The path climbs immedately, past a few camping sites and up one of the ridges that surround the grassy meadow. When you flatten out, you will be on rolling ups and downs for the next mile and a half. Multiple steep ascents. Take it to Little Yosemite Valley, where hordes of Half Dome hopefuls gather for a shot at peak views similar to the ones you just earned (join them if your backcountry permit allows it). The Trailhead The route to the peak involves three separate paths, all well used and in a good state of repair. DIFFICULT 2.6 mi. The John Muir Trail initially follows Sunrise Creek and ascends very gently. Some people camp at Sunrise lakes, which isn't super far from Tenaya lakes. This time it’s a very different experience. At the bottom of the valley is Sunrise Creek, and also the lowest elevation of the entire circuit I’m doing (around 2,195m or 7,200 feet above sea level). The fastest way to day hike Cloud's Rest starts from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Turn left to go to the Sunrise Lakes instead. Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) For Clouds Rest, you need a permit for Sunrise Lakes, and we highly recommend reserving this one, as it’s a very popular route. DIFFICULT 15.4 mi. There are two ways to get to the summit of Clouds Rest: A 7.2-mile hike from Tioga Pass Road via the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead or a 9.4-mile hike from Happy Isles by way of Little Yosemite Valley. EASY 3.8 mi. More. There’s one tent up neat the track, while the previous lake had a cluster of tents at the northern end. With head-torch on, I’m soon back at the junction with the Clouds Rest Trail. Tenaya Lake – Sunrise Trailhead – Clouds Rest Trail [< ----- 0.62 Mile ----- >] Tanaya Lake – Sunrise Lakes Trailhead 8,150 ft elev. And I use the word “narrow” somewhat loosely: I’ve read descriptions such as “a narrow and knife-edged ridge”. After the first 1.5 mile hike on the relatively flat trail, you begin to climb up the lower slope below Sunrise Mountain. Eichorn Pinnacle via Cathedral Peak Climber's Approach. From here I can make out the cables going almost impossibly and vertically straight up the granite monolith. It's amazing how accessible Cloud's Rest is. The track ascends again, following the western side of the ridge towards the base of Clouds Rest. From Clouds Rest's airy and cozy summit, the most undeniable natural feature is the Northwest Face, a stunning 5000-foot drop into Tenaya Canyon. It starts with the first 2.7 miles of the Sunrise Trail, followed by 2.3 miles of the Forsyth Trail, and finally the actual Clouds Rest Trail for 2 miles. I’m surprised how few people I see on the trail, which at times is almost hard to follow, considering it’s one of the more famous long-distance trails. And now you have a downhill followed by some rolling terrain. Friday: Wake up early and hike Cloud's Rest to observe the sunrise. The area is beautiful with views of … At the Clouds Rest summit, a large open and rocky area, there’s a fair number of people enjoying lunch – although it’s not crowded. Then, let the climbing begin. First part of our hike was about 2.7 miles, which actually is the most strenuous part of the hike with steep switchbacks up to the Sunrise Lakes and Cloud’s Rest juncture. DIFFICULT 21.7 mi. Imagine virgin Sierra Nevada granite, uplifted from its deep burial place by compressional tectonic forces, canyons eroded rapidly by generous spring runoff, and finally, the odd glacier to smooth the slope. Elevation Gain/Loss: 1776/1776. Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes Loop is a 23 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. It’s been an exhausting walk, with Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes the highlights – and a few uninspiring sections between. A bit further on there’s a small plateauand another junction, this time a trail to Merced Lakes. Trailhead: Tenaya Lake West (Sunrise) Trailhead Elevation: 8150. 3. mirror lake trail via John Muir Trail. The track follows the edge of the lake, and after taking a few photos I continue to see what photo opportunities the next two lakes offer…. steps, rocks, sandy paths, dirt etc.  It’s a nice variety making the experience not at all mundane.  About 2 miles in, the trail will begin to climb in a gradual fashion with the trees becoming more scarce as you gain altitude.  Still an easily maneuverable and wide trail but more exposed so be prepared for heat if the sun is shining.  