Hiking Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake Trailhead
Hiking Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake Trailhead
Introductory Overview:
Hiking Clouds Rest from the Tenaya Lake Trailhead is one of the most rewarding and challenging adventures in Yosemite National Park. Known for its astonishing panoramic views, the summit of Clouds Rest stands at an elevation of 9,926 feet, offering a less crowded alternative to nearby Half Dome. This hike is not only a test of endurance but also an immersion into the High Sierra’s pristine beauty. The unique vantage point atop Clouds Rest allows for an unparalleled view of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rocks. This route showcases the transition from tranquil alpine meadows to awe-inspiring granite ridges.
Adventure Guide To Hiking Clouds Rest
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Starting at Tenaya Lake Trailhead
- Located along Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake Trailhead provides direct access to the Clouds Rest hike. The serene blue waters of Tenaya Lake are a perfect place to pause and hydrate before setting out.
- The trail begins with moderate elevation gains through mixed forests, gradually preparing hikers for the steeper climbs ahead.
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Clouds Rest Summit Views
- The final stretch of the hike includes narrow granite ridges with dramatic drop-offs on both sides. While intimidating for some, the route is wide enough for safe navigation with careful footing.
- The summit rewards you with 360-degree views, making it a photographer’s dream. On clear days, you can see as far as Yosemite Valley to the south and the Sierra Nevada to the horizon.
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Wildlife and Natural Features
- Along the trail, you'll encounter alpine wildlife, such as marmots and Clark’s nutcrackers. The flora varies with elevation, from pine forests to hardy wildflowers near the summit.
Local Insights
- Clouds Rest's name originates from its towering presence, often enshrouded in mist. It is believed that John Muir referred to these peaks as the “divine cathedral” of the Sierra.
- Compared to the Half Dome hike, Clouds Rest requires no permits and offers similarly stunning views with less foot traffic.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-summer to early fall for stable weather and trail conditions.
- What to Bring:
- Sturdy hiking footwear.
- 3–4 liters of water per person.
- Layers for changing temperatures.
- Snacks or meals, as there are no services along the trail.
- Travel Directions: From Yosemite Valley, drive about 1 hour via Tioga Road to Tenaya Lake Trailhead. Parking is available but can fill quickly, so arrive early.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Matthew Mireles3 years ago
Where do I begin? My buddies and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We started at Tenaya Lake at a late time, maybe around 1pm. The hike to Clouds Rest has many inclines so being physically fit is a must. The majority of us were not. At the start of the hike there was 5 of us, at the end there was only two. For us the hike was extremely difficult especially since we are not use to the elevation change. Everyone in the group brought about 7.5 Liters which was definitely smart for us and a decent amount of snacks. This hike is probably about an 8hr hike, 14 miles. Yeah we took about 10hrs. I HIGHLY recommend starting this hike early otherwise you will spend the end of the hike in the dark which was scary. The hike there was a nice view and getting to the top was phenomenal! I did not make it to the very tip top. Once I looked off the side of the knife edge path, I said forget that. However, where I stopped at was just as great! You cannot beat this view at all. Surprisingly there was not much wind at the very top so you can really soak up the atmosphere and the peace and quiet. Once we were done at the top we started walking back down around 5pm. It got dark fast. If you hike this path late, bring a few flashlights but I recommend not doing it at all. The forest was extremely dark and quiet, too freaky for me. Once we reach a halfway point we turned off all the lights and gazed at all the stars. It was so surreal looking at the stars but he had to continue our hike back to the truck before our friend called the park ranger for being out too long. If your phone is charged, look at Google maps gps and it should guide you out back to the lake. We are all extremely sore from this hike and lost a bit of our sanity over there but we made it! Maybe next time we will leave early and be a little more fit. TLDR: be prepared for a long hike and be physically capable for altitude changes.
f j kearney4 months ago
Great views today. Partly cloudy today so Clouds Rest active and picturesque w many clouds resting on its peak.
Jacob Eggleton11 months ago
Big hike so make sure you’re prepared. Bring heavy deets bug spray as you will need it in the summer months. Bring lots of water there is a few spots you could potentially fill up. Make sure you are fit and cable of doing this in a day if you don’t plan on camping. Bring a sandals unless you plan on going through a small river in your bare feet. Do your research before this hike. Cant describe how incredible this hike from start to finish. Yosemite is magical.
Serena Liao6 months ago
7/4/2024: Crazy amount of mosquitoes in the early morning, all the way till the last 1/3 part. Back down at the noon time the situation was much much better. Bring head net and put it on before you hit the trail! The view at the top is stunning, but the trail itself is kinda boring, and the first half is very rocky, be prepared.
Jackson Ba year ago
Great hike, took me 8 snd a half hours, 16 miles round trip. Strenuous and steep part in the beginning.
At the top you can see the entirety of yosemite, including el capitan and half dome along with the valley.
Overall, absolutely worth it 5/5
