Clouds Rest Trail

The Clouds Rest Trail is a 14.5-mile (23.3 km) round-trip hiking trail in Yosemite National Park, California, USA, gaining 540 m (1,775 ft) of elevation to a summit of 3,025 m (9,926 ft). Rated strenuous, this iconic day hike delivers Yosemite's widest and most breathtaking 360° panorama—a granite ridge summit that stands higher than Half Dome and surveys the entire park.

About the Clouds Rest Trail

Clouds Rest is the highest point on the eastern rim of Yosemite Valley, rising to 9,926 feet (3,025 m) above sea level in Yosemite National Park, one of the crown jewels of the National Park Service. Few viewpoints in the Sierra Nevada rival what awaits at the summit: an unobstructed panorama sweeping from the Tenaya Lake basin and Cathedral Range to the north, across the full breadth of Yosemite Valley far below, and south toward the Clark Range and beyond.

The trail begins at the Sunrise Trailhead on Tioga Road—California's high-country corridor—at an elevation of approximately 8,150 feet (2,485 m). From there, the route threads past meadows, granite domes, and lodgepole pine forest before delivering hikers onto the summit ridge: a narrow granite arête where the north face plunges dramatically into Tenaya Canyon. The summit sits 1,000 feet (305 m) higher than Half Dome, giving Clouds Rest a perspective that Half Dome simply cannot match.

Operated by the National Park Service, Clouds Rest has become one of Yosemite's most rewarding non-permit day hikes. While Half Dome requires a lottery permit for its cables section, Clouds Rest demands only a Yosemite entrance pass for day hikers from the Sunrise Trailhead—a fact that makes it one of the best-value summit experiences in any U.S. national park. The trail is point-to-point in its full form, connecting Sunrise Trailhead to Yosemite Valley via Happy Isles, but the vast majority of visitors complete a 14.5-mile (23.3 km) out-and-back to the summit and back.

The geological story of Clouds Rest is written in its granite. The entire massif is composed of ancient granodiorite formed roughly 85–90 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, then shaped by successive glacial advances that carved Yosemite Valley and polished the surrounding domes to their characteristic smooth finish. Standing on the Clouds Rest ridge, you can trace the path of those long-vanished glaciers in the sweeping U-shaped valley below.

Route Overview & Stages

The standard Clouds Rest hike follows a single out-and-back route from the Sunrise Trailhead at the west end of Tenaya Lake. Total round-trip distance is 14.5 miles (23.3 km) with 540 m (1,775 ft) of cumulative elevation gain. The trail is well-marked throughout and maintained by the National Park Service. The point-to-point descent into Yosemite Valley via Happy Isles adds approximately 8 miles (12.9 km) and requires a shuttle car or YARTS bus connection.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Tenaya Lake (2,485 m / 8,150 ft) — The trailhead sits just west of this stunning high-country lake, the largest lake in Yosemite's subalpine zone. Named after Chief Tenaya of the Ahwahneechee, the lake's crystal-clear waters and sandy beach are a classic High Sierra scene and an ideal spot to recover on your return.
• The Switchback Section — Around the 2-mile mark, the trail pitches upward for a demanding 1.6 km of granite switchbacks, gaining 305 m (1,000 ft) in a single concentrated push. This is the steepest section of the entire route; once above it, the gradient eases considerably.
• Sunrise Lakes Junction — A key trail intersection roughly halfway to the summit where the Clouds Rest route diverges from the path toward Sunrise High Sierra Camp. This is a reliable orientation point and a popular rest stop among hikers carrying full packs.
• First Half Dome View — In the wooded valley section between stages 3 and 4, the trees part to reveal the northwest face of Half Dome rising dramatically to the southwest. This first sighting is a reliable morale boost before the final push to the summit.
• Clouds Rest Summit Ridge (3,025 m / 9,926 ft) — The trail's dramatic finale: a narrow granite arête with a summit cairn at its end. The north face drops sheer into Tenaya Canyon below. Take your time here—this is one of the finest viewpoints in any U.S. national park.
• Half Dome Panorama — From the summit you look directly down onto Half Dome's rounded cap, sitting fully 300 m (1,000 ft) below. On clear days the view extends over 150 km across the Sierra Nevada to the peaks of the Hoover Wilderness.
• Tenaya Canyon — The sheer-walled glacial canyon directly beneath the Clouds Rest north face is one of Yosemite's most photogenic features and one of its least-visited. Visible only from the summit ridge, it provides a powerful reminder of the scale of glacial erosion that shaped this landscape.
• Cathedral Range — To the northeast, the serrated granite spires of the Cathedral Range—Cathedral Peak, Eichorn Pinnacle, Echo Peaks—form a dramatic skyline that photographers return to capture year after year.

