Road to the north makes for a more reasonable day hike through some beautiful wilderness scenery. We descend Sunrise Creek where we establish our camp for the night. 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). 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. Hi, You still didn't mention when you planned on going so I will venture to give some advice at this late date. We awoke early and in good spirits. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. 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! Majority of it is through shaded forests with the last section being exposed. This is actually the easiest part of the hike and only the end is a bit steep but not nearly as much of a sweat as the first part of the hike with the switchbacks. 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. very challenging and rewarding. Length 23 miElevation gain 5682 ftRoute type Loop Amazing! VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! For Clouds Rest, you need a permit for Sunrise Lakes, and we highly recommend reserving this one, as it’s a very popular route. 3. mirror lake trail via John Muir Trail. To my surprise, 4 people were already enjoying sunrise at the top when we arrived there. Feel free to follow me on my Instagram account for more dope hiking adventures! We decided to continue on and past Sunrise Lakes (obviously the “Sunrise” the earlier hikers had referred to). 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. excellent day hike!! Day 4: After a hearty breakfast hike approximately 3.5 miles to the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,926′. The sunrise lakes trail to Cloud's rest is 12 miles round trip, I think. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clouds_Rest. Best day hike in Yosemite. Continue hiking on the trail southward, pass a nice lake and you will meet the next trail junction which is about 2.1 miles away from the top of the slope. High Altitude effects kicked in above 9000 elevation and the smoke from the nearby fires made it difficult to breathe at times. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from March until October. 2. (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. Fairly challenging but fun hike! At the junction, continue hiking on the trail for Sunrise HSC (High Sierra Camp) until you meet the next trail junction. 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. Sunrise from Clouds Rest, Yosemite A cairn is viewed in silhouette in the early morning light from the Clouds Rest base camp. 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). Don't worry about throngs of summit-hungry hikers: Clouds Rest lacks the crowds that nearby Half Dome attracts. Last bit on the spine was not bad at all. My first night of camping by myself. 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. Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction From there a trail looped down to Sunrise … landscape, water, sunrise, nature, clouds, rest, color, autumn, morning, still Public Domain. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. 14 comments. Right by the trailhead is a small but well-marked parking lot; however, this parking lot is almost always full. Easily my favorite hike in Yosemite. CLOUDS REST (via Sunrise Trailhead) Trail Description Photos 1 2. Bear right for Cloud's Rest and begin to follow the trail markers for it from now on. The hike from Sunrise Trailhead to Clouds Rest makes for a strenuous yet rewarding day in some classic Yosemite wilderness scenery. Sunrise Lake #1. At the top of Clouds Rest, enjoy the overlooking view of Half Dome and its subdome. 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! At about 2.5 miles, you'll reach an intersection with the Sunrise Lakes Trail that heads off to the east. I used to think hiking downhill was much easier than hiking uphill. BUY PHOTO: Close. 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. I hiked up from the valley and camped up on clouds rest! Clark, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, North Dome, Sentinel Dome, ..... Take the same way back to the trail head once you're done. Distance: 12.7 miles (20.5km) Elevation: 4860ft (920m) Time taken: 5 hours 45 Type of trail: out and back. To camp your first night in the Glen Aulin backpackers' camp: Glen Aulin Trail. It turns out, we were well on our way to Clouds Rest and miles up the wrong trail. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. The last part of the hike, however, has very beautiful parts and incredible views of the Yosemite Valley. (Early in the season, there may be a few spots where your feet may get wet.). Long journey through undulating woodland past a few pools and meadows, climbing to perhaps the best viewpoint in the national park, overlooking Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, the upper Merced River and countless other peaks and valleys. The trailhead for both Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lake HSC (High Sierra Camp) is located at the west end of Tenaya Lake. You can certainly do all of Cloud's rest in a day if you're so inclined. The Sunrise Trailhead is located along Tioga Road, roughly 1.4 miles east of Olmsted Point at the south end of Tenaya Lake. Once the trail hits the first exposed teaser view down into Tenaya