| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 13.02 Miles |
3,214 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.02 Miles | | | |
| 3,214 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | This hike was my number one goal for this trip. I've been up Half Dome before and couldn't help but notice Clouds Rest looming above in the distance. I decided to make a day trip from Bishop where I was staying with my GF's at her Aunt and Uncle's house.
I left the house around 6:15am and the made the hour drive north to Lee Vining. From Lee Vining it was another 30+ minutes to the Sunrise Lakes trailhead that sits on the southwest side of Tenaya Lake. I parked and hit the trail around 8am.
The first mile is a fairly level hike through the forest. There are a few nice views and one epic view of Clouds Rest. It looks like it's a hundred miles away! I continued on and the trail starts climbing for the next 1.5 miles. My pace slowed as I worked my way up the switchbacks. Along the hike I saw several Yellow Bellied Marmots. I love the little guys! I took some photos of them and kept ascending the trail.
At the 2.5 mile mark I arrived at a saddle and the junction for the Sunrise High Sierra Camp heading the left. I continued straight for Clouds Rest. The trails in Yosemite are well marked for the most part...more to come. After the junction the trail drops down as you continue hiking in the forest. There are some spectacular views along the way and I was constantly taking pics. After a mile or so I arrived at a small lake with some nice campsites. I kept going.
At the 4.5 mile mark I came to another junction that was a little confusing. I knew from my map that Clouds Rest was straight ahead. There was a trail taking off to the left for Little Yosemite Valley. The funny thing is the sign to continue straight said nothing about Clouds Rest. It mentioned Nevada Falls and Yosemite Valley. I knew it was the way so I went ahead.
The trail started gaining elevation and sporadic views open up. After some hiking I caught a solid glimpse of Clouds Rest. It looks a lot different from the east. It looks a little intimidating like the first time I hiked to the top of Half Dome. I knew this was going to be fun! I kept going and the trail levels off as you near the final ascent. At this point I was around the 6.5 mile mark and I've only seen a handful of hikers. I finally caught some backpackers and a solo hiker who were also heading to Clouds Rest. I said hello in passing and starting feeling the adrenaline for the final climb.
I came out of the forest and could see the final climb before me to the summit of Clouds Rest. For some reason the thought "Stairway to Heaven" came into my head. The route to the summit looks like a perfect staircase. I was a little concerned about the wind but it was mild as I ascended the granite staircase. The going was very easy and there is some mild exposure. After a few minutes I arrived at the top and peered down on Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. I was in awe! Half Dome looks small. After all, Clouds Rest is over 1,000 feet higher. From the summit you have 360 degree views in all directions. Half Dome and Yosemite Valley to the west. Mount Hoffman and Tuolumne Peaks to the north. Tenaya Lake to the east. The Clark Range to the south. I could go on and on.
While I was admiring the view, the solo hiker arrived at the summit and we struck up a conversation. Up until this point, I was the only one on the summit. She was from Boston and was in San Francisco for a wedding and was spending the day in Yosemite. We had a great conversation and ended up hiking back to the trailhead together. It was nice sharing an experience like Clouds Rest with a total stranger. I got back to the car and we said our goodbyes and then I returned to Bishop.
This was an epic hike I will never forget! Clouds Rest needs to be on everyone's Yosemite top five. If permits are not available for Half Dome, check out Clouds Rest. The views are better and the hiking is excellent! |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
