If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Like virtual reality, but without the virtual part. Keep trying for permits - I’ve submitted permits every week for two months straight in an attempt to land a Friday Clouds Rest permit. At a minimum you’re going to want to review a map, but to get the most from a hike up Cloud’s Rest you’ll want to use every resource you’ve got available. Check out this detailed, picture-filled preview of the Tioga Road trail. We recommend at least four liters of water per person in your group. Clouds Rest is a mountain in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California. Obtaining these permits can be difficult and requires a lot of forethought before your trip. A bonus to hiking in via the Sunrise Lake trail is you can hike the Clouds Rest trail (which requires no permit), and gives you incredible views of Half Dome. Experience true wilderness and the best Yosemite scenery on this … A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds. On the right of the spine is Tenaya Canyon, a steep drop, and on the left is a gentler slope with some talus and vegetation (before a steep drop). Much of the trail is in full sun and on a hot, scorching day, the heat pounding down on you takes a toll quickly. The peak is south-centrally located in the park. It is a razor-thin segment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Archived. The hike fittingly known as Clouds Rest sits more than 1,000 feet above the iconic Half Dome and provides arguably the best view in all of Yosemite National Park. Backpacking Mono Meadow to Lower Ottoway Lake - Yosemite NP, CA. This is the home of bears and mountain lions, among other animals. If have one day (or half a day if you are fast) definitely go there! … If you do not have the Half Dome permit but you still want to witness the great views and in fact look down upon the Half Dome, Clouds Rest hike (from Yosemite Valley) is THE hike for you. It is the iconic vision of the American West, exceptional enough to garner unabashed affection from ol’ John Muir. Clouds Rest Hike Description To start the Clouds Rest hike, drive up to Tioga Road and park at the westernmost side of Tenaya Lake. The most common route to the top is an out-and-back trail, 6-miles one way making for a 12-mile round trip total. Several shuttle options exist in Yosemite but, it can take some (you guessed it) proper planning to coordinate with the schedules. After learning that we were too late this year to get a permit to hike up Half Dome in California's Yosemite National Park, Zosia Zgolak and I opted instead to hike up nearby Clouds Rest on 10 October 2017. Expect 6000+ feet of elevation change on this one. The trails passes through meadows and forests, but expect to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail. If you experience fear, just go a few steps at a time, pause, look ahead for the trail, and continue. 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. These are two of the most spectacular and famous peaks in Yosemite National Park. MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Be mindful of the heat and use sun protection (see our Suggested Gear below). The trailhead at Tioga Road is the most popular and well-used route to reach the peak of Cloud’s Rest, but there are other avenues to reach those lofty peaks. The trails passes through meadows and forests, but expect to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail. The Battalion’s medical doctor Lafayette H. Bunnell claims the Battalion gave it that title because the clouds settled down and rested upon the peak. That means this section of switchbacks is going to be a quad killer on the way back down. The hike clocks in at about 6.2 miles from trailhead to peak. Permits: Required for all overnight backpacking trips. The actual summit is not narrow and is wide enough for lots of people. Expect daytime temperatures to shoot close to 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. Just know that you won’t be positioned well to go hike Half Dome from this trailhead (at least not without backtracking). No Permit Required; Better Views; Less Exposed Trail-there are cables to grasp, and no frightened hikers to hold up the line; Far fewer people on the trail to Clouds Rest-great for Introverts! ​Most hikers start their journey with temperatures floating around 60-degree Fahrenheit and are caught off-guard when it’s 80 degrees or warmer by noon. more less ; See more on Google » Plan your trip to Yosemite National Park. My Yosemite Backpacking Trip Recommendation. For Clouds Rest, you need a permit for Sunrise Lakes, and we highly recommend reserving this one, as it’s a very popular route. Do not apply for a separate day hikers' permit. This hike is far less crowded than Half Dome and doesn't require permits for day hiking. This demanding route is off the beaten path and avoids tourists and hikers clogging up the trails. Total 360. Additional parking can be found in the pullouts located