Best Time to Hike the Clouds Rest Trail

Tioga Road, the access route to the Sunrise Trailhead, is a seasonal road that typically opens in late May or early June and closes with the first heavy snowfall, usually in October or November. The trail is only practical when Tioga Road is open.

June — Early-season access is possible but snow patches often linger on the summit ridge, making traction devices advisable. Wildflowers begin blooming in the meadows near Tenaya Lake. Crowds are moderate and the park feels uncrowded compared to peak summer.

July — Peak wildflower season. The route is typically fully snow-free and trail conditions are excellent, but afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly over the Sierra Nevada from mid-July onward. Start before 7:00 a.m. and plan to be off the exposed summit ridge before noon.

August — The most popular month, with warm temperatures and reliable morning weather windows. Afternoon thunderstorm risk remains. The Sunrise Trailhead parking fills by 7:30 a.m. on summer weekends; arrive early or take YARTS to avoid a wasted journey.

September — The single best month to hike Clouds Rest. Thunderstorm frequency drops sharply, crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day, temperatures are ideal for sustained effort at altitude, and the light takes on the warm golden quality characteristic of the Sierra Nevada in autumn. As of 2026, September has consistently delivered the most stable weather windows of the entire season.

October — A rewarding shoulder-season option with minimal crowds and vivid autumn colour in the valley below. Night temperatures drop below freezing at summit elevation; expect cold mornings and watch for early snowfall from mid-October onward.

Avoid the trail entirely from November through May: Tioga Road is closed, significant avalanche risk exists on the approach slopes, and rescue resources are severely limited during winter.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There is no lodging at the trailhead itself; the nearest options are clustered around Tuolumne Meadows, approximately 8 km (5 miles) east of the Sunrise Trailhead on Tioga Road.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground — The park's main high-country campground, with 304 sites available on a first-come, first-served or reservation basis. Sites cost approximately €26–30 (USD 28–32) per night. Reservations open months in advance on Recreation.gov and fill within minutes for peak-season dates. The campground provides flush toilets, food storage lockers, and a nearby general store.

Sunrise High Sierra Camp — Located roughly 10 km from the Clouds Rest summit, this iconic canvas-tent camp offers dormitory-style beds with meals included for approximately €200–230 (USD 220–250) per person per night. Bookings open via lottery in late November each year and demand far exceeds supply—apply as early as possible.

Wilderness Camping — Backpackers with a wilderness permit can camp in designated zones along the trail. No established huts exist on the route; a self-standing tent, bear canister, and leave-no-trace discipline are mandatory. Sites are free beyond the cost of the wilderness permit (see Permits & Fees below).

For those staying in Yosemite Valley, the drive to Tioga Road via Big Oak Flat Road takes approximately 90 minutes each way—a long approach for a day hike; an overnight in the high country is worth the planning effort.

Getting There & Back

The Sunrise Trailhead is located on Tioga Road (California State Route 120) at the western end of Tenaya Lake, approximately 50 km (31 miles) east of Yosemite Valley by road.

By car — From Yosemite Valley, follow Big Oak Flat Road (CA-120 west) to Crane Flat, then turn east onto Tioga Road. Drive approximately 40 km (25 miles) to the Sunrise Trailhead parking area. The lot holds only about 12 vehicles and fills before 8:00 a.m. on summer weekends. Overflow parking is permitted on road shoulders.

By bus (YARTS) — The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) operates seasonal bus service from Merced—the nearest Amtrak station—into the park. The Highway 120 East route stops near Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, approximately 8 km from the trailhead. Round-trip fare from Merced runs approximately €18–22 (USD 20–24). This option eliminates the trailhead parking problem entirely and is the recommended approach for visitors without a car.

Nearest airports — Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is approximately 140 km (87 miles) south of the park; San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 310 km (190 miles) west. Car rental at either airport is the most practical option for reaching Tioga Road independently.

Permits & Fees

Yosemite entrance fee — All visitors must pay the Yosemite National Park vehicle entrance fee of approximately €32 (USD 35) per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass (€79 / USD 80) covers entrance to all U.S. national parks for twelve months and pays for itself quickly for frequent visitors.

Day hiking — No wilderness permit is required for a day hike to Clouds Rest from the Sunrise Trailhead. This distinguishes Clouds Rest from Half Dome, which requires a separate lottery permit for the cables section during the hiking season.

Wilderness overnight permit — Backpackers camping overnight must obtain a Yosemite Wilderness Permit. Approximately 60% of permits are available via Recreation.gov reservation (fee: approx. €5 / USD 5 per permit plus €1.60 / USD 1.75 per person); the remaining 40% are available as walk-up permits beginning at 11:00 a.m. the day before your planned entry. Competition is intense for July–September dates; apply early.

