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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 2 Submit your own review 
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! 
Reviewed by Kevin on 8/5/2007 After years of hiking overrated Half Dome, my brothers and I decided to hike up to Clouds Rest for a change. The drive to Tenaya Lake from the park entrance is a little longer than the drive to Curry Village, but you can park right at the trail head. The views along the way, with beautiful meadows and lakes, and the view at the top are FAR superior to that of Half Dome. You actually look down on Half Dome from Clouds Rest, and can see the people stuck on the cables (yuck). It took our group 3.5 hours up, and 3.5 back, at a very reasonable pace. We took a nice dip back at Tenaya lake to cool off at the end of the day. I highly recommend this hike.
Reviewed by EWC on 7/27/2007 In 2005 we took a night hike under a full moon to Half Dome to watch the sunrise. It was very beautiful. Yesterday we took off from Sunrise parking lot in the early afternoon to catch the sunset from Clouds Rest. Spectacular! Walked out under a waxing moon. The last climb down was slow going under obscured moonlight and a couple of flashlights. THe headlights from the cars on the highway were surreal. Arrived back at the parking lot at 11:30 pm.
Reviewed by Jim on 6/13/2007 A friend and I tried the hike described by Dean in mid May 8 years ago. We were both mid-50s guys from sealevel. We got to a shelf looking down on Half Dome on Clouds Rest's shoulder. We looked to the east and there was the storm! Descended in thunderstorm with hail and cold rain. I have a photo of Half Dome from up there in my office and can't believe what a beautiful place it is and that two relatively old outofshape guys almost made it to the top.
Reviewed by Dean on 5/29/2007 A small group of 5 friends hiked to Cloud's Rest from the Valley on Memorial Day weekend (May 25, 2007)(What were we thinking!?). We opted to avoid amateur/ rush hour on the Half Dome cables and made the turn for Clouds Rest. At 23 miles RT from Happy Isles, it's an extremely long and ardous hike. But the rewards can't be overstated. My eyes were greeted and quickly overwhelmed by a 360 degree view of Muir's paradise! It took us 11 hours. If you do it, take 100 oz of water, 2 PB&J sandwiches, 2 Cliff bars, 1 banana, trailmix and Gu. And.. have a cold one waiting at the car! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||