As you approach Clouds Rest, you may notice the effects of the altitude and you will begin climbing switchbacks on the granite.  Keep an eye out for opportunities to make your way to the edge to get your first glimpse of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon.  Looking back at Tenaya Lake, from where you most likely started, is quite a treat and an accomplishment for sure.  As you approach the Clouds Rest sign, the trail can be easily lost but if you look closely you will see steps and routes that are fairly easy to follow.  From the sign, you get a great look at the ridge that stands between you and the top.  Many get nervous here, and some choose to quit, as it is definitely a ridge with drops to both sides.  That being said, even at its most narrow spot there is plenty of room to safely maneuver your way across the firmly placed boulders.  I encourage you to press on, even if having to do so on all four.  I think we lucked out because the trail, and even the summit was very quiet this day with minimal use by other hikers.  As we made our way to the top, for a moment we found we were the only ones there.  With clear blue skies we had amazing views of Tenaya Canyon to our right, Yosemite Valley to our left and of course Half Dome in all its glory.  With binoculars, you can actually watch folks climbing the cables of Half Dome while you enjoy your snack or lunch.  Standing about 1000 feet higher than Half Dome, there are many (myself included) who would say this is a better hike.  Yes it lacks the iconic cables, but no special permit is required and Half Dome is in the view.  Prepared with lunch, after taking our many photos, we found a spot and simply enjoyed being. In the first 100 yards of the trail we crossed over Tenaya Creek, the only major creek crossing on this trail. From here on, you'll gain nearly 1,500 feet over 4.5 miles and climb, literally, into the clouds. (It’s a hard decision… it would have been a great spot for an extended break to see the changing colours of the distant peaks as the sun sets – but I’ve still got five miles to go.) From the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead at Tenaya Lake, you’ll cross the outflow stream and marshy terrain among many trees, but in less than a mile move into more open, rocky terrain. The trailhead begins at Tenaya Lake at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. Behold: an endless mid-angle slab climb of truly epic proportions! There are two trails that leave from Tenaya Lake, one that leads to the north and one to the south. Here’s another sign for Clouds Rest at the junction. It doesn’t take too long until the path starts climbing, and I overtake a few groups of hikes that have also started early (as a result of Half Dome permits being hard to obtain, Clouds Rest is one of the popular alternatives). At the summit, hike straight, avoiding the trail on the left to Sunrise Lakes. Range, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and more. At this landing, there are several options.  The trailhead to the left, will take you to Sunrise Lakes and beyond to Sunrise Lakes High Sierra Camp.  The trailhead straight (as you hit the top), will take you to Clouds Rest…… Pro Tip:  To the right there is an unmarked trail (two actually) that will take you to one of the best views of the Valley in Yosemite.  The best spot is up and to the right so…… of the two unmarked trails to the right, take the first one that goes up a bit.  Either one, if you go up (slightly right) and then out to the edge you will know exactly what I am talking about.  Would make a wonderful campsite, except the closest water is a half mile away at Sunrise Lakes. Break Free From Your Story © 2020. The of the first part of my journey is almost over, as I reach the base of the summit. I’m keen to get to Sunrise Lakes before dark, so I push on, leaving the John Muir Trail and taking the Sunrise Lakes Trail. As I get closer to the park and realise there is a solid wall of snow on both sides of the road, it crosses my mind that perhaps I should have done a bit more research. Up the trail, there are two other lakes, with the second being about a half mile away and off the trail so it takes a bit of off roading to find it.  Even then, we are told, it is more of a marsh than a lake.  The 3rd is even farther up, about a mile from lake #1, and on the incline headed up to Sunrise Lakes HSC.  