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- Clouds Rest
9,929 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Clouds Rest
Clouds Rest is a 9,929 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest Trail: 13 mi, 3,160 ft of gain, Class 1.
Clouds Rest at a glance
- Elevation9,929 ft3,026 m
- RouteSunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest TrailClass 1
- Distance13 mi3,160 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest Trail
In Yosemite, drive Tioga Road (CA 120, open roughly June to November) to the Sunrise Lakes trailhead at the west end of Tenaya Lake. Follow the Sunrise Lakes Trail, climb steeply to a junction, then take the Clouds Rest Trail through forest and a dip before the final granite ridge. The route is Class 1, but the last stretch is a narrow spine with long drops on both sides, so stay off it in wind or storms. Views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon are huge. Water is scarce after the first mile. Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms and summer parking crowds.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- Dry conditions
Quests with Clouds Rest
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Clouds Rest?
Clouds Rest is 9,929 feet (3,026 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Clouds Rest?
The Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 3,160 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Clouds Rest?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest Trail, covering 13 miles with 3,160 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Clouds Rest?
The Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 3,160 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Clouds Rest?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Clouds Rest with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list