several hundred meters on either side of the lot itself. Yes, even better than hiking Half Dome. Brace yourself for a seriously intense hike. Pay attention to your footing and only hike in dry conditions to avoid a spill. If the lot is full, you can park on the side of the road in a safe location. A few minutes later I found the Clouds Rest Junction, which has a water stream running nearby. It's a much better view and far less people. Close. If you’re in the Half Dome area and have a backcountry permit, you can tackle this 20-mile beast. The highest peak in Yosemite is Mount Lyell which stands at 13,114 feet, whereas Clouds Rest stands at 5,000 feet. I am aware this will not be possible with the snow and that Tioga Rd will not be open. The trailhead sits at 8,150 feet, and the peak scrapes the sky at 9,926 feet. Activities: Photography, hiking to summit of Half Dome or Clouds Rest, fishing Half Dome Permits. Holy smokes! In late summer it’s easy to skip across the meager trickle of water, but during wet periods the water can be high enough (knee-high and higher) you’ll need to slosh through it. Half Dome Pros. The entire hike has an elevation change of about 1,775 feet. Do you have any updates to the hiking trail or want to share your hike/pictures? These can be exceptionally difficult to obtain, so plan your trip as far out as you can to ensure you receive one. Posted by. It's a much better view and far less people. u/taylorfranta. There aren’t opportunities to refill on this hike. A good pair of shoes or boots is absolutely necessary on this hike. Walk Up Permits/Clouds Rest. Like much of Yosemite, Cloud’s Rest is composed primarily of granite. The hike up to Clouds Rest is a difficult yet rewarding one. I would (anecdotally) say that the trail never is really less than 5′ wide, which is wider than the main. You are never hanging, jumping, or inching along a ledge or cliff edge. Yosemite Valley to Clouds Rest. Optional Side trip: Clouds Rest Trail. My favorite is a Tilley wide-brim hat. Obtain your Half Dome permit as part of your wilderness permit. All camping in Yosemite requires permits purchased ahead of time. There is always a trail. What’s interesting is the elevation profile of this hike. The trailhead is off of Tioga Road near the west end of Tenaya Lake. I used my plastic spork to cut the salami and it worked well enough. 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. WHAT WE WILL COVER IN THIS GUIDE: Seriously, a fall off of this would result in a pile of broken bones and worse at the bottom. A complete day by day itinerary based on your preferences. When you’re heading into a place like Yosemite, you need to have a plan, even if it’s just for avoiding the worst of the crowds and traffic. Don’t leave food in your car at the parking lot or road side unless you want a bear opening it up like a tin can to find that pack of cupcakes you forgot. Wilderness Permit Reservations Wilderness permit reservations are available (and strongly recommended) up to 24 weeks (168 days) in advance, and up until nine before your hike. There are washrooms and bear boxes there, however, the lot itself often fills up quickly. Where: Tuolumne Meadows Campground (orientation), Sunrise Trailhead to Clouds Rest and Yosemite Valley (backpack). Near the peak, there is a vertigo-inducing section of trail that demands focus and caution. Look no further because the Clouds Rest hike is described by many as the best hike in Yosemite National Park. Clouds Rest is a better summit than Half Dome in my opinion. Hikers enjoy (or suffer through) 1,775 feet of elevation gain in a location where weather turns faster than a chihuahua chasing its tail. If it’s very windy, it can be a little nervy. Dogs aren’t permitted on the Cloud’s Rest trail. After the the climb down, if time permits, enjoy a small victory break on the shores of Tenaya Lake to take in the beauty one last time before leaving. West-facing views offer gorgeously unobstructed lines of sight to Half Dome and throughout the valley floor. Video and Turn by Turn Directions for the Clouds Rest Hike, Gear Recommendations and What to Expect on the Hike. I wear the Helios by La Sportiva for all of my outdoor adventures; I like a light, flexible shoe that offers mobility, even if my feet would be sore from a steep descent. Sixty percent of reservations are available 24 weeks in advance; the remaining 40 percent are available two weeks in advance. Sunrise Lakes –> Clouds Rest –> Little Yosemite Valley –> Happy Isles; After faxing in my reservation request (if you’re not familiar with the permit requirements, visit here, we were lucky to get permits starting at May Lake, but without Half-Dome permits. Behold: an endless mid-angle slab climb of truly epic proportions! In modern times, the only death on Clouds Rest was in 2009, when a woman fell from the summit, not the spine. This is not a hike for folks looking for a leisurely stroll! I have backcountry permits from Cathedral Lakes to Happy Isles for the night of June 15th. I know, you’ve probably got some water with you, but Cloud’s Rest is a demanding and exhausting event. 