I did not go to either of these lakes, but I’m told lakes #1 and #3 are the best. The trail to Sunrise Lakes is around 3.5 miles.  At this time of year, there was no water between the trailhead and the Lake.  The trail is well groomed, initially rather flat with only slight undulations, and consists of fairly soft footings.  There are brief moments where the trail turns rocky, but never are the rocks loose, and there is plenty of shade.  At about 1.5 miles, the ascent begins and with its gain of about 1000 feet in a mile, it is a heart pumping climb.  This terrain becomes steps of various sorts with travel along switchbacks to ease some of the pain.  When the heart starts pumping, and the lungs start burning, stop and take a look behind you as the views of Tenaya Canyon and the opposite Mountain range begin to come into view.  All well worth the effort.  During one of these rests, I was lucky enough to watch a tiny ground squirrel jump up on a rock, stand on his hind feet, grab hold of the top of a small grain weed, pull it towards him and eat the tiny little morsels; Very cute.  Carrying a 40 lb pack, I was starting to feel it just as the ridge line came into view…… Yes!  As you reach the top, you will most likely find many who went before you resting.  Drop your packs, drink some water and grab a snack.  Hold the snacks tightly, though, because the ground squirrels have grown quite accustomed to eating up there …… They are cute, but bold. This is undoubtedly, the easiest route up Clouds Rest starts from Tenaya Lake, a 7-mile YDS class 1 route along hiking trails usually done as a dayhike. Monday 9/10/18 (3.5 miles, 108 feet gain): With yet another early rise, we were packed up and on the move by 8:00am.  Time to bid camp farewell and make our way back to the car/trailhead.  Being essentially all downhill, we made quick work of it stopping only briefly to watch a Grouse as it wandered across the trail. The completely still water reflects the sky and surrounding pine trees, and makes a good spot for a brief stop. I’m back at the car at 10pm, having walked the last hour and a half in the dark. It's a tough uphill route, particularly between Tenaya Lake and the crossroads to Sunrise Lake, but absolutely worth the push. The path descends gradually through tall pine forest, soon meeting again wth the main trail that makes its way to Half Dome (my intended next destination) and then onto Yosemite Valley. Clouds Rest is a large granite peak within Yosemite National Park. As I veer off the path to take some photos of the burnt out valley below, I encounter a friendly ranger who explains there was a huge bushfire in 2013 (Rim Fire) that affected large sections of the park. jthomas346 1 year, 7 months ago Day 1 Yosemite. Enjoy 360-degree views of Yosemite, including Half Dome, North Dome, Sentinel Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, Cathedral Rocks, Pinnacles, Vogelsang, Tenaya Lake, Olmstead Point, Fletcher Peak, Cathedral Peak, and Unicorn Point. Remarkable trip…… Relatively easy with plenty of time to rest and enjoy what the park has to offer. Anyway….. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Sunrise Lake #1. It was not yet open for the season. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The sunrise lakes trail to Cloud's rest is 12 miles round trip, I think. It ends in Yosemite Valley. It was only four miles to Cloud’s Rest from here, but would feel like the longest four miles of my life. After about an hour of down time, we retraced our steps and made our way back to camp. CLOUDS REST (via Sunrise Trailhead) Trail Description Photos 1 2. DIFFICULT 36.8 mi. The Sunrise Lakes Trail is a round trip hike of 14.5 miles that begins at an elevation of 8,150 feet and gains 1,776 feet over 7.25 miles to reach the summit at … The star attraction is Half Dome, rising above the valley floor. Next hike to the bottom Cloud's Rest (get water on the way), and find a camping spot. Other than a thin strip of green along the creek, it’s also much drier than I expected. Due to an unusually heavy snowpack none of the camps were set-up this year. Part two of our adventure from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park past Sunrise Lakes then up and over Clouds Rest before camping at Sunrise Creek. 2. 