4.7 hr
Overview
Leaving the west end of Tenaya Lake, the trail winds its way through forests and rocks before it starts the steep (at times stair step) climb. Make sure you have plenty of water for the whole route because the only reliable water source is a lake at 3.1 miles. At higher elevations the forest is less dense and much dryer with views of distant peaks.<br><br>The high point is at 5.8 miles. At this stage, you'll be traveling over an exposed narrow fin of granite, which might give some visitors a feeling of vertigo. From here you command a 360 degree view with Tenaya Canyon falling away to the West, Yosemite Valley below, and a fantastic angle for viewing Half Dome. The Cathedral Range and Clark Range create a breathtaking skyline to the East and South.<br><br>Continuing South, the trail drops along a series of steep stairs (think of stairs leading into Mordor) and then steep trail before connecting to the John Muir Trail a little East of the Half Dome Trail.<br><br>Park at the West end of Tenaya Lake or better yet park in the Tuolumne area and take the free shuttle in summer.
Trail Stats
14.9 km
601 m
2983 m
2204 m
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Photos
This part of the trail is the most grueling as it climbs via switchbacks. In some places there are steps like this to help climbing.
This part of the trail is the most grueling as it climbs via switchbacks. In some places there are steps like this to help climbing.
The quiet lake as you make your way to Clouds Rest.
The quiet lake as you make your way to Clouds Rest.
Lizard on the trail.
Lizard on the trail.
Sharing the Clouds Rest Trail.
Sharing the Clouds Rest Trail.
The trail leading to Clouds Rest. You can see the roots scatter across the trail, so make sure you watch your step.
The trail leading to Clouds Rest. You can see the roots scatter across the trail, so make sure you watch your step.
Working your way towards Clouds Rest, the trail descends into this little valley.
Working your way towards Clouds Rest, the trail descends into this little valley.
Lake on the Clouds Rest Trail and the only reliable water source.
Lake on the Clouds Rest Trail and the only reliable water source.
Views of the Cathedral Range from the Clouds Rest Trail.
Views of the Cathedral Range from the Clouds Rest Trail.
Typical high Sierra terrain along the Clouds Rest Trail. with permission from MrRedwood
Typical high Sierra terrain along the Clouds Rest Trail. with permission from MrRedwood
Clouds Rest Trail.
Clouds Rest Trail.
East from Clouds Rest.
East from Clouds Rest.
If you head out early, you can catch a glimpse of the sun rising across the granite peaks of Yosemite's High Country.
If you head out early, you can catch a glimpse of the sun rising across the granite peaks of Yosemite's High Country.
You'll pass many scenic stopping points on the way to Clouds Rest. Photo on Sep 8, 2016
You'll pass many scenic stopping points on the way to Clouds Rest. Photo on Sep 8, 2016
At Clouds Rest in Yosimte
At Clouds Rest in Yosimte
The trail leading to the summit of Clouds Rest.
The trail leading to the summit of Clouds Rest.
Climbing up from Tenaya Lake
Climbing up from Tenaya Lake
Hiking the crest of Clouds Rest. View to the northeast.
Hiking the crest of Clouds Rest. View to the northeast.
Cloud's Rest, Yosemite.
Cloud's Rest, Yosemite.
The descent into the valley from Clouds Rest.
The descent into the valley from Clouds Rest.
Clouds Rest heading down.
Clouds Rest heading down.
Climbing the final push to Clouds Rest on Sept. 8 2016
Climbing the final push to Clouds Rest on Sept. 8 2016
Cloud's Rest summit with a view of Yosemite Valley. Taken from the spine.
Cloud's Rest summit with a view of Yosemite Valley. Taken from the spine.
Clouds Rest view towards Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Clouds Rest view towards Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
WOW! Words cannot describe the experience I had.
WOW! Words cannot describe the experience I had.
Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in the distance. The view from the top of Clouds Rest provides you a great view of the entire park.
Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in the distance. The view from the top of Clouds Rest provides you a great view of the entire park.
The granite domes of the high country. You can see Tenaya Lake in the distance.
The granite domes of the high country. You can see Tenaya Lake in the distance.
Approaching the summit with Half Dome off in the distance.
Approaching the summit with Half Dome off in the distance.
Cloud's Rest, Yosemite.
Cloud's Rest, Yosemite.
At the peak of Clouds Rest with the "Inverse Tunnel View" of the Yosemite Valley in the background. he out-and-back hike to Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake is one of the most rewarding one in Yosemite.
At the peak of Clouds Rest with the "Inverse Tunnel View" of the Yosemite Valley in the background. he out-and-back hike to Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake is one of the most rewarding one in Yosemite.
Westward view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and smoke from fires from Clouds Rest.
Westward view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and smoke from fires from Clouds Rest.
Such an incredible spot in Yosemite. Clouds Rest is appropriately named with 360 views of the park including Half Dome.
Such an incredible spot in Yosemite. Clouds Rest is appropriately named with 360 views of the park including Half Dome.