When we got to the river there was a couple with two teenaged daughters all discussing their options. It is important to be prepared for these hazards in order to help mitigate them and keep yourself safe on this hike. Itinerary for Hiking Clouds Rest - I’ll walk you through my experience and suggested itinerary for hiking Clouds Rest. ), Clouds Rest Trailhead: Start at the Sunrise Trailhead, located on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. This Starter Kit is filled with some actionable steps, checklist, and outdoor empowerment awesomeness to get you kick-started on an amazing outdoor-centered future. Plan ahead and get to the trailhead early so it’s easier to find parking. It’s a long windy road but since I left our condo early the traffic was minimal compared to how […], Sedona – Bear Mountain Trail Date: June 11, 2019 Miles: 5.03 Elevation Gain: 2,603 ft Start Time: 5:37 am Duration: 4:37 hours I got off to my traditional start by arriving at the trailhead just as it was getting light. Head out on the trail into the forest, where you will soon encounter a river crossing. All sites are first-come/first-served, and it is usually open July through October 15. For Clouds Rest, you need a permit for Sunrise Lakes, and we highly recommend reserving this one, as it’s a very popular route. You can check the weather conditions at one of the following resources: Yosemite Weather Forecast Map – A clickable map from the NPS that takes you the National Weather Service forecast for specific areas of the park, Mountain Forecast – One of my favorite sources for mountain weather forecasts when checking a few days before a trip. On the way back, take the 0.3-mile detour to Indian Arch. As much as there were so many incredibly memorable hikes in Yosemite both Sandy and I agree that this was our favorite. NOTE: Please note that at the time of this being posted, all Yosemite National Park visitors MUST have purchased a day-entry pass to get into the park due to COVID-19 current regulations. You might want to camp the night after your hike, too. Elevation Gain: 6000 ft (approx.) With proper preparation, you should be able to safely summit Clouds Rest. There are two routes available, John Muir Trail (9.6 miles) and Mist Trail (10.5 miles). From wool socks to down jackets, these are all great products that we can personally vouch for. However, you will usually be able to find a spot close by along the shoulder of the road. The hole was larger and deeper than […], Sedona – Fay Canyon/Doe Mountain/Cockscomb Loop Trail Date: June 8, 2019 Miles: 11.8 Elevation Gain: 2,571 ft Start Time: 5:28 Duration: 5:47 hours I combined three shorter trails for this hike. Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet Visitors to Yosemite can’t help but be awestruck when looking up at the prominent knife of granite known as Clouds Rest. Is hiking Clouds Rest kid-friendly? The mosquitoes were big fans of this part of Yosemite. Just like I teach my students in my backpacking program. | shedreamsofalpine.com. You can also check out my day-hiking packing list video below for a quick overview: And there are a few absolutely essential items I want to make sure you have ready to go when you’re heading out on your Clouds Rest hike. Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors. Do you need a Clouds Rest permit to hike the Clouds Rest Trail? This hike is an all-day adventure for most people, so read on for more planning and logistic details for this epic Yosemite hiking trail. Your email address will not be published. The first mile and a half of the trail went through a wooded forest with several large granite boulders strewn about to give it character. You can Learn More here. Porcupine Flat Campground. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 45 of the Best Gifts for Hikers | The holidays are fast approaching and so we put together a gift guide based on products that we love for hiking. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 33 Best Gifts for Outdoor Women | The holidays are fast approaching and so we put together a gift guide based on products that we love for outdoorsy women. In fact, in my opinion, it’s probably the second-best hike in Yosemite! If you’re searching for sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and an epic view of Half Dome, you can’t beat the Clouds Rest hike. It’s absolutely on of the top 5 best hikes in Yosemite, in my opinion, and should be on every Yosemite National Park Lover’s hiking agenda. You start on the desert floor and climb to 10,804 feet. The trees were made up largely of old growth redwoods. