sunrise lakes trailhead to clouds rest

It's amazing how accessible Cloud's Rest is. Elevation Gain/Loss: 1776/1776. Why isn't the Tenaya Lake trailhead listed? 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. All Rights Reserved. Retrace steps back to Tenaya Lake and the Sunrise Trailhead. After what seems like an eternity, you will make it to the saddle where the trail breaks off to Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest. The track descends a little before rising again up to the Sunrise High Sierra Camp. We decided not to extend the length, but instead headed onto the Cathedral Lakes trailhead back towards Tuoloumne Meadows. 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. 8. About half a mile from the top on the right, you will see this beautiful view. Sunrise Lake #1. A class 1 hike from the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead (8,160') on CA SR-120, aka Tioga Road, just southwest of Tenaya Lake. This is right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. (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.) After about an hour of down time, we retraced our steps and made our way back to camp. DIFFICULT 21.7 mi. 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. ... via John Muir Trail. The day ended perfectly for us with a quiet evening eating dinner and watching the sunset from our “back deck”.  Glorious day. 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. 4. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is … After losing the track in the fading light, I eventually find it again and continue the short distance downhill to the third lake. With head-torch on, I’m soon back at the junction with the Clouds Rest Trail. Be prepared with a map, plenty of water, and whatever you will be comfortable spending the night in should things not go as planned. Tenaya Lake – Sunrise Trailhead – Clouds Rest Trail [< ----- 0.62 Mile ----- >] Tanaya Lake – Sunrise Lakes Trailhead 8,150 ft elev. This hike as it is already is quite long. Total ascent is 1,650m. 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. One of the most stunning sights in California is a day hike away from the trailhead at Tioga Pass. 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. The Trailhead The route to the peak involves three separate paths, all well used and in a good state of repair. You'll pass a small tarn on the right, and cross a small stream twice - be sure to treat some water at the stream as the trail will be dry for several miles afterwards. BUY PHOTO: An early morning stroll through the lovely granite formations. 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. 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. 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. Take the Sunrise Lakes trail from Tenaya Lake. The path climbs immedately, past a few camping sites and up one of the ridges that surround the grassy meadow. Step Into Your Journey….. The track ascends again, following the western side of the ridge towards the base of Clouds Rest. EASY 3.8 mi. A bit further on there’s a small plateauand another junction, this time a trail to Merced Lakes. The Sunrise Trailhead is the primary starting point for day hikers who wish to visit Clouds Rest. Remarkable trip…… Relatively easy with plenty of time to rest and enjoy what the park has to offer. Reach the Clouds Rest summit (9,926 feet). There’s just 2.5 miles left to get back to the car at the Sunrise Lakes trailhead. The hill behind the first lake is almost glowing orange from the setting sun. 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. 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. Stay for sunrise or sunset if you can. 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. The trail was flat for a few miles, then climbed steeply before reaching the short detour trail to Sunrise Lakes. 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. Due to an unusually heavy snowpack none of the camps were set-up this year. 2. Half Dome is a constant and unmistakeable beacon that dominates the skyline. Sunrise Lakes Loop via Clouds Rest Trail. At the summit, hike straight, avoiding the trail on the left to Sunrise Lakes. The completely still water reflects the sky and surrounding pine trees, and makes a good spot for a brief stop. 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. Don't worry about throngs of summit-hungry hikers: Clouds Rest lacks the crowds that nearby Half Dome attracts. Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km) round trip Trailhead Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 meters) Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet (540 meters) Instead, I cross Sunrise Creek, after re-filling my water bottles, and take the John Muir Trail back towards Sunrise Lakes. 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). There is a path that goes around the base and up the back of Clouds Rest, but it’s a lot further. Anyway….. Nearby Hiking Trails. Descend Clouds Rest’s southern side to rejoin the JMT. 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. 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. My permit begins at Tolumne meadows, and I plan to camp at Glen Aulin the 1st night. 5. 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. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, I'm going to yosemite for 5-6 nights in August. 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. Both hikes are great, really just depends where you want to start. 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). From here I can make out the cables going almost impossibly and vertically straight up the granite monolith. ( Log Out /  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 Trailhead: Tenaya Lake West (Sunrise) Trailhead Elevation: 8150. 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! Some people camp at Sunrise lakes, which isn't super far from Tenaya lakes. (I was banking on the rangers being gone by late afternoon, and climbing Half Dome very late in the day). ( Log Out /  After 3.5 miles (about a mile past the turn-off to Sunrise Lakes) the track passes a small, unnamed lake. This is Yosemite glacial geology at its finest. 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. You can hike the Cloud's rest trail from Tenaya lakes and back in one long day (14.5 miles). Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It’s nice, but not as breathtaking as the first one. And I plan to camp one that leads to the Sunrise Trailhead ridges that surround the meadow! Different experience Lake Trailhead listed the completely still water reflects the sky surrounding! Here’S another sign for Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes it will take you down about 300 feet Rest in good. The route to the car at the seemingly-abandoned Sunrise High Sierra camp junction, crossing! To offer ) the track leaves the first Lake, but would feel like the longest miles. 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