![]() To the east are some of the higher peaks – Mount Lyell, Mount Maclure and Mount Florence – some with patches of snow still clinging on to the upper slopes.Īfter taking a few photos and responding to a few urgent emails (it’s the first time I’ve had mobile reception since I arrived at the park), I continue down the southern end of Clouds Rest. The star attraction is Half Dome, rising above the valley floor. There expansive view over the partk, with Yosemite Valley stretching to the south as far as the eye can see. There are sweeping views as you ascend, but it’s not at all like many descriptions suggest.Īt the Clouds Rest summit, a large open and rocky area, there’s a fair number of people enjoying lunch – although it’s not crowded. 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. I was expecting something a little exhilarating, like Angels Landing. And I use the word “narrow” somewhat loosely: I’ve read descriptions such as “a narrow and knife-edged ridge”. You just follow the narrow granite ridge up to the top. There’s no path or signage from here – but none is needed. The trailhead is clearly marked, starting near the southern end of Tenaya Lake on Tioga and, and is initially fairly flat and easy walking. I’m not exactly sure the route I’m doing, but the plan is to head up to Clouds Rest, which was completely impassable due to deep snow last time I was here. There’s no traffic on the road and the mist is rising off the meadows along the road. I make an early start to hopefully avoid the crowds, leaving Tuolumne Meadows Lodge just after sunrise for the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. I’m surprised how warm the weather is at the end of August, and even more surprised at how busy the park is. This time it’s a very different experience. ![]() and brought more than just a T-shirt and shorts to wear in April. As I got closer to the park and realised there was a solid wall of snow on both sides of the road, I thought perhaps I should have done a bit more research…. ![]() Keep an eye out on those pesky chipmunks at the summit.My hike to Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes is almost ten years since my last visit to Yosemite, when my planning consisted of little more than booking some accommodation and purchasing a map. This hike can easily be done in a day or can be combined with overnight or extended backpacking trips to Sunrise Lakes or Little Yosemite Valley if you’re crazy enough to summit Half Dome the next day. This is easily the hardest part on your legs as the trail climbs about 1,000 feet in less than a mile (20% grade)… it’s no fun on the way down either! From there the trail descends a bit then makes a moderately steep climb to the summit of Clouds Rest. The trail will run along Tenaya Creek for the first half mile or so and then begins a very steep climb at about two miles in. You will find bear lockers at the trailhead we suggest using these if you plan to leave food in your vehicle during the hike. The trail is easy to follow with only a couple of different intersections, but both are well-marked…just keep following the Clouds Rest trail! The trailhead is at the Sunrise parking area which is at the southwestern tip of Tenaya Lake off Tioga Road. You will see conflicting mileages on this trail, but I’m going with the distance from the GPS app I use on my phone as it has been very accurate every time I’ve tested it. If you’re afraid of heights you probably don’t want to attempt this hike although there are excellent, but not 360 degrees, views just before you cross the arête. It is a fairly long and difficult hike with some exposure thrown in just before the summit as you cross a narrow ridge with deep drop-offs on both sides. Hoffman is on the left and the flattop Tuolumne Peak is on the right: The view looking north from one of the first major viewpoints about 2.5-3.0 miles into the trail.
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