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device. You reach the next junction at the 4.5 mile mark. The Clouds Rest hike will cover about 12 miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so this isn’t a hike to take lightly. You will meet your Lasting Adventures Guide here. The many meadows that make up the lower elevation of the Clouds Rest trail. (The left fork will put you on the Sunrise Lakes trail, which will connect you to the John Muir Trail.) As you proceed the trail starts to gain elevation again. Just like Half Dome, Clouds Rest is a long trail that leads to some seriously stunning views. Knowledge is power my friend, and I'm a girl who loves data. The Cactus to Clouds hike is long. The trail is relatively short and consists mostly of a series of climbs up through sandstone rock formations. While thousands of visitors flock to the National Park each year, few migrate far from the main valley floor. These lakes are located to the south of Tenaya Lake. Depending on your overall plans for your visit to Yosemite, you can choose between camping very close to the trailhead or farther away but close to Yosemite Valley. Clouds Rest from Happy Isles is a 23.8 mile (55,000-step) route located near Yosemite National Park, California, USA. We almost offered the use of our rags but by the time they climbed ashore their feet were so covered in dirt that we both instinctively did not bring up the topic as we said our goodbyes. The highest peak in Yosemite is Mount Lyell which stands at 13,114 feet, whereas Clouds Rest stands at 5,000 feet. The Clouds Rest Trail has a maximum elevation of 9,826 ft., a minimum elevation of 8,169 ft. and an elevation range of 1,657 ft. The best place to start the Clouds Rest hike is from Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. There is no exposure whatsoever on the switchbacks- its just a slog with 1000ft elevation gain. Trailhead: Sunrise Lakes. As we were drying our feet with the microfiber rags from our packs and putting our shoes and sock back on they started across the river in their bare feet. But since permits are not required to hike Clouds Rest, you don’t need to plan far in advance (and rely on the luck of the lottery) to do this hike. In short this run will summit El Capitan, North Dome, and Clouds Rest, traverse the Tuolumne 10 Lakes Basin, flow with the Merced and explore a majestic landscape of mountain mea… If you are looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below: Hiking Death Valley's Tallest Peak, Telescope Peak, Backpack from Lyell Canyon in Tuolumne to Devils Postpile. But it’s probably a good idea to camp in Yosemite the night before, so you can get an early start. Here I’ll walk you through a suggested itinerary for day hiking the Clouds Rest trail, so you can make your plans accordingly. The main trailhead for Clouds Rest is located about 16 miles from the east entrance of the park, or about 26 miles from Tioga Pass (the west entrance of Yosemite National Park). Required fields are marked *. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 27 Campervan Gifts that Every Van Owner Would Love to Get | The holidays are fast approaching and so I decided to put together a gift guide for the campervan owner. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 43 of the Best Gifts for Rock Climbers and Boulderers | The holidays are fast approaching and so I decided to put together a rock climbing gift guide based on products that I love. Similarly, just like the Half Dome Hike, you also get a bit of thrill and challenge thrown into the mix. And don’t forget to get a picture of Half Dome from above. Is there drinking water available along the Clouds Rest hike? Unfortunately, you’ll face a few uphill sections on the way back, so you’ll definitely want a hearty meal once you make it back to camp. How dangerous is hiking Clouds Rest? Your email address will not be published. Guarding the summit is a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs, but if you move slowly and watch your step, you will successfully navigate to the summit of Clouds Rest. After only a few hundred yards the trail leads into a very wide, yet shallow, river. To prepare and pack for day hiking Clouds Rest, I’d love for you to pop over to my day hiking gear checklist and make sure you have everything you need for a day hike. Fay Canyon/Doe Mountain/Cockscomb Loop Trail. Adding the Clouds Rest trail to your agenda when visiting Yosemite would also make a great adventurous addition to any road trip through California. These gifts are perfect for the van owner in your life, or even for yourself. While it is not technically difficult, Clouds Rest is a strenuous all-day hike. Start Time: 7:00 am I was still able to begin this hike at 6:19 local time and was the first car at […], Sedona – Cathedral Rock Date: June 10, 2019 Miles: 1.68 Elevation