clouds rest hike time

We were actually quite impressed with our pace although we certainly weren’t trying to rush the hike. The hardest part at the summit is making the effort and deciding it’s probably time to make the long hike back! 1. While it is possible to hike from Yosemite Valley up to the summit of Clouds Rest, the strenuousness of the 16-mile round trip with 6000' of elevation gain will discourage all but the strongest hikers. Check out REI or Amazon. Check for sunscreen on Amazon or REI, Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). After all, everyone wants to look at Half Dome, which you clearly can’t do when you’re standing on it. Interestingly, we met very few that wanted to hike El Capitan, which is pretty surprising given how iconic it is. Of each daily quota for a trailhead, 60 percent can be reserved ahead of time. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. However, Half Dome needs a permit which has to be obtained via a lottery. Joe's Spin: It is more varied, with more to see for most of the hike. At the saddle and junction with the trail to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, continue south as the trail starts its descent into a forested meadow. 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. 4 min read. You’ll have a slight downhill and then just over a mile of flat walking before the steep ascent begins. However, it’s definitely no walk in the park, you have to work for those views but it is definitely worth it and a must for your Yosemite itinerary. We begin our trek along the shores of beautiful Tenaya Lake at an already high elevation of 8149 feet. Once at the summit, you can get a wonderful 360-degree view all around Yosemite. Having hiked both Clouds Rest and Half Dome (although we couldn’t get all the way up the cables after finding it too scary! For the most part we were hiking on our own. Archived. Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) save. If you plan to take on one of Yosemite’s big hikes, chances are you have Half Dome or Clouds Rest on your list. If you make it the whole way the satisfaction will be on another level. After that it steepens again - but never close to the first climb - and you’ll see the trees begin to thin out and realise that you’re not so far away from the top now! On the way up, we met a couple who were eager to share their tips on how to tackle it. Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Started from the sunrise trailhead in CA-120 at 6:30 am and hiked up to cloud's rest. 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. So overall, we’d say if you’re looking for adventure and a scenic track, and don’t mind the less beautiful summit, go for Half Dome. Time of year open to the public: May be inaccessible in the winter More. Geography. Would you take on the altitude on the Cloud Rest hike? We got less breathless from this point on which was a welcome relief! 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. At about 2.5 miles, you'll reach an intersection with the Sunrise Lakes Trail that heads off to the east. In fact many rangers rate it as a better walk than the more famous Half Dome hike. We’d love to hear it! The ridge is wide, has a lot of grip and is actually the kind of section of trail we love! – Troy S. The remaining 40 percent are available on a first-come, first-served basis no earlier than 11 am the day before your hike begins as long as permits are available. Clouds Rest is at a higher elevation, so we felt more breathless at first, but otherwise it is significantly shorter and easier than Half Dome. I did that hike (Little Yosemite Valley Camp to Clouds Rest) in a day (and continued on to a backcountry campsite off the ridge), but it was a helluva pull, to the point that I spent much of the next morning evacuating the altitude adjustment out my arse. 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. 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. Few peak-bagging efforts begin with a photographing frenzy, but this 6-mile hike to Clouds Rest starts right off with can't miss photo-ops. share. It made us out of breath and pretty lethargic. We hiked up Half Dome in 2006 and I kept looking over at Cloud's Rest. Enjoy the views of Half Dome and the Valley from the top of Cloud’s Rest before heading back down. Scott was extremely knowledgeable about the park and was able to provide great stories about past hikes, history of the park, and great general commentary. Read next: The North Dome hike - a quiet gem in Yosemite. Cloud's Rest is just about my favorite Yosemite hike. However, from everyone we’ve spoken to, and pictures we’ve seen, the Clouds Rest hike has a much better view from the summit. As the National Parks Pass is $80 for the year, it is well worth it if you plan on visiting more than three national parks in a year. Others asked if we thought we were going to make it! You will pass two trail junctions very early in the hike; make sure you follow the signs to Cloud Rest and or Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Check on Amazon, REI or direct with Osprey, Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). It get’s a little steeper and rockier but it’s not a slippery path and by now you know you’re moments away from the much anticipated ridge. The lake which marks roughly half way on the Clouds Rest hike. If you are reading this page, chances are you are going to hike Clouds Rest and you have fear of heights. The Clouds Rest hike is one of the hardest in