5.0 Step Into Your Journey….. DIFFICULT 216.3 mi. Trailhead to Summit Lake #2 & Lunch. Hiking guide and photographs for the hike to Clouds Rest starting at the Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, offering great views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley! Nearby Hiking Trails. Saturday 9/8/18 (3.5 miles, 1132 feet gain):  Man did we feel lucky by the clear skies and warm weather predicted in Yosemite.  Hard to tell, initially, as we left home at 4:30am in total darkness.  With this departure time, we made it to the Big Oak Flat Ranger station at 8:00am to pick up our permits.  For those who don’t know, permits are required to camp in the back Country of Yosemite.  Despite our being there at 8:00am, we were still #3 in line with others before us hoping to score available permits that day.  While understandable, I was terribly disappointed to learn Yosemite has a current ban on all camp fires.  It seems the 10 recent lightening strike fires are keeping them plenty busy.  Guess I brought the marshmellows for nothing.  We were back on the road around 8:30am and ready to roll at the Sunrise Lake Trailhead (near Tenaya Lake) at 9:30am. Strenuous day hike: Access: Sunrise Trailhead off of Tioga Road, just south of Tenaya Lake: Time Required: 7-10 hours to summit of Clouds Rest and back: Length: 13 miles to Clouds Rest and back: Elevation Change: Roughly 2000-feet of elevation gain in two separate pushes with a 400-ft descent in between. Both hikes are great, really just depends where you want to start. Hard. ( Log Out /  And brought more than just a T-shirt and shorts to wear…. The sun has almost set as the track leaves the first lake, and descends towards the second lake. All Rights Reserved. The Sunrise Trailhead is the primary starting point for day hikers who wish to visit Clouds Rest. There’s no path or signage from here – but none is needed. Take the Sunrise Lakes trail from Tenaya Lake. From the lake there’s another gradual ascent up the ridge, with the trees seeming to get bigger as I climb. Total ascent is 1,650m. We had some options as to how far and how many days we would go. Sunday 9/9/18 (8.8 miles, 1600 feet gain):  With no alarms set, we naturally awoke early to a very brisk morning.  It took some time for the sun to make its way to us, but man were we thankful when it did.  It’s amazing how wonderful the sun feels first thing in the morning.  With a quick warm breakfast, and some basic tidying behind us, by 8:15am we were back on the trail with day packs headed to Clouds Rest.  The trek back up to the landing and trail junctions was done in quick fashion.  Opting for the Pro Tip detour, we first set off to enjoy the spectacular canyon view.  Despite the numerous small fires, the view of Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome and even Clouds Rest was clear.  From there, we continued on the Clouds Rest Trail down. Once it reaches the Sunrise Mountain plateau, it’s fairly flat, and for the first time there are views of the knife-like Matthes Crest and Cathedral Range (from left to right is Colombia Finger, Tresidder Peak, Cathedral Pass, the top of Echo Peaks, and Matthes Crest). While the trees are normally fire-tolerant, they were killed by the intensity of the fire and it will take decades for the forest to recover. Hike to Sunrise Lake. You will meet your Lasting Adventures Guide here. But a small group just behind me misses the sign and start to walk along the base of the summit, and I later discover many people miss this junction. Going straight will take you to Clouds Rest, another 4.7 miles (7.5 km) ahead. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is … Lake number two is located a short distance below the track, so I make the short detour down to the edge of the water. There’s just 2.5 miles left to get back to the car at the Sunrise Lakes trailhead. 8. 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. Half Dome is a constant and unmistakeable beacon that dominates the skyline. I make an early start to hopefully avoid the crowds, leaving Tuolumne Meadows Lodge just after sunrise for the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. Clouds Rest is a massive granite peak just northeast of Half Dome.The peak can be seen from Yosemite Valley, and at 9,930 ft. is about 1,080 ft. higher than the more famous Half Dome.The peak offers excellent views of Half Dome and the surrounding area. Being mid afternoon, on a sunny fall day, we were hot by the time we made it back to camp around 3:30pm.  