Gear & Packing List

The Clouds Rest Trail is a full-day commitment at altitude with limited shade above the switchbacks. For a detailed calorie and nutrition strategy for long summit days, see our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day.

• Backpack — A 20–35 L daypack is ideal for the standard out-and-back. For the multi-day point-to-point descent into Yosemite Valley, consider a 50–65 L pack such as the Osprey Aether 65. Ultralight day hikers will appreciate the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider, which keeps base weight minimal without sacrificing carry capacity. For overnight backpacking options, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L is a proven High Sierra choice.
• Water — Carry at least 3 litres from the trailhead; reliable water sources are limited on the upper route. A filter or purification tablets are advisable for drawing from creeks in the lower valley sections.
• Sun protection — UV intensity at 3,000 m is significant. SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses rated for high-altitude UV, and a wide-brim hat are non-negotiable on the exposed summit ridge.
• Layers — Temperatures at the summit can run 10–15°C cooler than the valley floor. A windproof mid-layer is essential; pack a waterproof shell for afternoon storm protection from July onward.
• Navigation — Download the Yosemite topographic map offline before departure; cell service is unreliable above the valley floor.
• Bear canister — Mandatory for overnight trips within Yosemite wilderness. Bear canisters can be rented at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center for a nominal fee.
• Traction devices — In June and early July, micro-spikes are advisable for any snow remaining on the summit ridge; wet granite at altitude is extremely slippery.
• Emergency kit — First-aid kit, emergency bivy, headlamp with spare batteries, and a charged satellite communicator are recommended for trips to this elevation.

For a wider review of ultralight carry options suited to High Sierra terrain, see our best ultralight backpacks of 2026.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If Clouds Rest has whetted your appetite for Yosemite's high-granite wilderness, several nearby routes offer equally spectacular terrain. The Half Dome Trail is the park's most iconic permit-required summit challenge—sitting 300 m lower than Clouds Rest but featuring the famous cable-assisted ascent of Half Dome's north face. For a shorter but equally vertiginous summit experience in the American Southwest, the Angels Landing–West Rim Trail in Zion National Park delivers with its chain-assisted fin-ridge finale. Serious High Sierra peak-baggers will find their match on the Mount Whitney Trail, the highest point in the contiguous United States at 4,421 m. For the ultimate long-distance American wilderness experience, the Pacific Crest Trail passes directly through the Sierra Nevada, while the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail at 4,988 km is the definitive spine-of-the-continent challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike the Clouds Rest Trail?
September is the single best month. Tioga Road is fully open, afternoon thunderstorm frequency drops compared to July and August, crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day, and temperatures are ideal at both trailhead and summit. The golden Sierra light of early autumn also makes for exceptional photography. Avoid June unless you are comfortable navigating snow and ice at elevation above 3,000 m.

How difficult is the Clouds Rest Trail?
The trail is rated strenuous. The 14.5-mile (23.3 km) round trip at high altitude is manageable for fit, experienced day hikers, but the steep 1-mile switchback section and the exposed summit ridge—where a narrow granite arête drops sheer into Tenaya Canyon on the north side—demand surefootedness and a reasonable head for heights. The trail is not recommended for hikers with severe acrophobia or those unacclimatised to elevations above 2,500 m.

How far should I plan to hike per day on the Clouds Rest Trail?
Most day hikers complete the full 14.5-mile (23.3 km) out-and-back in 6–9 hours, including rest stops and summit time. If you prefer to split the effort across two days, camp at a wilderness site approximately 5–6 km in and complete the summit the following morning, when light and air are typically at their clearest. Backpackers doing the full point-to-point descent to Yosemite Valley typically cover the 19–21 km route in one long day.

Is there accommodation on or near the trail?
There are no huts or shelters on the trail itself. The nearest formal accommodation is Tuolumne Meadows Campground, approximately 8 km from the trailhead (around €26–30 / USD 28–32 per night). Sunrise High Sierra Camp, a canvas-tent lodge about 10 km from the Clouds Rest summit, offers beds with meals at approximately €200–230 per night but requires a lottery booking made many months in advance. Backpackers can camp in designated wilderness zones with a permit.

Do I need a permit to hike Clouds Rest?
Day hikers starting from the Sunrise Trailhead do not need a wilderness permit—only a Yosemite entrance pass (approximately €32 / USD 35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days). This is the key advantage over Half Dome, which requires a separate lottery permit for its cables section. Overnight backpackers do require a Yosemite Wilderness Permit, available via Recreation.gov reservation or as a walk-up permit from the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center, starting at 11:00 a.m. the day before entry.