(While the exposure might not be considered perilous, it can definitely be intimidating to those with a fear of heights. The final half-mile stretch to the summit is simply spectacular as you ascend a narrow ridgeline of granite slabs with tall drops on both sides. At this elevation, most people will feel somewhat out of breath from the constant uphill take it easy and know that you are almost there! Once the trail hits the first exposed teaser view down into Tenaya Canyon, the effort will all seem worth it. (Early in the season, there may be a few spots where your feet may get wet.)Īs you reach the south side of the meadow, the trail begins another 1000-foot ascent and after the next junction, the trail turns west to head for the Clouds Rest ridgeline. Sunrise Mountain can be seen prominently to the east. At the saddle and junction with the trail to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, continue south as the trail starts its descent into a forested meadow. This stretch of trail has a lot of intricate old tail work (steps, etc.) although much of it has crumbled over time. Soon enough we have our first big push of the hike as the trail ascends roughly 1000 feet to gain the ridgeline east of Tenaya Canyon. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are pleasant and mostly level as the trail wanders south through the forested landscape of rolling granite formations. (Rocks have been put in place to help with the stream crossing, but in spring melt conditions, you are still likely to get your feet wet.) You will pass two trail junctions very early in the hike make sure you follow the signs to Cloud Rest and or Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Summer to autumn (whenever Tioga Road is open for the season and the route is not covered in snow)įrom the parking lot, follow the trail south and cross Tenaya Creek. Roughly 2000-feet of elevation gain in two separate pushes with a 400-ft descent in between. Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, just south of Tenaya Lakeħ-10 hours to summit of Clouds Rest and back Extra parking can be found along the sides of the road but look out for any 'no parking here' signs. The small parking lot on the south side of the road is well-marked but is almost always full. The Sunrise Trailhead is located along Tioga Road, roughly 1.4 miles east of Olmsted Point at the south end of Tenaya Lake. The final push up the narrow and exposed ridgeline is a thrilling experience. A hike in from Tioga Road to the north makes for a more reasonable day hike through some beautiful wilderness scenery. 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.

With an elevation over 1000 higher than Half Dome and massive bare walls that slope thousands of feet down into Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest is an impressive peak that can be seen from all over the park, including Tunnel View and Olmsted Point.

Yosemite valley to clouds rest