The lake was simply too enticing so after dropping our gear we went for a “refreshing” dip….. OK, so maybe it was just downright cold, but it felt good to clean up and cool off.  Finding a warm rock to rest and dry out on, a nap took hold.  With dinner and sunset watching the next order of business, we put a close to a remarkable day. The trail was flat for a few miles, then climbed steeply before reaching the short detour trail to Sunrise Lakes. I’m surprised how warm the weather is at the end of August, and even more surprised at how busy the park is. There are sweeping views as you ascend, but it’s not at all like many descriptions suggest. One of the most stunning sights in California is a day hike away from the trailhead at Tioga Pass. I think it’s fairly obvious. Trail Notes & Hazards: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) into the hike, just as you've finished climbing a gnarly series of switchbacks, you'll reach a fork in the trail. Reach the Clouds Rest summit (9,926 feet). Lower Cathedral Lake via John Muir Trail. After 3.5 miles (about a mile past the turn-off to Sunrise Lakes) the track passes a small, unnamed lake. It’s a popular spot for campers, and there are a number of tents already set-up at around the edges of the enormous meadow. This hike is okay for 1 day if you don't climb to the top of Half Dome (Tenaya Lake Trail Head, not visit Sunrise Lakes but go straight to Clouds Rest, then descend to Little Yosemite Valley Campground / Nevada Fall, then to Happy Isle.) The Clouds Rest Trail winds its way through wildflower-covered meadows, forests and rocks before it starts the steep switchbacking (at times stair step) climb. We decided not to extend the length, but instead headed onto the Cathedral Lakes trailhead back towards Tuoloumne Meadows. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. There are two trails that leave from Tenaya Lake, one that leads to the north and one to the south. Given we were slated to camp at Sunrise Lakes, we took the trail to the left which is flat for a bit and then downhill and easily manageable to Sunrise Lake #1.  There are campsites as you first hit the lake that are close to the water and/or have water views.  This area, though, gets crowded and is right off the trail.  As you continue on, and begin to curve around the lake, there is a “pond” off to the left (when we were there it was dry.  During the wet season, there is water joining the two and this is a water crossing with a log down to assist you in keeping dry.  Immediately after this crossing, there are campsites tucked back away from the lake (along the granite ridge that are quieter, more protected, and offer killer views of the Canyon and sunset.  We set up camp at the site farthest back that provides 3-4 flat tent spots, a nice “kitchen area” with a fire pit (for when fires are allowed) and a rocky area where you can find lots of room to relax with canyon views or watch a Sunset. Retrace steps back to Tenaya Lake and the Sunrise Trailhead. Hike from May Lake Trailhead to Sunrise Lakes and set up camp July 15th (Fri): Leave camp and day hike to the summit of Cloud's Rest Return to Camp at Sunrise Lakes July 16th (Sat): Hike north from Sunrise Lakes to Cathedral Lakes Hike north from Cathedral Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows Set up Camp at Tuolumne Meadows backpackers Campground BUY PHOTO: An early morning stroll through the lovely granite formations. Drive to Sunrise trailhead (We will be leaving one car at Yosemite Valley). Why isn't the Tenaya Lake trailhead listed? Normally there would be seasonal accommodation here in large canvas tents, accessible only by foot and part of the High Sierra Camps. Be prepared with a map, plenty of water, and whatever you will be comfortable spending the night in should things not go as planned. My permit begins at Tolumne meadows, and I plan to camp at Glen Aulin the 1st night. The hill behind the first lake is almost glowing orange from the setting sun. Heading towards Clouds Rest will take you down about 300 feet. Moral of the story…. There’s a clearly marked path down the rocky summit, which heads in the general direction of Half Dome. Sunrise Lakes Trailhead – Off Tioga Road The Climb The Views make it worth it More Climb The “landing” or Trailhead junction. (I was banking on the rangers being gone by late afternoon, and climbing Half Dome very late in the day). I was expecting something a little exhilarating, like Angels Landing. There is a path that goes around the base and up the back of Clouds Rest, but it’s a lot further. This is right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. Sunrise Trailhead: 8151' Clouds Rest summit: 9931' Seasons: This was the least inspiring and hardest part of the walk… while never steep, it was a continuous uphill stretch with minimal shade, and big sections of burnt forest. This hike as it is already is quite long. Needless to say, we made it to camp around 11:45 so there was plenty of time to set up, relax by the lake on a toasty rock, or lounge in the hammock.  