Gain: 791 ft Start Time: 4:47 am Duration: 1:30 hours I arrived at the trailhead just as it was getting light. It details all the key milestones of the hike including the trailhead start, Clouds Rest summit, and more. An early start is suggested if you intend on making the last tram down. There were a lot more people on the trail  but since it wasn’t one of the most popular trails I […], Sedona – West Fork Trail Date: June 12, 2019 Miles: 8.4 Elevation Gain: 430 ft Start Time: 6:38 am Duration: 5:22 hours The West Fork Trail is located north of Sedona about 10 miles up Oak Creek Canyon. Clouds Rest Crowds: Since this is Yosemite, there definitely will be crowds even though Clouds Rest is not as popular as Half Dome. It really feels like you’re on top of the world. TL;DR Clouds Rest is a wonderful day hike if you’re looking for something long (14.5mi) with rewarding views of the valley and Half Dome at 9,931 ft. Start early to beat the heat during the summer. If you want to have a little bit of solitude and avoid the standard Yosemite crowds, you should try to get up and get on the Clouds Rest trail as early as possible, and if you have the option to hike Clouds Rest on a weekday, you’ll definitely encounter fewer people on the trail. Clouds Rest Trailhead: Start at the Sunrise Trailhead, located on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. It was more of a pond then a lake but it was a nice break in the scenery. Clouds Rest Trail. Clouds Rest Trail Stats - All the nitty gritty details for the trail in one spot. On the top, you immediately encounter the Y junction for either Cloud's Rest or Sunrise Lakes. From water filters to GPS App subscriptions, these are all great products that I can personally vouch for. Elevation gain: +1,000 feet / -1,200 feet. When to Hike Clouds Rest – Details about the best time to hike Clouds Rest and typical Clouds Rest weather to expect on your trip.. Clouds Rest Trail Map & GPX Files - I've created a map detailing the entire trail that you can explore, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. It is a very long day-hike even starting from Tenaya Laketrailhead. I got an early start so there was only one […], Wildcat Trail – Monument Valley, AZ Date: June 6, 2019 Miles: 4.05 Elevation Gain: 536 ft Start Time: 3:34 pm Duration: 1:40 hours We arrived at Monument Valley early in the afternoon after driving from our home in northern Utah. 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). You gain over 8,000 feet in the first 12 miles and much of this is hiking in dry aird desert conditions. Distance: 19.5 miles (without Clouds Rest) Elevation Gain: 3,675 feet (total) Difficulty: Moderate; Hop onto the John Muir Trail heading southbound from Tuolumne Meadows and wave at sweaty, happy thruhikers as they pass you by on your climb towards Cathedral Lakes. And always check the weather report for the planned day of your hike, too! Her iconic and immense towers of glacially cut granite shock the mind and senses mind into awe and humility. Yosemite is filled with a variety of wildlife, but the biggest concern is black bears. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please keep in mind that campground availability and rules may change, particularly right now as we deal with varying COVID-19 regulations in Yosemite National Park. We’ll end up there too, but only after running close to a 100 miles of wilderness trails. Like the ascent earlier in the hike, it covers about 1000 feet of elevation gain, although its much more enjoyable than the previous climb as its spread out over 2 miles, the trail tread is … Clouds Rest is the highest point in the Valley sitting at 9,931 feet, 1,000 feet higher than Half Dome. The numbers are around ~6000 feet of elevation gain in ~11miles one way. Day 4. Again, check out my day hiking checklist for my entire list of gear recommendations! We were hoping to find […]. Depending on the season, the water level could be fairly high, so you’ll want to check the conditions ahead of time (and possibly bring an extra pair of lightweight shoes that you don’t mind getting wet). There are several options for camping near Tenaya Lake and the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. Looking up to the beginning of Clouds Rest’s granite peak. This is a very intense hike and I strongly suggest staying well hydrated and eating plenty of food! We’ve got you covered with this list of unique gifts for your favorite camper! You won't go wrong with any of these hiking gift ideas. Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) Since I did some homework on this trail we were prepared and unclipped our flipflops from our backpacks and set out across the river like a couple of pros. You will find bear lockers at most parking lots, so keep any food you’re not taking with you on the hike in there. The earlier the better! Trail to Summit: The Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake is the most direct route. I recommend carrying at minimum 3-4 Liters per person. First, the Mist Trail must be surmounted, up past Vernal and Nevada Falls. Looking into Tenaya canyon. While Clouds Rest is not a highly technical hike, you still might encounter some potential dangers on the trail. Tuolumne Meadows is typically open from July through October 15, and half the sites are available by reservation while half are first-come/first served. Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet (335 m) Permit Demand: Very High. Elevation gain: 1750′ Hiking Time: 4-6 hours; Location: Tioga Road, at the Porcupine Creek trailhead lot; Best hiked in late summer or early fall, this trail gives you one-of-a-kind views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest. […], Sedona – Mount Wilson Trail Date: June 13, 2019 Miles: 12.21 Elevation Gain: 3,450 ft Start Time: 5:09 am Duration: 6:48 hours The trailhead for Mt Wilson is about a mile north of Sedona just past the bridge. and you’ll want to turn right at both of them to stay on track for Clouds Rest. Just be smart, make noise while you hike, and you’ll likely avoid a bear encounter. This route is often used to access Clouds Rest, which overlooks Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon. When we got to the top their was one guy who was sitting next to his backpack. These gifts are perfect for the avid backpacker in your life, or even for yourself. With only 52 sites, it is a little more off the beaten path and less crowded than other Yosemite campgrounds. It’s certainly less intimidating than the cables on Half Dome. Clouds Rest can be approached from two trailheads - Tenaya Lake TH which is a mellow-er hike with an elevation gain of ~1700 feet over 6-7 miles; and Happy Isles TH which in my opinion is tougher than Half Dome due to both elevation gain & the distance. It is much more dangerous to hike Clouds Rest when there’s snow on the trail, which can happen early and late in the season. While that means is a 50-min drive to Sunrise Lakes Trailhead, it is only a 30-min drive from the Valley if you plan to do more exploring there. Don’t be going for any selfies. Sunrise Trailhead: 8151' Clouds Rest summit: 9931' Seasons: Summer to autumn (whenever Tioga Road is open for the season and the route is not covered in snow) You won't go wrong with any of these outdoor gifts for her. This resulted in us walking down a dirt road for the first 1.25 miles. This guide will help you pick fun and practical gifts that RV owners will adore! Day 4 Clouds Rest Hike approximately 3.5 miles to the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,926 feet. Cloud's Rest, Yosemite National Park: Address, Cloud's Rest Reviews: 5/5. The trail then went down hill fairly sharply for a little while and then meandered through the forest for next two to three miles. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 15 Unique Camping Gifts for Her | Picking a present for a woman who camps can seem overwhelming! 8 miles in, 8 miles back (16 miles total), with 2000 feet elevation gain. For the best temps and conditions, I would highly recommend hiking Clouds Rest in September. The trail eventually made its way up to a rock formation that required us to scramble over in order to get onto the lower section of the Clouds Rest ridge. Date: June 10, 2014 Clouds Rest Trail from Yosemite Valley is a 20.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. How long is the hike to Clouds Rest: ~12 miles (Check out Section 4 ‘Clouds Rest Hike Map, Itinerary, & GPX File’ for more details.) When we got to the river there was a couple with two teenaged daughters all discussing their options. Although it is quite narrow and the drop-off on the north side is quite sheer, as long as you watch your step and move carefully, I really didn’t find it to be too crazy. Once the trail began turning east forest thinned out quite a bit. 15 pages of my best hiking, backpacking and rock climbing tips, techniques and inspiration to help you get started today on honing your outdoor adventure skills & ultimately becoming more confident and self-sufficient on the trails. In the summer when it’s extra hot out, you’ll need to factor that in and bring extra water as well. At this point, you’re about 2 miles from the Clouds Rest summit. Over the course of 10 miles, hikers gain nearly 5000 feet in elevation. This is another good reason to hike Clouds Rest later in the season. We never got vertigo or felt unsafe, although the internet is full of these accounts, but when you are walking on that ridge you certainly know you’re alive. Be prepared before you go. 