How to Hike Clouds Rest, California

The hiking trail at Clouds Rest climbs 2,300 feet and is 14 miles round trip. Views from Clouds Rest are impressive, and you can look down on Half Dome and the many hikers stuck on cables. Clouds Rest isn't as well traveled as some other hiking trails, so you should find some serenity if you make the trip.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Drive 70 miles northeast from Merced on Highway 140 to Yosemite National Park. After entering through the Arch Rock station, continue 4.5 miles to the left turnoff for Tioga Road/Highway 120. After about 9 miles, turn right on Tiago Road and go 30 miles to the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on the south side of Tiago Road.

2. Take the paved access road from the trailhead parking area and bear right at the trail junction. This goes to Sunrise Lakes, Sunrise High Sierra Camp and Clouds Rest.

3. Cross the creeks of upper, middle and lower Sunrise Lakes. Begin the switchbacks for an 800-foot climb to the next junction. Take a right at the junction to get on Forsyth Trail.

4. Continue along Forsyth Trail as it descends to three stream crossings and comes to another junction. Take Clouds Rest Trail to the left.

5. Follow Clouds Rest Trail as it ascends for a steady pace to the final summit approach of Clouds Rest. When the trail ends, ascend the northeast ridge to the peak.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!