Half Dome gets all the attention, but many Yosemite veterans will tell you Clouds Rest is the better hike. At 9,926 feet, this granite summit offers panoramic views that actually include Half Dome—looking across at its famous face from a perspective most visitors never see. And unlike Half Dome, Clouds Rest doesn't require a permit lottery to climb.
The views from Clouds Rest are genuinely extraordinary: Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, the Cathedral Range, and the Yosemite Valley spread beneath you. It's one of the finest summit experiences in California.
Trail Options
From Tenaya Lake (Shortest)
- Distance: 14.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The most popular approach starts at the Sunrise Lakes trailhead near Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road. The trail climbs through forest and granite, passing scenic Sunrise Lakes before the final ascent to the summit.
From Happy Isles (Longer)
- Distance: 14.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
An alternative that starts in Yosemite Valley, climbing past Nevada Falls before ascending to Clouds Rest. Much more elevation gain but accessible when Tioga Road is closed.
Traverse Option
Ambitious hikers can continue from Clouds Rest to Half Dome (with permit) for an epic point-to-point journey.
The Summit
Clouds Rest's summit is a narrow granite ridge with dramatic exposure on both sides. The views encompass:
- Half Dome: The iconic face from a unique angle
- Tenaya Canyon: The deep gorge below, rarely seen by most visitors
- Cathedral Range: Sierra peaks stretching eastward
- Yosemite Valley: The famous valley far below
- Sierra crest: High peaks on the eastern horizon
The final approach to the summit requires walking a narrow spine of granite—exhilarating or terrifying depending on your comfort with exposure. Most hikers find it manageable if they don't look down.
Half Dome Comparison
Why Clouds Rest Over Half Dome?
- No permit required: Unlike Half Dome, just show up and hike
- Better views: You can actually see Half Dome from Clouds Rest
- Higher summit: 9,926 feet vs. 8,836 feet
- Fewer crowds: Far less trafficked than Half Dome
- No cables: Challenging but not as scary for most
When Half Dome Wins
- The iconic status and bragging rights
- The unique cable experience
- Being ON Half Dome rather than looking at it
For many hikers, Clouds Rest is the smarter choice—all the views and challenge with none of the permit hassle.
When to Hike
Tioga Road Access
The Tenaya Lake trailhead requires Tioga Road (Highway 120) to be open:
- Typical season: Late May through November
- Closures: Road closes with first significant snowfall
- Check conditions: NPS website has current road status
Best Times
- June-July: Long days; some snow may linger
- August-September: Ideal conditions; afternoon thunderstorms possible
- October: Crisp days; shorter daylight; fall colors
Practical Information
Getting There
The Sunrise Lakes trailhead is on Tioga Road, just west of Tenaya Lake. From Yosemite Valley, it's about 40 minutes' drive.
Parking
The trailhead parking fills early on summer weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or use overflow parking along the road.
What to Bring
- Plenty of water (3+ liters; no reliable sources)
- Layers (exposed summit can be cold and windy)
- Sun protection
- Trekking poles (helpful on descent)
Backpacking Option
Breaking the hike into two days with camping at Sunrise Lakes makes the trip more relaxed. Wilderness permits required.
Quick Reference
| Route | Distance | Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Tenaya Lake | 14.0 mi | 2,300 ft | Strenuous |
| From Happy Isles | 14.5 mi | 4,500 ft | V. Strenuous |
Clouds Rest is Yosemite's best-kept secret—or at least, its best-kept summit. The views rival or exceed Half Dome's, the hike is challenging but permit-free, and the experience of standing on that narrow granite ridge with the entire park spread before you is unforgettable. If you can only climb one Yosemite summit, make it this one.