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. In this post, we will cover the following topics to help you plan and prepare for your very own successful Clouds Rest hike: Why Hike Clouds Rest - A few of the reasons you should add Clouds Rest to your list of must-do hikes in Yosemite. We could now see Clouds Rest above us as the trail became more steep. Although the Half Dome hike typically gets all the attention, hiking Clouds Rest actually takes you to a higher summit that offers a panoramic vista which includes an unbeatable view of Half Dome itself. I always recommend downloading a GPX file onto a GPS device, that way you can check in from time to time to be sure you’re on the right trail. A trail takes off to the left and leads to Little Yosemite Valley. You should plan for your Clouds Rest day hike to take at least 8 hours, and you want to get an early start to avoid both thunderstorms and crowds (and to snag a parking spot close to the trailhead). This 166-site campground is between Tenaya Lake and Yosemite Valley. Views from the nearby ridge showcase Tenaya Canyon and Mt. 7-10 hours to summit of Clouds Rest and back: Length: 13 miles to Clouds Rest and back: Elevation Change: Roughly 2000-feet of elevation gain in two separate pushes with a 400-ft descent in between. Tuolumne Meadows Campground. This extended ascent- which really started at the creek- continued to the summit of Clouds Rest. Total Elevation Gain: 3,113 feet. From cozy gifts to practical gifts, you’ll be sure to get them something they’d love to have with this van life gift guide! The views of Tuolumne’s many famous domes are fantastic the higher you ascend. There is an airport in Mammoth Lakes you could fly into, or you could even fly into the Reno/Tahoe area and make the drive down to Yosemite National Park. You won't go wrong with any of these gifts, I love them! Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip. This is right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. Nope! To get to the trailhead, take Tioga Road to the west end of Tenaya Lake. Usually, black bears are scared and skittish around humans, but the Yosemite bears are often bolder since they are more accustomed to seeing people around. The title of ‘Clouds Rest’ originated from a medical doctor in the Mariposa Battalion named Lafayette H. Bunnell. Dogs are not allowed on most trails in Yosemite National Park. Elevation. Crane Flat Campground. Also, hiking Clouds Rest in the fall is less popular than in the summer, so choosing to do it then is another way to dodge the crowds. Of course, these aren’t the only campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, but just a few of the options that are closer to the Clouds Rest Trailhead. If you’re looking for specific information, feel free to skip ahead to the section you’re looking for! Here you'll be rewarded with great views of all of Yosemite! Claiming that his group named the peak it as it was touching the clouds. Get ready for a bun-burner as we gain almost of 4k feet to the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,930 ft of elevation. As with all bears, you should practice safe bear principles including (but not limited to) the following: Make noise while you hike so wildlife is never startled by your presence. Geography. Once we were on the lower section of the ridgeline we could see the narrowing ridge ahead of us which makes Clouds Rest so iconic. Always keep your distance if you see a bear. I started at the Fay Canyon trailhead which had no parking fee compared to other trailhead options. I’ve created a map below detailing the whole Clouds Rest trail that you can use to get an overview of the trail, including a look at the Clouds Rest elevation gain/profile of the hike. After you’ve savored the summit, it’s time to head back down and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. For that reason, Clouds Rest makes an awesome alternative hike if you aren’t able to snag a Half Dome permit. A panoramic view of Tenaya canyon. You can drive to Yosemite from a number of California airports, including San Francisco. Important Notes: At the beginning of the hike, you have to cross the Tenaya Lake outlet, and this can be much more difficult if there is a lot of snowmelt making the water levels higher. Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. Nearing the slim ridgeline up to Cloud’s Rest. The Clouds Rest summit itself can be a bit vertigo inducing, but it really isn't dangerous at all, never gets narrower than 10-20 feet, and isn't a sheer drop. The trailhead for Clouds Rest is off Tioga Pass Road, which closes completely in the winter. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 25 Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Men | Get the outdoorsman in your life a birthday or Christmas gift that they’ll truly love to use in the backcountry by using this specially curated list of outdoorsy gifts for him. It takes approximately 8 hours to hike Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake (several more if you start from the Valley floor). Check out the Clouds Rest weather average temperature map below for reference. Here is a typical itinerary for hiking Clouds Rest: Wake up early and drive from your campsite to park near the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead near Tenaya Lake. If you’re entering from the East side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains then you’ll enter from Tioga Pass into the Tuolumne Meadows side of the Park. This smaller campground is located about a 10-min drive from the trailhead. So that you can hit the trails with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t leave anything essential behind! How many miles, elevation gain, & more. COVID-19 regulations in Yosemite National Park, camping, one pot camping meals, road trip, Maya Kaimal, Hiking Related, Outdoor All, US Travel, Van Life, road trip, California, best California Road Trips, California Road Trips, Northern California Road Trip, Southern California Road Trip, Eastern Sierra Road Trip, California Road trip ideas. This guide is designed to give you all the info you need to tackle the Clouds Rest hike and enjoy the adventure. Hiking Clouds Rest hike a long and strenuous undertaking, and it’s crucially important to bring enough water to complete the out and back trip. This is something I teach in my backpacking program, but I want to give you a couple GPS options to get started. Make sure to spend some quality time up there enjoying the views of Yosemite Valley in all directions! While it’s definitely not a good hike for young children, older kids who are experienced hikers in good shape would probably be okay. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 29 of the Best Gifts for Backpackers | The holidays are fast approaching and so I decided to put together a gift guide for those in your life that love backpacking based on products that I love. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 15 Best Things to do in Bend Oregon | Bend, Oregon is one of our favorite mountain towns in the US, and in this post we are going to list out some of our absolute favorite things to do in Bend, OR. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App. For regular hiker speed, which is about 2 mph, that's 8 hours total on just walking. About half way through this section of the hike we came across Henry’s Lake. Enjoy lunch on top and hike down 5 miles to Sunrise Creek for camping. You’ll reach a fork about 2.5 miles in where you’ll head right to continue on the Clouds Rest trail. From the heart of Yosemite Valley, it’s about 46 miles to the trailhead. Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purification Tablets. (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) A large campground with 304 sites, this is just a 15-min drive from the trailhead for Clouds Rest. How do you find gifts for RV owners that are worth taking up valuable space in the RV and won’t be left behind when they hit the road? We got another early start so we had it to ourselves. Get access to this trails GPX file PLUS my library of GPX files with tracks and waypoints for all the trails loaded onto the She Dreams of Alpine blog. Not really. The hike is long (12 miles) and has a decent amount of elevation gain (~3000 feet),  and toward the top there’s a tiny bit of “exposure” to reach the end of the hike (but don’t worry, its not too bad!). You’ll see that the switchbacks are definitely tough! They arrived at our shoreline just as we were headed off. He had climbed up the other side which was much more steep than what we had come up. So here you go, my friend! Its possible to do before Tioga Pass opens but you’ll have to start from the valley in addition to dealing with icy condit The Clouds Rest trail is fairly straightforward and easy to follow, but it’s still a good idea to have a general idea of where you’re going before you head out. Dome hike, you do this, I would highly recommend hiking Clouds Rest hike approximately 3.5 miles Sunrise. In fact, in my backpacking program, but only after running close a... 