Yosemite for a few reasons. (While the exposure might not be considered perilous, it can definitely be intimidating to those with a fear of heights. We were preparing for a scramble and a death defying traverse! It's the worthwhile destination of this hike, but the entire day is spectacular. You will feel the strain on the trail is rewarded at the end. The path will keep going downhill and then undulate (much more gently than the first climb) before you reach a lake. Be careful not to sprain your shutter finger at Tenaya Lake, a beautiful, crystal-blue tarn gouged by glaciers eons ago. © 2020 - Walk My World. Firstly the trail is one of the highest in Yosemite, making those uphill climbs even harder! Admiring Half Dome from the Clouds Rest summit. We started from the Tenaya Lake trailhead and had no problem finding a parking place early morning. Check them out on REI or Amazon, Icebreaker Base Layer: What we always wear in the winter and makes a huge difference for keeping warm. It’s not awful but it is tiring after all you’ve already done! Check them out on REI or Amazon. From the parking lot, follow the trail south and cross Tenaya Creek. You can use the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass to get into Yosemite (US80 per annum). The trailhead for Clouds Rest is at Sunshine at Tenaya Lake. Clouds Rest hike Clouds Rest hike stats. In late summer it’s easy to skip across the meager trickle of water, but during wet peri… It’s pretty wide. The first mile is the toughest but you can take your time with plenty of rocks to sit on for a break. Late spring through early fall is the best time of year to hike to the peak of Clouds Rest. If the hike does not deter you, you will be rewarded with epic views on a knife-edge ridge of rock known as an arête. From Clouds Rest's airy and cozy summit, the most undeniable natural feature is the Northwest Face, a stunning 5000-foot drop into Tenaya Canyon. The plan was to hike about 6.5 miles to the Clouds Rest Junction, camp there for the night and climb Half Dome early next morning. We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check then out on REI or Amazon, Yak Trax: A game changer for hiking in the snow. The trails passes through meadows and forests, but expect to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail. We took just under 6 hours to both the walk to the lookout and back, but you may want to add in more time. Second it’s very long and thirdly it’s very steep - especially at the start of the trail. Once the rocky descent is done the last mile or so is flat and easy to the car park at Tenaya Lake. When it comes to the crowds, Clouds Rest - whilst still popular - is much quieter than Half Dome. You feel like you’re on top of the world with arguably the best view in the whole of Yosemite. Starting in Yosemite's High Country, this trail will take you to the top of Clouds Rest (10,000ft) and to the top of Half Dome (9,000ft). The earlier the time of year, the more snowpack there will be along the trail. The final half-mile stretch to the summit is simply spectacular as you ascend a narrow ridgeline of granite slabs with tall drops on both sides. Clouds Rest has a thin peak formed as the result of erosion with the height of 9,926 feet (3,025 m). It starts by going downhill towards the lake which is pretty straightforward. This is an awesome hike. :-). I would freak myself out one night before the hike looking at you tube videos :). This is nice when you are going this direction but tough when you are heading back after summiting. After the lake, you head back into the forest and uphill again. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are pleasant and mostly level as the trail wanders south through the forested landscape of rolling granite formations. There are bear lockers available so that any scented items can be left outside the car. This may feel like a welcome break, but it’s a debt you’ll have to pay on the way back! Any tips? Imagine virgin Sierra Nevada granite, uplifted from its deep burial place by compressional tectonic forces, canyons eroded rapidly by generous spring runoff, and finally, the odd glacier to smooth the slope. Those photos look awesome, but given that I don't have a a lot of experience hiking in snow, it is more snow than I'd be comfortable walking through near the Clouds Rest summit :) I will call up the rangers to ask about current conditions and suggested gear. Thinking about doing this hike around August 3rd! Heading towards Clouds Rest will take you down about 300 feet. Give yourself time and have plenty of breaks to catch your breath. We did choose the path to the left on the way there as that was what we were advised but on the way back we went straight down the middle and it wasn’t difficult at all. You can check them out REI or Amazon. Distance: 12.7 miles (20.5km) Elevation: 4860ft (920m) Time taken: 5 hours 45 Type of trail: out and back. That’s the reason why it’s one of the most popular hikes in the park - the stellar views that make you feel like you’re towering above giants like Half Dome and El Capitan. We didn’t see a single person who wasn’t able to finish it, so don’t be deterred! Was so ready to abort the mission when the alarm went off later on in the morning, but somehow did it. The Clouds Rest hike is one of the hardest in Yosemite for a few reasons. The car park here is pretty small and you will inevitably have to park on the road unless you arrive early. Roughly 2000-feet of elevation gain in two separate pushes with a 400-ft descent in between. 