Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley via Clouds Rest - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley via Clouds Rest |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | California |
| Nearby Town: | Yosemite Valley |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | Park in the Happy Isles trailhead parking lot. Walk to Curry Village and take the hiker's shuttle to the Sunrise Trailhead at Tenaya Lake on Hwy 120/Tioga Rd. The shuttle leaves at approximately 8:00 am, and the one-way cost to Tenaya was $12.50 as of summer 2006. Shuttle reservations are recommended, and can be made at the Tour Information kiosk near the Curry Village Post Office. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 17.00 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | One-Way, Shuttle Hike |
| Hike Starts: | Sunrise Lakes Trailhead - Tenaya Lake |
| Hike Ends: | Happy Isles Trailhead - Yosemite Valley |
| Trails Used: | Sunrise Lakes Trail, Clouds Rest Trail, John Muir Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | Yes |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Streams, Rivers, Lakes, Springs |
| Management: | National Park Service |
| Contact Information: | Unknown |
| Best Season: | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers |
| Road Conditions: | Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | Take the Sunrise Lakes trail from Tenaya Lake. At approximately 2.5 miles, the trail makes a steep climb up approximately 700 ft. to a trail junction - follow the marked trail to Clouds Rest. 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. Trail climbs moderately, then more steeply as it nears the summit of Clouds Rest. The summit is a narrow ridge (not recommended for those with fear of heights) with spectacular panoramic views and steep dropoffs of 3000+ feet on both sides. Continue up and over the summit, and down a long, dry set of switchbacks to a junction with the John Muir Trail. Follow the JMT past the junction with the spur trail to Half Dome, another 6 miles (with a 5000 ft. elevation loss) to the Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley. This trail can be done as a long (approx 17 mi.) dayhike, or an overnight backpack. |
One reply on “Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley via Clouds Rest - Member Hike”
Man, that’s an incredible photo.