Heading towards Clouds Rest will take you down about 300 feet. The views get better and better as you climb and look back on the valley below you.Īfter what seems like an eternity, you will make it to the saddle where the trail breaks off to Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest. This section was harder than I anticipated it being, and I recommend you take your time. Over the next mile, you will gain 1,000 feet, which means it is up the entire way. Do bring insect repellent though, we got bit a lot by mosquitoes during this section.Īt about 1.5 miles, the trail heads into a brutal, steep uphill. Generally, you can look at the location tag on Instagram to see what people are saying about the trail if you are worried, or you can call the rangers to ask.Īfter crossing the river, you continue following it as you head back into the forest.Įnjoy this first mile as it is nice and flat, which is not something you often have on this trail. The crossing was knee-high when I went, but that is not always the case. I brought my Crocs as they are lightweight and can be attached to my pack with a carabiner. It heads out on a wooden bridge before it bends and goes into the forest.Īfter a tenth of a mile, it reaches the river crossing that you may need a change of shoes for. You will find the trailhead right next to the pit toilets in the parking lot. Now that we have that out of the way let’s jump into the trail. Wear hiking boots as there are lots of loose rocks to roll an ankle on, and if you go after a good snow year, you may need a change of shoes for the initial river crossing like I did.The trail has a lot of sections without shade, and it can be pretty brutal with that heat blazing down on you for miles. I would probably not do it if it is a hot day in the park.This is not an easy trail it is a strenuous 12+ miles with some steep elevation gains, so make sure you are prepared with 3 – 4 liters of water.I want to give a few warnings on the trail before we jump in. If the lot is full, you can park along the road as well just abide by the signs. After passing Tenaya Lake, you will see the small parking lot for Sunrise Lakes on the left-hand side, and this is where the trail to Clouds Rest leaves from. Read about all of my favorite Yosemite National Park attractions hereįrom Yosemite’s east entrance at Tioga Pass, you will proceed about 18 miles into the park.Location: Sunrise Trailhead near Tenaya Lake.Lots of exposed sections, so it’s not a great choice if it is hot.Here is all the information on this truly fantastic hike in Yosemite National Park. This is a strenuous, no joke hike though, so don’t take it lightly if you choose to do it.

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. Sitting at over 1,000 feet above Half Dome, Clouds Rest is one of the quintessential hikes in Yosemite National Park.

Clouds rest summit