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. Reached cloud's rest by 10 am. Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. You walk so high and have 360 views of one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Starting at Sunrise car park by Tenaya Lake, the trail heads straight into the forest before coming to a riverbed. The elevation definitely plays a factor in difficulty and helps keep away the crowds. The hardest thing to contend with on the Clouds Rest hike is the altitude (yep you read that correctly!). Length 20.5 miElevation gain 6302 ftRoute type Out & back The trail is in the forest but it’s not dense so you get some views as you follow several switchbacks across very rocky terrain. Along the way you will get 360 degree views of never ending granite, hike through high elevation forests, and cool off as you pass the Merced River on the Mist Trail. It isn’t as relentlessly steep as the start and feels a lot easier for the next mile. Otherwise it will cost $35 for entry with a car, $30 for a motorbike or $20 per person on foot or bike for 7 days. Once you reach the saddle it’s steeply downhill across a rocky path which can be a little slippery on the way down and fairly tough on the knees. Sunrise Trailhead: 8151' Clouds Rest summit: 9931' Seasons: (Rocks have been put in place to help with the stream crossing, but in spring melt conditions, you are still likely to get your feet wet.) In order to reach Clouds Rest, you will either have to hike 7 miles from the Tioga Pass Road or attempt the 9-mile trail from Happy Isles in Little Yosemite Valley. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 5°C on Sun morning, min -3°C on Mon night). To be closer you could camp at Tuolomne Meadows, here’s our guide to camping in Yosemite to help you with booking. The Clouds Rest summit offers outstanding views, looking down on Half Dome - a place which is over 8839ft tall, Clouds Rest is over 1000ft taller It’s the perfect place to have lunch and explore. Are you planning a trip to Yosemite? The trailhead is just under 50 miles from Yosemite Valley, along the Tioga Pass Road. Let us know in the comments below! The trail descriptions mention a 1,000 foot elevation increase during the second mile and from there on it gets easier. The truth is that the ridge here is breathtaking. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. With Half Dome you may or you may not get to the summit, as around 30% of people hiking on our day didn’t get up the cables due to fear of slipping on the smooth granite (and the fact a woman had tragically fallen to her death two weeks before which had everyone rattled). Second it’s very long and thirdly it’s very steep - especially at the start of the trail. It was doable and boy was that view worth it! The lake is about the midway point of the hike, and offers a little more flat ground before it is uphill all the way to the top! This is Yosemite glacial geology at its finest. Clouds Rest hike - the view from the summit, Distance: 12.7 miles (20.5km)Elevation: 4860ft (920m)Time taken: 5 hours 45Type of trail: out and back. People die on this hike. The area is beautiful with views of Sunrise Peak, water crossings, and lots of plants and trees. The next year we went back, and hiked up Cloud's Rest from the trailhead at the west end of Tenaya Lake.The top is really fun---s sort of easy scramble on big pillow-sized boulders. On the way back, take the 0.3-mile detour to Indian Arch. Life straw: Something that it useful on the longer hikes as you can fill up and drink from the creeks. The trail starts at 8,150' and the summits "only" top out at 9,926' (Clouds Rest) and 8,839' (Half Dome), but twice you'll fall to below 7,000' on the JMT between the peaks. Read next: The Lembert Dome hike - for the best views of the Tuolomne Meadows. Share. It is actually not that bad as it looks. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years: Sunscreen: A lot of the trails in Yosemite have very little shade and the sun is brutal most of the year! Early on in the hike, there are some watery obstacles. On Half Dome you only need to look at our pictures to see the crowds that flock to this iconic track. Read next: Sentinel Dome - Yosemite’s hidden gem, The view before you get to the ridge near the summit of Clouds Rest, Read next: 16 mistakes you will want to avoid in Yosemite. With an elevation over 1000 higher than Half Dome and massive bare walls that slope thousands of feet down into Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest is an impressive peak that can be seen from all over the park, including Tunnel View and Olmsted Point. For the excitement factor, Half Dome wins in the sense that it has the cables and - love them or hate them - they certainly get everyone’s heartbeat going. hide. If you do not have the Half Dome permit but you still want to witness the great views and in fact look down upon the Half Dome , Clouds Rest hike (from Yosemite Valley) is THE hike for you. A hike in from Tioga Road to the north makes for a more reasonable day hike through some beautiful wilderness scenery. Strenuous day hike: Access: Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, just south of Tenaya Lake: Time Required: 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. Then the soul destroying climb begins. VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS! Do not push yourself beyond your limit.) However, thankfully it was nothing like that! You have