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Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake

Mariposa County, California

5.0/5
based on 12 reviews

Details

Distance

14.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1775 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Addison Klinke

Enjoy incredible panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. This hike is far less crowded than Half Dome and doesn't require permits for day hiking.

The "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake trailhead will save you crowds on the trail and the trouble of driving into the congested Yosemite Valley and fighting for parking spaces.

At the start, the trail climbs quickly through the High Sierra, passing pine trees and monstrous white granite boulders along the way. Eventually, you will reach a plateau slightly before the turnoff to Sunrise Lakes. This gradual terrain continues until the final 2 miles when the real climbing starts. At this point you will be going up the backbone of Clouds Rest. The trail does become quite exposed towards the top, but is still wide enough to be comfortable (unless you have an extreme fear of heights).

At the top, you will be looking SE into Yosemite Valley with stunning views of Half Dome all the way out to El Capitan in the distance. Not to mention the views back towards Tuolumne Meadows aren't too shabby either. You'll definitely want to stay on the summit a while to soak in the panorama, so get an early start on this hike and bring plenty of sunscreen because there's no shade once you're up on top.

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Features

Hiking
Forest
Scenic

Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake Reviews

Half Dome get's all of the attention but this trail is highly underrated. We reached the summit on a partly cloudy day and it was amazing to see Half Dome and the tunnel floor when the clouds would clear. Don't skip out on Cloud's Rest if you are headed to Yosemite.

Echoing all that has been said, this is one of the highlight hikes of Yosemite. The views from the summit is truly something...even life changing based on my own experiences. If you are able to do this hike in the Spring (March-April), you will catch the snow peaks in the Sierra Nevada. However, at times the trail can still be covered in snow, so follow the yellow signs marked in trees! Also, the river water tend to be higher in the Spring, so forking the river might be necessary. Take your shoes off and use the stepping stones!

The Panoramic views from the summit of clouds rest are some of my favorite in Yosemite. Spectacular views out to the east into the Clark range may be seen on a clear day. One can also spot Tenya Lake to the North. The hike is quite long and strenuous, and will take a full day, but the reward of walking along the Cloud's Rest Summit Ridge makes it all worth it.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Clouds Rest to Half Dome

Half Dome & Clouds Rest Loop

Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

Explore Tenaya Lake, Yosemite NP

Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park

Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau