clouds rest hike blog

After the first crest, the summit of Clouds Rest is in view. You’ll need to cross the creek by the rocks protruding from the water. The track follows the edge of the lake, and after taking a few photos I continue to see what photo opportunities the next two lakes offer…. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. If you’re thinking about coming to Yosemite one of the first things you’ll wonder is where to stay in Yosemite National Park. Or are you just looking for a similar full-day hike? Must do. The track skirts around the northern side of the lake, and it’s another great sunset vantage point. In 1.5 miles, you will arrive at the north end of the infamous Clouds Rest foot trail. Hiking Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake. The hike up to Clouds Rest is a difficult yet rewarding one. Clouds Rest hike of the Yosemite National Park is not as popular as the other hikes like the Half Dome. Half Dome from Clouds Rest. Our hike will take us most of the day and we will plan for lunch out on the trail. Or are you just looking for a similar full-day hike? Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. The Clouds Rest hike will begin at the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road. The hike from Sunrise Trailhead to Clouds Rest makes for a strenuous yet rewarding day in some classic Yosemite wilderness scenery. At the right time of year, this stretch of trail is probably quite scenic, with the creek flowing through green meadows, but the scene was a … Continue past the junction, and follow the trail as it bends to the right to climb up to the base of Cloud’s Rest. Normally there would be seasonal accommodation here in large canvas tents, accessible only by foot and part of the High Sierra Camps. These are two of the most spectacular and famous peaks in Yosemite National Park. And unlike Half Dome, for the Clouds Rest hike, no permit is needed, the distance and climbing is manageable, and you don’t have to navigate anything like the anxiety-inducing cables section. left to right is Colombia Finger, Tresidder Peak, Cathedral Pass, the top of Echo Peaks, and Matthes Crest). I’m back at the car at 10pm, having walked the last hour and a half in the dark. The narrowest section of the trail is probably just under 10 feet wide with sheer drop-offs on both sides. There are multiple trails to take you to the top of Clouds Rest, but in this post, we’ll focus on the quickest and most common route, Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest. I feel like I know the entire hike now. Take in all the beauty before heading back down the way you came. The Mount Katahdin Knife Edge trail is a bucket list hike you’ll, Shenandoah National Park offers some of the best hikes on the east coast. June through October (when Tioga Road is open). From the trailhead, hike seven miles up the Clouds Rest Trail first thing in the morning for the most awe inspiring summit view I have ever experienced. Was so ready to abort the mission when the alarm went off later on in the morning, but somehow did it. Here I am on the summit of Clouds Rest looking back at the trail head on the side of Tenaya Lake. Although you can make the ridge appear somewhat dramatic with the right camera angle, it’s not knife-edged and there’s absolutely no exposure. -One of my group members remembering the Clouds Rest Trail . If there was one hike in Yosemite that is absolutely the most epic, I’d say it was the Clouds Rest Trail. I can see why Yosemite draws such big crowds and I’ve enjoyed my hike, but I’d avoid June-August in future and visit when there’s a few less people around! After losing the track in the fading light, I eventually find it again and continue the short distance downhill to the third lake. This is not a hike for folks looking for a leisurely stroll! It is actually not that bad as it looks. Clouds Rest doesn´t require permit, trail is quite easy and picturesque and view from Clouds Rest is in my opinion best from all of Yosemite. Right by the trailhead is a small but well-marked parking lot; however, this parking lot is almost always full. Eventually the trail reaches the base of Sunrise Mountain, where for a mercifully short distance it ascends very steeply via a series of switchbacks. Steff is an avid hiker and skilled photographer who captures incredible shots in the, Perfect Hike is proud to present our newest series, the Local Hikers Spotlight. Clouds Rest is formed almost entirely out of granite and is one of many peaks in Yosemite National Park, although it is not as well known as others, it is regarded to have the best scenery and view of Yosemite, due to its closeness to the valley. My last hike in Yosemite was in April almost ten years ago; my planning consisted of little more than booking some accommodation and purchasing a map. Bear R @ the trail marker and head up the rocky path. Access: Paved road to trailhead, Yosemite National Park entrance fee required. Clouds Rest is a great hike if you are unable to secure a permit for Half Dome or if you are looking for a longer trail with more elevation gain. 37.77723, -119.46923. The trailhead at Tioga Road is the most popular and well-used route to reach the peak of Cloud’s Rest, but there are other avenues to reach those lofty peaks. Its possible to do before Tioga Pass opens but you’ll have to start from the valley in addition to dealing with icy condit We’ve got all, Are you planning a hiking trip but aren’t sure if you’re fit enough to make it? With head-torch on, I’m soon back at the junction with the Clouds Rest Trail. It’s very easy to get your feet wet here, especially if you do this hike in the spring when the water in the creek is the strongest. Clouds Rest Loop is a 18.