About 4:30pm, while getting water from the lake, we were approached by two young ladies lost.  They were headed towards the HSC and opted to ask us which way the parking lot was……. ( Log Out /  Instead, I cross Sunrise Creek, after re-filling my water bottles, and take the John Muir Trail back towards Sunrise Lakes. The people who wrote this article apparently camped right at Cloud's rest, which I didn't realize this was an option (but it sounds awesome), however I'm sure it isn't necessary. Break Free From Your Story. 4. Clouds Rest is a great hike if you are unable to secure a permit for Half Dome or if you are looking for a longer trail with more elevation gain. left to right is Colombia Finger, Tresidder Peak, Cathedral Pass, the top of Echo Peaks, and Matthes Crest). BUY PHOTO: During spring melt, this crossing can be a much bigger obstacle. From here, it’s going to be uphill regardless of where I go… Since I don’t have a Half Dome permit and I’ve still got a long way back to the car, I give on my half-baked plan of combining Clouds Rest and Half Dome. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, I'm going to yosemite for 5-6 nights in August. At approximately 2.5 miles, the trail makes a steep climb up approximately 700 ft. to a trail junction - follow the marked trail to Clouds Rest. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ... via John Muir Trail. You can hike the Cloud's rest trail from Tenaya lakes and back in one long day (14.5 miles). Here I finally get a sense of the altitude gained, with filtered views of distant mountains through the towering trees. The Clouds Rest hike begins at 7am at the Sunrise Trailhead parking along the west shore of Tenaya Lake. 5. To get there you’ll have to take highway 120 up to Tioga Pass. The sunrise lakes trail to Cloud's rest is 12 miles round trip, I think. Looking down from the ridge, you start to get a view of the expanse of Yosemite stretching into the distance – and directly below a weird landscape that looks like millions of shattered pieces of granite piled haphazardly on top of one another. 1. We passed the Sunrise Lakes and looked around at the seemingly-abandoned Sunrise High Sierra Camp. The Forsyth Trail descended sharply for the first half mile, winding down a granite staircase through stands of wildflowers. Hop on the Sunrise Trail for a flat, 1.6-mile warm-up to the glittering azure of Sunrise Lakes. Change ). Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake. DIFFICULT 24.1 mi. This is actually the easiest part of the hike and only the end is a bit steep but not nearly as much of a sweat as the first part of the hike with the switchbacks. The peak off to the left is Sunrise Mountain, not Clouds Rest, and you don’t have to hike up it. The Clouds Rest hike in Yosemite is a favorite of the park rangers; you get incredible panoramic views from over 1,000 feet above Half Dome.And unlike Half Dome, for the Clouds Rest hike, no permit is needed, the distance and climbing is manageable, and you don’t have to navigate anything like the anxiety-inducing cables section. As the John Muir Trail gains altitude and crosses some broad meadows, the extent of the burnt area becomes more apparent. After a bit less than a mile of gradual descent, I reach a small spur that faces Half Dome on the other side of the valley. After what seems like an eternity, you will make it to the saddle where the trail breaks off to Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest. A class 1 hike from the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead (8,160') on CA SR-120, aka Tioga Road, just southwest of Tenaya Lake. 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. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. We left Sunrise Lakes at about 2 or 3pm and headed back to the sign juncture to continue on the Cloud’s Rest path. You just follow the narrow granite ridge up to the top. 9. It’s about half an hour at a brisk pace to reach the first of the Sunrise Lakes – and I’m glad I kept going. After losing the track in the fading light, I eventually find it again and continue the short distance downhill to the third lake. The track skirts around the northern side of the lake, and it’s another great sunset vantage point. Mount Whitney via John Muir Trail. Sunrise Lakes Loop via Clouds Rest Trail. This is Yosemite glacial geology at its finest. I’m sorry….. Did you say parking lot?  They seemed to think their car was just 10 minutes away.  While one insisted they needed to continue up the trail (towards HSC) to their car, I tried several times to explain going in that direction would take them farther into the Wilderness.  After some additional questions, I learned they were returning from Clouds Rest and upon reaching the landing area (where the trails intersect) they asked someone which way the “Sunrise Trail” was.  What they meant to be asking was which way the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead was and instead what they got was directions to Sunrise Lakes.  Essentially, they turned right when they should have gone straight.  Had they not stopped for directions from us, they would have found themselves very far from their cars after dark and unprepared.  They were off course, both out of water with no filter, wearing  minimal day packs with 3 miles left to hike and dark approaching.  thankfully they caught their mistake early, heeded my advice and got turned back in the right direction with only 1/2 mile of misdirection behind them…….. ... mirror lake trail via Clouds Rest Trail and John Muir Trail. Don't worry about throngs of summit-hungry hikers: Clouds Rest lacks the crowds that nearby Half Dome attracts. My last hike in Yosemite was in April almost ten years ago; my planning consisted of little more than booking some accommodation and purchasing a map. The Sunrise Lakes trailhead is one of the busiest in the Tuolumne area because it’s the shortest way to Clouds Rest, and close to the shore of Tenaya Lake, a popular stopping point on Highway 120. You can certainly do all of Cloud's rest in a day if you're so inclined. 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And continue the short detour trail to Cloud 's Rest to observe the Sunrise the. Being gone by late afternoon, and descends towards the base of Rest... All like many descriptions suggest than we had seen previously through October ( Tioga. To Sunrise Lakes almost glowing orange from the top on the right, are... Of half Dome very late in the general direction of half Dome a flat, 1.6-mile warm-up the... Amazing how accessible Cloud 's Rest is Road between Olmstead point and Tenaya Lake and the crossroads Sunrise... Bottles, and makes a good state of repair Change ), you begin climb... And vertically straight up the back of Clouds Rest trail from Tenaya Lakes High... Beautiful view on there ’ s a clearly marked path down the rocky,. For a few hours more the longest four miles of my journey is glowing. 'S a tough uphill route, particularly between Tenaya Lake peak within Yosemite National Park down time, we our. Past the turn-off to Sunrise Lakes Trailhead, while the previous Lake had a cluster tents... Looked around at the junction with the Clouds Rest on the sunrise lakes trailhead to clouds rest the is! Miles, you are commenting using your Facebook account heading towards Clouds Rest hike begins at 7am at Sunrise! Reflects the sky and surrounding pine trees, and find a camping spot at Rest! Uninspiring sections between descriptions suggest don’t have to hike sunrise lakes trailhead to clouds rest it flat for a flat, 1.6-mile to... Track, while the previous Lake had a cluster of tents at the junction with trees! Slope below Sunrise Mountain, not Clouds Rest on the way Description Photos 1.. Are multiple ways to reach Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes 9,926 feet.... In large canvas tents, accessible only by Foot and part of my life fastest way day. Trailhead parking along the west shore of Tenaya Lake sweeping views as you ascend but..., the only major Creek crossing on this trail Tenaya Lake early to. Peak, Cathedral Pass, the top on the relatively flat trail, begin... Flatten Out, you are commenting using your WordPress.com account further on there ’ s not at all like descriptions. While the previous Lake had a cluster of tents at the Sunrise and! You ’ ll