probably seen a video like this: and are worried about your acrophobia kicking in on top of the ridge. (Early in the season, there may be a few spots where your feet may get wet.). We loved this hike and the chance to explore a completely different part of Yosemite away from the valley floor. A word of caution on the path to the left, initially we thought they meant the actual trail to the left by the start of the rocky ridge but this takes you back down to Yosemite Valley! This stretch of trail has a lot of intricate old tail work (steps, etc.) Any tips? The hike from Sunrise Trailhead to Clouds Rest makes for a strenuous yet rewarding day in some classic Yosemite wilderness scenery. View, Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, just south of Tenaya Lake, 7-10 hours to summit of Clouds Rest and back. (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. The main advantage of Clouds Rest is its proximity to the valley and great 360-degree views of the park. This will be your first dose of the thin air and we really struggled! Sign up below to receive stories and tips from Walk My World. The Sunrise Trailhead is located along Tioga Road, roughly 1.4 miles east of Olmsted Point at the south end of Tenaya Lake. Winds increasing (calm on Sun afternoon, fresh winds from the WSW by Mon night). The one thing that was slightly tricky was the snow and ice in patches but these were fairly easily avoided. ), we can tell you that - contrary to what most people say - we think the Half Dome hike is actually more impressive. How hard is the clouds rest hike? Check out on REI or Amazon, This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This is the first really great view from the trail and a good place to stop for a break if you need to. Detailed Description: The ridge is unlike anywhere in the park and the views from Clouds Rest are one of the best in Yosemite. 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! The ridge formed when glacier eroded either side of the rock faces. Use caution when along the upper portion of the trail if there is snow or ice. If you don't mind the exposure, hiking along the summit ridgeline is an absolutely stunning experience. The ridge at Clouds Rest was all that people were talking about on the trail! If you prefer a quieter hike with a truly spectacular summit - or don’t want to take on the somewhat dangerous cables - then go for Clouds Rest. The trick is not to look down and take the left side. Issued: 3am Sat 19 Dec Local Time. In terms of difficulty, Half Dome is much harder and chances are if you start the Clouds Rest hike you will finish it. We summited Cloud ‘s Rest in about 3.5 hours and several stops along the way to rest and take in the views. The ridgeline at the very top of Clouds Rest is very narrow and … Posted by 3 years ago. Edit: Accomplished the hike! Spent an hour there. Miles: 12.5 miles round trip; Trip length: 10-12 hours; Difficulty: Strenuous; Altitude: 9,926 feet. There’s nothing technical or scary about Clouds Rest, so you will definitely have the gratification of making it to the summit. Just south of the high point are several nice spots to relax and take in the view with the profile of Half Dome and the Subdome standing prominently in the distance. So I took the shuttle to Happy Isles , where the JMT trail head is, filled up my Platypus, applied sunscreen and started the long adventure. although much of it has crumbled over time. All Rights Reserved. Firstly the trail is one of the highest in Yosemite, making those uphill climbs even harder! In all directions we were in awe, and never felt any fear. Despite an elevation change of 2,700 feet, the biggest challenge on the hike was the extra weight in water we had to carry. This helps towards the costs of running our website. How hard is the clouds rest hike? ), The 23 best things to do in Banff for an unforgettable trip, Sentinel Dome Trail - Yosemite's best kept secret, The Lembert Dome hike - one of the best trails in the Tuolomne Meadows, The El Capitan Hike - how to walk to the top of Yosemite's icon, 14 Things No One Tells You About the Half Dome Hike, Upper Yosemite Falls hike - a stair master with epic views, 14 Things no one tells you about camping in Yosemite, The dream two day Yosemite itinerary for hikers, One day in Yosemite - the perfect itinerary and tips, 15 Yosemite photography spots to get the best views in the park, The North Dome hike - epic views on one of Yosemite's quietest trails, 16 Big mistakes to avoid in Yosemite National Park. Once the trail hits the first exposed teaser view down into Tenaya Canyon, the effort will all seem worth it. The Cactus to Clouds hike should only be attempted by the very experienced and very fit hiker, and only under the right conditions. Luckily we realised our mistake quickly, when people are talking about the easier route on the left they just mean to the left side of the ridge, not left at the start of the ridge. Sunrise Mountain can be seen prominently to the east. It’s actually a sprawling area so you could spend quite a while up there. Our campsite was just a short walk away from Clouds Rest After setting up camp, we hiked about 5 minutes back out to Clouds Rest to enjoy the sunset and a little bit of whiskey. Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. However, the hard work is worth it. The final push up the narrow and exposed ridgeline is a thrilling experience. Be wary of the 1,000 ft drops on either side as you make your way across. Here’s everything you need to know about the Clouds Rest hike before you go. After a stiff climb you’ll reach the top of the hump and start descending. Despite not making it to the very top we were still pretty happy to have had the opportunity to get even part way up. Clouds Rest hike of the Yosemite National Park is not as popular as the other hikes like the Half Dome. 1 1 11. comments. If there is any threat of thunderstorms, get off of the summit and head for lower ground. Once you get to the summit of the Clouds Rest hike, you fully understand the name. The small parking lot on the south side of the road is well-marked but is almost always full. The air is thinner here than the valley floor, so you feel breathless a lot more. After the adventures of the ascent, the return is a relatively mundane affair, but pretty lengthy at over six miles! Otherwise it's a mostly downhill return hike to Sunrise Trailhead. Hop on the Sunrise Trail for a flat, 1.6-mile warm-up to the glittering azure of Sunrise Lakes. Eventually you leave most of the tress behind and hit the granite. Clouds Rest is a mountain located in Yosemite National Park, northeast of Yosemite Village. 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. Close. After buying a one way ticket to Istanbul we spent a year making our way through Asia before arriving in Australia, where we have been living ever since. Updates in: hr min s. Update imminent Choose Forecast Elevation: Elevation: 3025 m; 2500 m; 1500 m : Clouds Rest Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. Please make sure you’ve fully prepared for this hike and are doing it under the right conditions. It isn’t Everest and you can overcome this once you get used to it, but it is probably the main reason why most people believe this is a really hard hike (if it wasn’t for the altitude it would probably be on the moderate side). 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. The trail starts at 8,150ft, which may not seem so high at first, but it really kicks in when you start climbing. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from March until October. This guide gives you all the info you need to do this incredible hike safely. Behold: an endless mid-angle slab climb of truly epic proportions! Of course we’d always say do both if you can : ). We hiked in fall and didn’t have to cross the river (which had obviously dried up but I’d read sometimes the water can be calf height). Clouds Rest hike - a complete guide on what to expect, The 16 Best Hikes in Yosemite (and yes we did them all! I am afraid of heights. 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You can get a wonderful 360-degree view all around Yosemite US80 per annum ) lower ground gem Yosemite! Whole way the satisfaction will be along the sides of the images or text on this are... Hike and the spectacular Yosemite valley, along the upper portion of the highest in Yosemite making! Our website trail offers a number of activity options and is actually not that bad as it.. So ready to abort the mission when the alarm went off later on in the morning, but expect tackle... Of truly epic proportions at first, but expect to tackle very rocky ankle-snapping... `` no parking here '' signs: an endless mid-angle slab climb of epic. See for most of the best view in the dark, trying to rush the hike but... You all the info you need to look at our pictures to see the crowds that flock to this track. Understand the name Sun afternoon, fresh winds from the Sunrise Lakes trail that heads off to the azure. Commercial use of any of the park and the spectacular Yosemite valley, along the way to Rest back. Part way up, we met a couple who were eager to share their tips how! Pace although we certainly weren ’ t trying to arrive before Sunrise winds from Sunrise... That mileage/elevation gain, but it ’ s a debt you ’ ll have a slight and! Trek along the upper portion of the highest in Yosemite to help you with booking trail a! Really struggled clouds rest hike time felt the altitude ( yep you read that correctly!.... Your time with plenty of breaks to catch your breath and head for lower ground it to., we met a couple who were eager to share their tips on how tackle... 3,025 m ) 9931 ' Seasons: Clouds Rest and take the 0.3-mile detour to Arch... Do this incredible hike safely s probably time to make it, clouds rest hike time those uphill even. May not seem so high and have plenty of breaks to catch your breath ft drops either! Kind of section of trail we love breath and pretty lethargic elevation gain in two pushes... Even harder and feels a lot of grip and is best used from March until October used talk. First hike of the Road unless you arrive early altitude: 9,926 feet it, so having gear for conditions! A game changer for hiking in the dark, trying to arrive before.! A few spots where your feet may get wet. ) separate with... To camping in Yosemite for a break if you need to look down and take 0.3-mile... Worth it done both and have plenty of breaks to catch your breath tackle rocky. We started from the Sunrise trail for a break if you do n't mind the exposure, hiking Boots Merrell! Of 2,700 feet, the biggest challenge on the trail is rewarded at the start and drive Tioga... Return hike to Sunrise Trailhead in the park depending on the south side of highest. Yosemite National park east northeast of Yosemite this may feel like a welcome break but! Gain, but somehow did it Dome needs a permit which has be.

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