Clouds Rest Yosemite
A challenging Yosemite hike to a granite summit offering unparalleled 360° views, including Half Dome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Clouds Rest Yosemite
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging Yosemite hike to a granite summit offering unparalleled 360° views, including Half Dome.
"The views are insane, the trail is well maintained and marked and the hike wasn't bad whatsoever."
Hydration is Key
Carry at least 5L of water and a filter. Water sources are available but can be scarce on the final ascent. :droplet:
Start Early!
Beat the heat and crowds by starting your hike before sunrise, especially from the Valley. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Knife's Edge
Summit Ridge
A thrilling, narrow ridgeline with sheer drop-offs offering unparalleled 360° views.
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the High Sierra.
Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Witnessing the golden hour paint the granite peaks is an unforgettable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hydration is Key
Carry at least 5L of water and a filter. Water sources are available but can be scarce on the final ascent. :droplet:
Start Early!
Beat the heat and crowds by starting your hike before sunrise, especially from the Valley. :sunrise:
Embrace the Ridge
The final approach is a narrow, exposed ridge. Take your time and enjoy the exhilarating views. :hiking_boot:
Mosquito Alert!
Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in early morning. A head net is highly recommended. :bug:
Tips
from all over the internet
Hydration is Key
Carry at least 5L of water and a filter. Water sources are available but can be scarce on the final ascent. :droplet:
Start Early!
Beat the heat and crowds by starting your hike before sunrise, especially from the Valley. :sunrise:
Embrace the Ridge
The final approach is a narrow, exposed ridge. Take your time and enjoy the exhilarating views. :hiking_boot:
Mosquito Alert!
Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in early morning. A head net is highly recommended. :bug:
Pack Layers
Weather can change rapidly. Bring layers to stay comfortable in varying temperatures. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers consistently praise Clouds Rest for its absolutely unbeatable, panoramic summit views that surpass even Half Dome. The challenging but well-maintained trail is a significant draw, though the final exposed ridgeline is noted as both thrilling and potentially daunting. Many find the effort immensely rewarding, despite the physical toll.
"So worth it. Took us 10 hours to hike out and back with 1.5 hours of stops for breakfast, lunch and resting up. Legs were like jelly during downhill but unbeatable views at the top. The spine at the last stretch is sketchy but definitely doable."
Shruti Thakur
"this hike is awesome and you should definitely do it! The views are insane, the trail is well maintained and marked and the hike wasn't bad whatsoever."
Preston Radliff
"This is a review of my hike from the valley to clouds rest. This hike is approximately 22 miles round trip, took me 6 hours getting to the top and another 4 hours going back down. Your mileage may vary depending on your hiking speed (Im probably average hiker), if you are in a group, season, if you take tons of photos, and how comfortable you are with downhill on the return.
I hiked from the valley to Clouds Rest on May 30th.
I decided to hike from the valley because I couldn’t get a permit for Half Dome and I always wanted to check Clouds Rest out. I would have preferred a hike from Tenaya Lake down to the valley instead but since I was alone, I thought I would do a dayhike from the valley to Clouds Rest. I was uncertain if I could actually do it given the length but I’m so happy I did it, the views are amazing and honestly had a great time chatting with people on the way up and at the top. I heard that the lot nearest to the trailhead is meant for backpackers so I parked at Curry Village (this will add on maybe 2 more miles to your hike). I left around 0600 but I think even earlier would have been better.
Supplies:
I brought 3L of water and had a filter. For my entire hike I think I went through 5L. With my filter, there are 1-2 additional water sources shortly after breaking off from the trail towards Half Dome but I didn’t notice any large source within the last 3 miles or so. If I were to do the hike again, in the same weather, I would probably just bring 2L and top up/filter my water at the beginning of the mist trail, top of Nevada Falls, around Little Yosemite Valley. I imagine that as the weather gets hotter, you may need even more water.
I also brought multiple layers in case the weather turned, and also a headlamp if I ended up hiking after sundown. (Luckily I did not need either but best to be prepared)
Also took a bunch of snacks!
Oh, consider a battery pack. I definitely needed one for my clunker of a phone.
Alternatives:
There are groups doing an out and back from Tenaya Lake.
My first option would have been Tenaya lake down to the valley, through Clouds Rest.
Alternatively, if you get a wilderness permit, you can camp at either Little Yosemite Valley or maybe Sunrise Camp and tackle this as a backpacking trip
Conditions:
As of May 30th, there is very minimal snow from the valley side (like 3 patches that you see). The groups that came from Tenaya lake mentioned lots of snow from that end with lots of postholing on that end. The weather was quite mild for me but the following day temperatures increased to the high 90s. The trail seemed well marked, outside of maybe 1-2 areas where I can imagine walking off course if I was not paying attention. I can’t say how it would look under snow."