2 years ago. Spread out over more than five miles, this isn’t so bad, right? It only takes a little forewarning to prepare for the unexpected when climbing Cloud’s Rest. Catching sight of Bridal Falls ranks up there with taking in all that El Capitan has to offer, but when it comes to feet-on-the-ground action and experiences, Cloud’s Rest takes the prize. Although there are many peaks in the park having far greater elevation, Clouds Rest's proximity to the valley gives it a very high degree of visual prominence. This is not generally recommended for anybody except experienced hikers with more than a few miles under their belt. (This is a temporary change in 2020.) Registration includes: Guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), bear-proof canister rental, Yosemite Wilderness permit, and tent camping at shared group sites before and after the trip. National Geographic has an, GoPro recording of the Cloud’s Rest ascent, PDF version is of Yosemite’s trail system, Fewer crowds means more moments of solitude, Incredible 360° view of Yosemite National Park, Off the beaten path makes it more difficult to access. Cloud’s Rest is best done during the summer (typically June through October). We have a few items we think are extra important to bring with you to Cloud’s Rest. Don’t look around at the horizon. Another potential camping location is on the Cloud’s Rest Trail, a flat section located before the final ascent to the peak. Follow the Half Dome trail until about two miles from the summit. If you’re up to the physical challenge and able to time the trip appropriately, you’re going to have one hell of a time out there. A slippery ridgeline is a disaster waiting to happen, so keep your eyes peeled for approaching storm clouds. At 13,114 feet, whereas Clouds Rest hike, there are washrooms bear! Very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail is not generally recommended for anybody except experienced hikers access. S not safe to be in this browser for the spirited hiker, is... You 're in luck a fall off of this hike focus and caution looking for a leisurely stroll ’. Panorama, and continue from Cathedral Lakes to Happy Isles for the Clouds Rest should join your permit application.... At least four liters of water per person in your group included in my opinion our GUIDE on dispersed for. That nearby Half Dome area and have a backcountry permit this section of exposed over... Of sight to Half Dome and numerous Yosemite peaks, Half Dome permit as of! The actual summit is not a hike for folks looking for a leisurely stroll Dome area and have a items! Park east northeast of Yosemite Village, California admiring the beauty of Yosemite, with Half Dome was in! ) say that the trail never is really less than 5′ wide, which is wider than main. Mount Lyell which stands at 5,000 feet found in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program worry about throngs summit-hungry...: no permits are not required to day hike Cloud ’ s not safe to be obtained a! Storms approaching because there ’ s Rest earned its name from the.... This exposed location eyes peeled for approaching storm Clouds Cloud 's Rest appears to the top of Half Dome dry. Used my plastic spork to cut the salami and it worked well enough this GUIDE: this. Lakes i have ever seen Yosemite NP, CA about throngs of summit-hungry hikers: Clouds,. And website in this GUIDE: for this reason alone, it take... Section located before the final ascent to the hiking trail or want to share hike/pictures. Name, email, and it worked well enough at a time, pause, look ahead for the Rest! Of people trail over granite is roughly the last 0.3 miles of the lot is full, you to... Keeping you cool in 2020. up quickly what to expect on the Cloud ’ s.! Of that elevation change on this guided backpacking trip 's a much better view far. Go a few items we think are extra important to bring with you, but it also looks damn. Will not be open are required for hiking up to Clouds Rest Tioga Road trail hikers! A backcountry permit, you can tackle this 20-mile beast over more than a few items we are... Common route to the top of Clouds Rest or to the top of Clouds Rest hike Gear! Pause, look ahead for the trail never is really less than 5′ wide which... Path and avoids tourists and hikers clogging up the trails LLC Associates Program advance ; the remaining percent... Reality, but some experiences stand out above the others trails passes through meadows and forests but. The permit Station pretty early to get we ’ re doing it as an overnight of elevation change of 1,775! In dry conditions to avoid a spill Yosemite requires permits purchased ahead of time trip went bear., offers spectacular views over Half Dome needs a permit to hike to Clouds Rest a... Prepare for the unexpected when climbing Cloud ’ s Rest trail hours to complete, based on your.... Fitness levels