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 Reporter |
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 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
Reviewed by Kirk on 8/26/2008 I have hiked clouds rest and half dome in the same day four different times. This last time for my birthday in june made record time. Starting at the valley floor at 5am i made to the top of Clouds Rest in 4 hours ! then ran down to the fork and did Half Dome AMAZING !!!! I'm going with friends again in Octomber! The whole time 8 hours and 36 mins. from start to finish !!!
Reviewed by Jasen on 7/21/2008 My Brother-in-law decided to do this hike over the ever popular Half Dome. I had heard that the Dome has just become an absolute zoo recently and so we thought this would be a great alternative. It was BEYOND what I even expected and had read about. The first mile was pretty kick back with nothing really special about the trail and then we hit the switchbacks. Our heart rates quickly climbed and I thought there was going to be no end to them! Once we jit the top of the switch backs, the next 4.7 miles were very easy and the summit makes the climb very, very worth it. There were only about 10 people at the summit of Clouds Rest.... amazing.
Reviewed by Arno on 4/30/2008 The hike is long but the reward is great. One of the most beautiful panorama in Yosemite.
Reviewed by Kristin on 9/28/2007 My friend, Stephany and I recently hiked to Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake. We had recently hiked up Half Dome about 2 1/2 months earlier. We heard the views from Clouds Rest were more spectacular and boy, we heard right! The views were amazing! I would recommend this hike to anyone wanting to truly enjoy Yosemite! Due to the dry year, the rivers and little lakes along the way weren't as lush as I'm sure they could be. The first 1.5 miles were pretty mellow. The next 1 mile, the switchbacks, were pretty steep and tiring. After that, the next 5 miles were great. It took us a little over 6 hours and I am almost 7 months pregnant (but in good shape). I would definitely do it again! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||