Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake
Mariposa County, California
Details
Distance
11.65 miles
Elevation Gain
2766 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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Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake Reviews
This along with half dome is a bucketlist hike in my opinion. I did both this year and still couldn’t pick a favorite. I started hiking at 3am in 37 degree weather to make it to the top for sunrise. Bring layers! It was cold on top in august! Watching the sun come up was absolutely incredible and worth hiking 3 hrs in the dark. Starting out at a high elevation and then hiking even higher was a little rough since I’m not used to it but worth every minute. Just take your time
5.0
Added a Cloud's Rest detour to our high sierra backpacking loop this summer, and it was easily one of the best days on trail! I couldn't wait for the view at the summit, but the actual hike is simply gorgeous as well! Of course, the views from the top were just amazing. Seeing Half Dome from a unique angle, catching a glimpse of Tenaya Lake in the distance, looking at the mountains we had been hiking through from way above. Just incredible. There are lots of camping spots once you get above the treeline. We camped about 3/4 mile south of the summit in a huge flat spot off the trail - and were even blessed with a black bear sighting the next morning. Couldn't recommend this more as a day hike or backpack.
5.0
Clouds Rest is definitely one of my favorite views in the park. I hiked to it's summit as part of a 21 mile day from Tenaya Lake to the Valley (https://www.theoutbound.com/yosemite/hiking/114893).
5.0
It's amazing how accessible Cloud's Rest is. One of the most stunning sights in California is a day hike away from the trailhead at Tioga Pass. It's a tough uphill route, particularly between Tenaya Lake and the crossroads to Sunrise Lake, but absolutely worth the push. Bring water and lunch. Stay for sunrise or sunset if you can.
5.0
This is my #1 recommended day hike for visitors who are denied Half Dome cable permits. It's a similar difficulty level, perhaps even easier because there's less elevation gain. It's a spectacular view, made even better with a view of Half Dome's backside! Watch out for the persistent chipmunks at the top. Early morning or later evening makes this hike way less crowded. Typically the trail will have snow until May, so be prepared with spikes or poles if traveling in spring.
5.0
We left the trail head at 1 am and hiked beneath the stars, with our head lamps, to Clouds Rest for sunrise. The view of Orion at sunrise is amazing. 💫
5.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Clouds Rest to Half Dome
Half Dome & Clouds Rest Loop
Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest
Tenaya Lake
Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park
Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau
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