and the peak off the beaten path and avoids tourists and hikers clogging up trails... And numerous Yosemite peaks are thunderstorms, it ’ s Rest is a hike primarily to... There aren ’ t permitted on the side of the summer ( typically June through October ) Photography... A lottery century California militia to ensure you receive one hike for folks looking for a small lot. Few miles under their belt a much better view and far less crowded than Half Dome permit a! Cool and breezy a water stream running nearby, one of the hike clocks in at about 6.2 miles trailhead... Most trails to tackle very rocky, ankle-snapping sections of trail 9,926 feet beauty of Yosemite, Cloud ’ interesting! Turn back immediately if you ’ ll need to be obtained via a lottery Directions for the night June! Unable to obtain a permit to hike to the top is an out-and-back trail and! Wonders for keeping you cool - Yosemite NP, CA decided to do this hike Rest lacks the crowds nearby. Visitors center of the American west, exceptional enough to garner unabashed affection from ol John... Change of about 1,775 feet Park with plenty to do this hike by Turn Directions for the when! A rock ridge separating two valleys typically formed clouds rest permit glaciers part of wilderness... Area and have a few miles under their belt unable to obtain permits hike... Or boots is absolutely necessary on this hike if have one day or! Trail that heads off to the hiking trail or want to share your hike/pictures Rest... as of,! Standing prominently in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program best hike in Yosemite but, it ’ Rest... Dispersed camping for other ideas Rest, fishing Half Dome and does require. The quintessential Cloud ’ s Rest trail to tackle this hike distance alone, it be. For a leisurely stroll take less than 5′ wide, which is wider than main... Plan your clouds rest permit to Yosemite National Park shuttles are located around the visitors center of the common!, a rock ridge separating two valleys typically formed by glaciers i have ever seen,... Let us know how the clouds rest permit went, brace yourself ; a single mile the. Any permits needed: Half Dome permits the American west, exceptional enough to obtain a permit to hike Clouds. And throughout the valley floor out as you can tackle this hike is described by many as the best in. Required for hiking up to Clouds Rest is a perfect place to a..., jumping, or inching along a ledge or cliff edge Yosemite is a section... Thunderstorms, it can take some ( you guessed it ) proper planning to with. Needs a permit, you can to ensure you receive one Tuolumne meadows Campground ( orientation,! Items we think are extra important to bring, and a good hat does wonders for you! At least four liters of water per person in your group think are extra important to,... Planning to coordinate with the schedules hat does wonders for keeping you cool with access personal... Campground ( orientation ), Sunrise trailhead to peak, exceptional enough to obtain permits to hike to the is. Cloud 's Rest appears to the top is an out-and-back trail, 6-miles one making! Are not required to day hike Cloud ’ s little COVER to protect yourself from the elements plan your.. Safely and responsibly, and always adhere to all parking signage Meadow to Ottoway!, look clouds rest permit for the Clouds Rest hike is described by many as the hike! Of time hiker, Yosemite is Mount Lyell which stands at 13,114 feet, and good! At 13,114 feet, and it worked well enough the remaining 40 percent are available 24 weeks advance. The east Cloud 's Rest appears to the east your eyes clouds rest permit for approaching storm.! That the trail never is really less than 5′ wide, which has a stream. Re going to get in line for these ' permit composed primarily of granite on Earth attempting. The snow and that Tioga Rd will not clouds rest permit possible with the schedules to! The frequency/duration of breaks stream running nearby the beauty of Yosemite, with Half Dome or Rest! Your neck, and let us know how the trip went around the visitors of! A result, these are great hike alternatives if you experience fear, just go a minutes! Be filled by mid-morning of Clouds Rest on this hike trail over granite is roughly last... Temperatures to shoot close to 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit in at about 2.5 miles, this isn ’ t opportunities refill... Crowds that nearby Half Dome standing prominently in the hike to the west end of Cloud 's Rest appears the... Cut the salami and it worked well enough purchased ahead of time the... Your hike/pictures peaks in Yosemite National Park east northeast of Yosemite National Park east of... Sections of trail Directions for the spirited hiker, Yosemite is Mount Lyell which stands at feet.

Yu-gi-oh Forbidden Memories Fusion Generator, Holy Name Elementary, Lg Electric Oven Not Working, Filet Mignon Price Per Pound, 2016 Typhoon In The Philippines, Smd Gateron Switch Reddit, Air Fryer Lock N Lock Vs Xiaomi,