Wesley Kong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common trailheads are from Yosemite Valley (Mist Trail or John Muir Trail) or Tenaya Lake. The Valley hike is roughly 22 miles roundtrip and can take 10+ hours. The Tenaya Lake trailhead is shorter but requires Tioga Road to be open. Parking at the Valley trailhead can be limited, so consider parking at Curry Village and adding mileage.
Parking near the Valley trailhead is primarily for backpackers. Many hikers opt to park at Curry Village, which adds about 2 miles to the roundtrip hike.
Yes, you can hike from Yosemite Valley via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail. This is a very long day hike (around 22 miles) and requires good fitness.
Tioga Road typically opens in late May or June, depending on snowpack. Check the NPS website for current road conditions.
Clouds Rest is considered a strenuous hike due to its length and elevation gain. The final ridgeline is exposed and can be challenging for those with a fear of heights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required for a day hike to Clouds Rest. However, if you plan to backpack and camp overnight, you will need a wilderness permit.
Clouds Rest is accessible year-round, but conditions vary greatly. The trail is best enjoyed when Tioga Road is open (summer/fall) and snow has melted. There are no official operating hours for the trail itself.
There is no direct fee to hike Clouds Rest. However, you will need to pay the standard entrance fee for Yosemite National Park, which is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
While a reservation is not required for the hike itself, Yosemite National Park may require vehicle reservations to enter during peak seasons. Check the NPS website for current entry requirements.
Clouds Rest can be attempted in winter, but it is extremely challenging and dangerous due to heavy snow, ice, and avalanche risk. It is generally not recommended for casual hikers.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Hiking in the early morning is highly recommended to avoid the midday heat and the majority of crowds. Sunrise hikes offer stunning light.
From Yosemite Valley, expect 10-12 hours roundtrip. From Tenaya Lake, it's a shorter but still challenging hike. Your mileage may vary based on fitness and stops.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable moisture-wicking clothing, and bring layers. A hat and sunscreen are essential for sun protection.
Yes, there are water sources, particularly along the Mist Trail and near Little Yosemite Valley. A water filter is crucial for refilling.
The final ridgeline is narrow and exposed with steep drop-offs. While exhilarating, it requires caution and is not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views. The knife-edge ridge itself provides dramatic photographic opportunities. Capture the scale of Half Dome and the Valley. 
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the granite peaks. Midday can be harsh but still offers incredible scale.
Absolutely! Clouds Rest offers a superior vantage point of Half Dome, making it appear smaller and showcasing its iconic shape within the broader Yosemite landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of Half Dome or El Capitan. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for long exposures at sunrise/sunset. :camerawithflash:
The 'catwalk' section of the ridge is a popular spot for dramatic photos. Also, look for wildflowers in season and the changing light on the granite formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is very experienced and seeking a challenging Yosemite hike, consider shorter, less exposed options within the park. For those determined to experience Clouds Rest, it's best suited for older, highly athletic teenagers who have prior experience with long-distance, challenging hikes and are comfortable with heights. Ensure you have ample water, snacks, and a very early start.
💰 Budget Travelers
This fee covers access to all trails and viewpoints within the park. You can save money by packing all your own food and water, rather than purchasing expensive options inside the park. Consider carpooling with other travelers to split the entrance fee. Camping in the park or in nearby national forests can also be a more affordable accommodation option than hotels. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle and filter to avoid buying bottled water.
💑 Couples Seeking Adventure
+1Consider making it a special occasion, like an anniversary or honeymoon, as suggested by some visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Knife's Edge
+1Hikers with a significant fear of heights may find this section challenging. It's crucial to stay focused, move deliberately, and avoid distractions. The views from this ridge are unparalleled, providing a unique perspective looking down into Yosemite Valley and across the vast Sierra Nevada range. Many describe the feeling as walking on the edge of the world, a truly unforgettable experience.
Choosing Your Route: Valley vs. Tenaya Lake
Alternatively, accessing Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake offers a shorter, though still strenuous, hike. This route is only accessible when Tioga Road is open, usually from late May or June through October. It provides a more direct path to the summit, but hikers should still be prepared for a demanding climb and the exposed ridgeline. Many consider the Tenaya Lake approach a more manageable day hike, while the Valley route is often tackled by those seeking an epic adventure or as part of a longer backpacking trip.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Beyond water and layers, a headlamp is a critical safety item, especially for early morning starts or unexpected delays. Snacks are vital for maintaining energy levels throughout the long trek. Many hikers also find a portable battery pack indispensable for keeping their phones charged for navigation and photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit