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Clouds Rest - Yosemite National Park, CA


Highlights:

Fantastic views of Yosemite's High Country.
Near:Yosemite National Park, CA
Scenery:
Distance:12.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:3000 ft
Hike Time:7 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: The first 1.5 miles of this hike is a relatively flat and an easy walk. After that be prepared for a mile of up-hill switchbacks as you climb towards the Sunrise Lakes junction. From here the grade is far easier to handle, with some pretty flat sections of trail. There is a nice small lake along the trail about half way to the summit, making a nice place to have a snack or filter more water. Within a few miles of the summit the trees open up and you'll begin to see the summit and be able to make out other hikers at the top. The view from the summit is probably better than that of Half Dome and it's easier, less crowded and certainly much safer! Don't forget your camera!!

For a more details and photos visit my website, The Backcountry: Clouds Rest

Trailhead: Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via highway 120, 140 or 41. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. Once in the park head to Tenaya Lake via Tioga Road (highway 120). The parking lot is the at the south-west end of Tenaya Lake. The trailhead, Surise Lakes, is located near the center of the parking lot. (Lat:37.82 Lon:-119.47)
Trail Guides for Clouds Rest - Yosemite National Park, CA:
Yosemite National Park
by Jeffrey P. Schaffer  (Wilderness Press)

California Hiking
by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Yosemite Wilderness Center, 209-372-0740
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Mike Matenkosky, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Brett on 9/14/2009
We left from the Sunshine Lakes trail head at 2:30 in the morning and made the summit at as the first light was coming up. Watched the sun rise over the Sierra's and spill into Yosemite Valley. One of the most powerful expierences of my life.

Reviewed by celeste on 8/16/2009
mountainman99, May Kathy rest in peace. May her spirit keep watch over you as you make your accent upon Clouds Rest. I was on the camping trip with your sister the day she died. She will remain always in our hearts.

Reviewed by cv on 8/16/2009
I am sorry for your loss. I was a friend of your sister and had hike with her a few weeks prior. I am thinking of hiking it as well in her memory.

Reviewed by mountainman99 on 8/16/2009
My sister Kathy was killed here on Friday 8/14/2009. I am considering giving it a try in September in her memory.

Reviewed by Glen on 6/29/2009
I have done Clouds Rest for 20 years, all 5 of my daughters have experienced it, With kids the Tenaya Lake is where we start. Have also done it from Valley Floor no kids, to the top and over to halfdome 8 hours!

Reviewed by Tracy on 10/20/2008
Four of us just completed this hike this past weekend. It was So beautiful. The uphill portions were definitely strenuous, especially because of the altitude. It was very cold on the hike, so bring a lot of warm clothing...we had weather that entailed rain, hail, and snow! This hike is amazing because when you reach the top, you are above Half Dome and can see views of Half Dome and El Capitan. We left at about 7:45AM and arrived about 3 hours later but we were hiking pretty quickly. We were the first ones to arrive, but within 10-15 minutes, it became quite crowded. So, if you want the top of Cloud's Rest to be yours, get there early. It was a treat!

Reviewed by Jon on 9/16/2008
Loved the hike! I have done Half Dome four times and wanted something different. This was well worth it, and I look forward to doing it again. I definitely felt the elevation on this hike, but was able to push through it to the top. The switchbacks were tough but doable, and then near the top it became fairly tough again. The view was incredible. Made coffee at the top and spent some time enjoying God's creation. Well worth the effort!

Reviewed by CT on 9/13/2008
I just got back from the hike today (sept 13, 2008) Awesome view at the top, the final stretch to the top is a bit narrow but nothing the adventurous hiker can't handle. A little bit of a roller coaster trail starting from Tenaya Lake. It's about an 4-5 hour hike up for beginners. Overall experience was great, my legs are officially dead until Tuesday, cheers


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mariposa County Hiking, Mariposa County Trails, Mariposa County Hikes

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