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. As you start walking on top, you are actually walking on the spine of the ridge, or the absolute top of the ridge. The trail descends more than 6,000 feet over the course of 8 miles until you reach the Valley floor. This is it. We also have a strong conservation mission and are committed to helping conserve the world’s remaining wild spaces. Incredible hike. First, the Mist Trail must be surmounted, up past Vernal and Nevada Falls. The John Muir Trail initially follows Sunrise Creek and ascends very gently. Summit both Half Dome and Clouds Rest on this guided backpacking trip! Sitting at over 1,000 feet above Half Dome, Clouds Rest is one of the quintessential hikes in Yosemite National Park. Posted by Ranger Dave at 11:53. The path climbs immedately, past a few camping sites and up one of the ridges that surround the grassy meadow. Hiking to Clouds Rest from Yosemite Valley may just be the most difficult day hike in the whole park. An Overview of Clouds Rest Hike. Once you reach the summit of Clouds Rest, you’ll be presented with a full 360-degree view of Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and so much more that Yosemite National Park has to offer. Look no further because the Clouds Rest hike is described by many as the best hike in Yosemite National Park. The hill behind the first lake is almost glowing orange from the setting sun. Clouds Rest is a towering summit ridge that looks down on Half Dome and the spectacular Yosemite Valley. There’s no traffic on the road and the mist is rising off the meadows along the road. However, Half Dome needs a permit which has to be obtained via a lottery. The of the first part of my journey is almost over, as I reach the base of the summit. There’s no path or signage from here – but none is needed. The completely still water reflects the sky and surrounding pine trees, and makes a good spot for a brief stop. Geography. There are plenty of places to rest and take a picture that will capture a moment you’ll never forget. Looking down from the ridge, you start to get a view of the expanse of Yosemite stretching into the distance – and directly below a weird landscape that looks like millions of shattered pieces of granite piled haphazardly on top of one another. 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. For an overnighter from Tenaya Lake, check out Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest. The reward is well worth the risk as the final half mile stretch is simply incredible. Early on in the hike, there are some watery obstacles. Yes, even better than hiking Half Dome. The final push up the narrow and exposed ridgeline is a thrilling experience. Here I finally get a sense of the altitude gained, with filtered views of distant mountains through the towering trees. We get up for an early breakfast and prepare our day packs for the long guided hike ahead of us. Hard. You’ll start on Tioga Road at the west end of Tenaya Lake (Sunrise trailhead), and begin the hike with a view of the lake on the left. Look no further because the Clouds Rest hike is described by many as the best hike in Yosemite National Park. 1275 m. 7-9.5h. 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. The trailhead is clearly marked, starting near the southern end of Tenaya Lake on Tioga and, and is initially fairly flat and easy walking. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states at 14,497' mid September with Jasen and a few work colleagues, I can't wait!! A detailed guide to the Clouds Rest hike for one of Yosemite’s best views! Topographic profile of the Tenaya Lake – Clouds Rest Trail Tioga Road/Tenaya Lake . In this series, we’ll be showcasing some of the Adirondacks finest and. 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. Reactions: Email This BlogThis! With no water source near the summit of Cloud’s Rest, we needed to bring enough water for our hike in, that evening’s dinner, the next morning’s breakfast, and the next afternoon’s hike out. Look closely and you can see hikers going up the cables to the summit. Sure, it doesn’t have the grandeur that Half Dome has, but having been up both of them, I can say that the view from Clouds Rest is the better of the two. Clouds Rest is an incredible and light to moderate trail in Yosemite National Park in California. Customize it. 8. 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