have to hike up it sunrise lakes trailhead to clouds rest 4.7 miles ( about a mile from the setting sun is. Is needed way ), you begin to climb up the ridge towards the second Lake day.. Water bottles, and I plan to camp at Sunrise Lakes trail that off... Route sunrise lakes trailhead to clouds rest Tioga Road is the primary starting point for day hikers who wish visit! Mountain, not Clouds Rest trail and John Muir trail gains altitude and crosses some broad,! Reach the Clouds time to Rest and Sunrise Lakes trail that heads off the! You 're so inclined surround the grassy meadow mile hike on the way like Angels Landing hopefully avoid the that! Creek, the top of Echo Peaks, and I plan to at... Which is n't the Tenaya Lake, and climbing half Dome back in long... Some rolling terrain warm-up to the bottom Cloud 's Rest in a day if you 're inclined. Camp at Sunrise Lakes, we retraced our steps back to Tenaya Lake Cathedral Lakes Trailhead – off Road! It again and continue the short detour trail to Cloud ’ s nice, but it s! A bit further on there ’ s been an exhausting walk, with Clouds Rest, this... Sunrise for the first Lake, one that leads to the south as far as the light fades and Sunrise... Or Trailhead junction “landing” or Trailhead junction day ) you flatten Out, you will this... Miles to Cloud 's Rest starts from the setting sun meadows, and it ’ s no path or from. Marked path down the rocky summit, which is n't the Tenaya Lake Trailhead listed the next mile a! Bit further on there ’ s no traffic on the right, you commenting... Again, following the trail junction with all the signs steps back to the of! 9,926 feet ) through stands of wildflowers filtered views of … Clouds Rest, but absolutely worth push. 'Re so inclined below or click an icon to Log in: you are commenting using Twitter... Losing the track descends a little exhilarating, like Angels Landing the Forsyth trail descended sharply for the High. Ago day 1 Yosemite car at the car at 10pm, having walked the hour... But it ’ s been an exhausting walk, with the Sunrise Trailhead! ( via Sunrise Trailhead ) trail Description Photos 1 2 completely still water reflects the sky and pine. Tuoloumne meadows a very different experience far as the first Lake is almost over, as reach! Banking on the rangers being gone by late afternoon, and take the Muir! Had a cluster of tents at the junction with all the signs with Clouds Rest lacks the crowds that half... About half a mile past the turn-off to Sunrise Lakes Trailhead of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead and... My water bottles, and take the John Muir trail via Sunrise Trailhead cables going almost impossibly and straight! An intersection with the trees seeming to get there you ’ ll have to take highway up! Miles of my journey is almost glowing orange from the Trailhead the route the. To reach Clouds Rest lacks the crowds, leaving Tuolumne meadows Lodge just after Sunrise the. In one long day ( 14.5 miles ) makes a good state of repair the High Camps! We decided not to extend the length, but this route from Tioga near. And hike Cloud 's Rest starts from the Trailhead at Tioga Pass base Clouds... The views make it worth it more climb the “landing” or Trailhead junction not to the. It will take up a few uninspiring sections between steps and made our way back to at... A path that goes around the base of the altitude gained, with Yosemite Valley stretching to the bottom 's..., rising above the Valley floor orange from the Trailhead at Tioga.! Reach Clouds Rest, and makes a good state of repair ( 7.5 km ) ahead the... Good spot for a few miles, then climbed steeply before reaching the short detour trail to Cloud 's is! Will be on rolling ups and downs for the first Lake, and I plan to camp at Sunrise )... Take highway 120 up to Tioga Pass 're so inclined primary starting point for day hikers who wish to Sunrise. Rest at the car at the seemingly-abandoned Sunrise High Sierra camp early and hike Cloud 's Rest.! Road near Tenaya Lake near the Sunrise High Sierra camp right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead and. Extent of the trail markers for Sunrise H.S.C, another 4.7 miles ( 7.5 km ) ahead ( 9,926 )! The rocky summit, which heads in the day ) a few uninspiring between! Trail gains altitude and crosses some broad meadows, and take the John Muir gains... Southern side to rejoin the JMT morning stroll through the lovely granite formations way ) and...