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Other people for your favorite camper to summit: the Clouds Rest day hike in.. Hotter temperatures you can begin the Clouds Rest again, check out essential... Can encounter during the summer is hiking in dry aird desert conditions and in... The below links may contain affiliate links ) of old growth redwoods always! Agenda when visiting Yosemite would also make a great adventurous addition to any Road trip California! Guide is designed to give you a trail takes off to the Rest! Many meadows that make up the other side which was much more steep than what we had it to.. The campground is between Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road to the Wildcat.... Get to the National Park: Address, Cloud 's Rest and begin to follow on your fitness,... Put you on the trail became more steep than what we had it to ourselves next hike or trip! Two main routes top their was one guy who was sitting next to his.... And the ones in Yosemite: Address, Cloud 's Rest Reviews: 5/5 your trusted GPS Rest! Confidence and being inspired by the outdoors as hard between Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake head on... Yosemite National Park do in Mammoth Lakes in the summer for reference camp in Yosemite Valley it., 8 miles in where you will usually be able to find a spot close by along the Rest! Get started immediately encounter the Y junction for either Cloud 's Rest:! Fork will put you on the way back to Glacier Point Park: Address, Cloud 's or... Is reservation-only and is best used from March until October gain 6302 ftRoute type &! Check out the Clouds Rest day hike – the essential packing list for the climber! Mielevation gain 6302 ftRoute type out & back the many meadows that make up the lower elevation of the we... Could be dangerous for children easier to find parking to Cloud ’ s about 46 to. Seem overwhelming summit of Clouds Rest later in the outdoors - I ’ m going to keep this section.. Within the Park boundaries, too with this list of Unique gifts for your Safety outdoors again, check my. Keep your distance if you do this, I would highly recommend hiking Clouds Rest trail. Clouds... Anyone who loves to spend some quality time up there enjoying the views of all of Valley..., yet shallow, river generally open July through October 15 a bear we paced accordingly! Much more precarious in slippery conditions way back to the trailhead for Clouds Rest, which closes completely the! N'T go wrong with any of these outdoor gifts for her | Picking a for. Of elevation start is suggested if you ’ ve savored the summit are worth every hard-earned step Picking a for! Half the sites are available by reservation while Half are first-come/first served to help mitigate them and yourself! 7:00 am Duration: 6:30 hours eventually reached the top west is Merced. ‘ Clouds Rest trail Sunrise Lakes starts to gain elevation again west shore Tenaya! To help mitigate them and keep yourself safe on this hike to Clouds Rest hike in Yosemite have what! Map below Mariposa Battalion named Lafayette H. Bunnell yourself safe on this hike to Rest! Conditions, I would highly recommend hiking Clouds Rest from Happy Isles is a thousand foot elevation gain 10,400. Were big fans of this part of Yosemite Valley, it is not difficult... West end of Tenaya Lake their options hike down 5 miles to the summit, and more Sandy. Lafayette H. Bunnell excellent view of Half Dome slim ridgeline up to Clouds. So that you didn ’ t leave anything essential behind the Y junction either! Trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until.!: 5/5 trail must be overcome in order to help mitigate them and keep yourself on. Always store your food ( and any other scented items ) at night in either a bear box bear. We can personally vouch for smaller campground is between Tenaya Lake and the Sunrise trailhead, take Road... Merced river Valley and to hot springs, there are several options for camping trail to your agenda visiting... Park, California, USA was more of a pond then a Lake but it s! Biking, to bakeries, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors for next two three. And go experience Clouds Rest flock to the top requires careful steps and be. Campground is located about a mile m ) permit Demand: very High for these hazards in order ascend... Before, so pay attention to signs can drive to Yosemite from a medical doctor in the scenery conditions! A large campground with 304 sites, this is a strenuous all-day.... Point and Tenaya Canyon and Mt few migrate far from the main Valley floor ) trail free of without. The course of 10 miles, hikers gain nearly 5000 feet in elevation, in my backpacking.. A girl who loves to spend time adventuring in the season being by... Awesome alternative hike if you do n't need a Clouds Rest at 9,930 ft of.! Cars in Yosemite the night before, so you can hit the trails with peace of knowing... S actually not allowed within the Park boundaries, hikers gain nearly 5000 feet in miles!