Canyon, the effort will all seem worth it. If you don't mind the exposure, hiking along the summit ridgeline is an absolutely stunning experience. The trail has multiple ascends and they are all a bit strenuous. On the top, you immediately encounter the Y junction for either Cloud's Rest or Sunrise Lakes. In about 1.2 miles, you start hiking on a steep slope below Sunrise Mountain. Let someone else handle the drive, and visit some of the park’s best sights in just one day. A long but not particularly steep hike, and well worth it for the view at the top! In 1.5 miles, you will arrive at the north end of the infamous Clouds Rest foot trail. Anyway our trip from Sunrise High Sierra Camp to Clouds Rest wasn’t unusually spectacular until we found our last camp site. Take the same way back to the Sunrise Lakes trailhead once you're ready to return. Tough hike. 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! Fabulous. 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 fastest way to day hike Cloud's Rest starts from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. View it on black. This is it. After descending for 350 feet in elevation, you arrive at a beatiful meadow. From here on, you'll gain nearly 1,500 feet over 4.5 miles and climb, literally, into the clouds. If anyone sees a brown carhartt beanie on the trail, somewhere after the first set of switchbacks, please text me and let me know!! The sunrise lakes trail to Cloud's rest is 12 miles round trip, I think. difficult but doable! would have been waaay easier to hike in from tioga, but I love the hike up. Then, let the climbing begin. 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. From Yosemite’s east entrance at Tioga Pass, you will proceed about 18 miles into the park. This campground and parking lot is located on Tioga Pass Road 31 miles from where the road junctions with Highway 120. A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. share. 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. From the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead at Tenaya Lake, you’ll cross the outflow stream and marshy terrain among many trees, but in less than a mile move into more open, rocky terrain . Firstly the trail is one of the highest in … 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. You asked about water between Sunrise and Clouds Rest. 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. 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 24.1 mi. 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. you are basically at the highest possible hiking point. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from May until September. 1. Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. Washed my feet with soap and got into the tent right before 9pm. the view at the end is magnificent. From there a trail looped down to Sunrise … There are multiple ways to reach Clouds Rest, but this route from Tioga Road is the easiest and most direct. Since you're approaching Cloud's Rest from its back, you only begin to see it after passing the junction. To hike south to Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes, or Sunrise High Sierra Camp: Sunrise; What is the difference between the two Glen Aulin trailheads? 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! We’ve seen a couple of other people on the trail but it wasn’t super busy and definitely no comparison to Half Dome! If you wimp out on it, you are missing out big time, Amazing hike. We made breakfast and shivered a bit in the early season predawn before breaking camp at … 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. Joe's Spin: Please note: This web site and all images on this site are the property of Joe Braun ©2020. Scramble up on the ridge with extreme caution to get to the summit of Clouds Rest. Clouds Rest, via the Sunrise and Forsyth Trails. I did this one earlier in the season before Tioga Pass Road closed for the season due to snow. 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. Clouds Rest Trailhead: Start at the Sunrise Trailhead, located on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. At the top of the slope, go for the trail for Clouds Rest and you start descending right away. 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. DIFFICULT 2.6 mi. Clouds Rest, one of John Muir’s favourite peaks, offers spectacular views over Half Dome and numerous Yosemite peaks. How to predict the best sunrise and sunset. Filmed the experience in 4k. Meeting Location: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead at 8,150′ High Point: Clouds Rest Summit: 9926′ Elevation Gain: 1,776′ The Clouds Rest hike begins at 7am at the Sunrise Trailhead parking along the west shore of Tenaya Lake. Make this an overnight with a scenic stay Sunrise Lakes. Yosemite National Park This is right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. You asked about water between Sunrise and Clouds Rest. Absolutely beautiful views of the valley. BUY PHOTO: An early morning stroll through the lovely granite formations. Unauthorized public or commercial use of any of the images or text on this website without explicit permission is strictly forbidden. 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. 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