Then, let the climbing begin. Hi all- new to this so bear with me! Starting out from the Tenaya Lake tr... Start and end this loop from the Sunrise Lakes TH along the Tioga Road, and in between you'll travel over 26 miles through Yosemite's backcountry gaining and losing over 7,000 feet in elevation. Once you reach the junction of the Sunrise Lakes Trail, the climbing is finally over and it's less than three miles downhill back to your vehicle. Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mount... Free ranger-led campfire programs and guided hikes are offered daily for Tuolumne Meadows Lodge guests. Met a lot of people day hiking to Cloud's Rest. Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park. Day 3: Little Yosemite Valley > Happy Isles (via John Muir Trail) > Curry Village Ice Cream place :) Night one we camped somewhere around here, I think. Half Dome. The three Sunrise Lakes sit beneath the northern slopes of Sunrise Mountain, at elevations between 9,166 and 9,427 feet, surrounded by smooth granite hillsides and patches of woodland, part of a typical Yosemite landscape also including meadows, wildflowers, white boulders and small streams. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. You'll need to carry all your water up with you, as there are no water sources up there. Clouds Rest is one of my favorite views in the Sierra. I found it even more memorable than the half dome cables. Head up the cables to check that amazing experience off the bucket list! From the trailhead, hike seven miles up the Clouds Rest Trail first thing in the morning for the most awe inspiring summit view I have ever experienced. I've camped at the Sunrise Lakes several times, and I usually have the surrounding area all to myself. From here it's a two mile descent back to the JMT before seven miles of moderate climbing and flat trail through burn areas of the JMT and Forsyth Trail. It's 11 miles (18 km) from Tenaya Lake to the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Merced Lake to Sunrise Camp Trail is a 12.1 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. All the maps and trail guides talk about Half Dome. Either way you cant go wrong with this back-country trip. Hiking Half Dome from Tenaya Lake in one day isn't a realistic option unless you're in marathon-caliber condition, but hiking in from Tenaya Lake is a possibility if you're staying in the Little Yosemite Valley campground the night before you climb Half Dome. Meeting Location: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead at 8,150 ... From this viewpoint you can see many famous Yosemite icons such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, Mt. Don't worry about throngs of summit-hungry hikers: Clouds Rest lacks the crowds that nearby Half Dome attracts. This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. You'll reach the first lake in about half a mile, and the other two are each spaced another half mile apart afterwards. Polly Dome Lakes. The final part of the hike up Half Dome is very steep, is about 400-vertical-feet, and has metal cables that have been installed so that hikers can use them to safely ascend and descend that steepest part of the climb. Sitting at over 1,000 feet above Half Dome, Clouds Rest is one of the quintessential hikes in Yosemite National Park. 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. Clouds Rest, one of John Muir's favorite peaks, offers spectacular views over Half Dome and numerous Yosemite peaks. You can actually submit for a permit to Half Dome and hit that on your way back to Yosemite Valley if you have time. The second checkpoint has no sign pointing to Clouds Rest, but helpful hikers have created a rock CR that usually has an arrow pointing to the right. This is one of the best trails in Yosemite, and it has much less traffic compared to other trails. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! HSC026 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 two options for this:1. A long circuit through Yosemite National Park, which combines Clouds Rest and the high-elevation Sunrise Lakes. Definitely recommend taking your time and making it into a bit of a trip. Make it an overnight by camping north of Clouds Rest. Clouds Rest, one of John Muir’s favourite peaks, offers spectacular views over Half Dome and numerous Yosemite peaks. Day 1: Sunrise Lakes > Clouds Rest > Wilderness Camping. adventures and follow local regulations.  - Loop Trail. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Once re-connected to the Clouds Rest trail you begin a brief descent before you come across the only lake on the CR Trail. September Sunrise Lakes TH + Half Dome, 3 days/ 2 nights. Four Mile Trail. This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. These are two of the most spectacular and famous peaks in Yosemite National Park. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. You’ll be able to discover many of the park’s best-known attractions in a single tour, from El Capitan and Glacier Point to Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley. This is the perfect overnight option for anyone who wants to … Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. The hike up Half Dome is a 16-mile round trip that involves climbing about 5,000-vertical-feet from the Yosemite Valley floor. Highlights: Lakes. Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain R... Because this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation. Hiking up Half Dome on day one tested our mettle. Seeing those granite slabs fall into the valley 5,000 ft below while looking down on half dome was just awe-striking. Mist Trail. Drive just a couple miles north or south to enjoy the sunset at either Olmsted Point or Tenaya Lake, two of the most beautiful spots along the Tioga Road. Day 1 - Cathedral lakes trailhead to a campsite at sunrise lakes Day 2 - sunrise lakes over clouds rest to camp by half dome junction Day 3 - half dome junction to … Yosemite Winter. Don't forget your Wilderness permits if you're backpacking! Enjoy spectacular panoramic views including Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley from Clouds Rest. The other option is to turn and follow the trail back out to the Tenaya Lake trail head which would take 2-3 hours. Overview Sure, it doesn’t have the grandeur that Half Dome has, but having been up both of them, I can say that the view from Clouds Rest is the better of the two. Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park. Follow that until you clear the treeline and can really take in the views. We then hike to tranquil Sunrise Lakes where we establish camp for the evening. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. If you make it back before dark, don't linger too long at the trailhead. You’ll be able to discover many of the park’s best-known attractions in a single tour, from El Capitan and Glacier Point to Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley. Epic Yosemite: Sunrise Lakes to Cloud’s Rest When it comes to classic Yosemite peaks, Half Dome gets all the attention. From here on, you'll gain nearly 1,500 feet over 4.5 miles and climb, literally, into the clouds. Optional side trip: To visit Cathedral Lakes, continue straight at this 3-way junction. Please explore responsibly! Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. Seeing those granite slabs fall into the valley 5,000 ft below while looking down on half dome was just awe-striking. 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