From the summit you look down on Half Dome, not across at it. Arguably the single best view in Yosemite.
Many argue this is the single best view in Yosemite. They might be right. From the summit of Clouds Rest (9,923ft), you look down on Half Dome. The 360-degree panorama takes in Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon, the Cathedral Range, and peaks stretching to the horizon. The overnight approach via Sunrise Lakes, with three lake camps to choose from, lets you summit with a light pack and catch the morning light, without the crowds or cable-climb lottery of Half Dome.
Start: Sunrise Lakes TH / Tenaya Lake (8,156ft)
End: Sunrise Lakes TH / Tenaya Lake (8,156ft)
Water: Sunrise Lakes (Lower, Middle, Upper)
From Tenaya Lake, climb through forest toward the Sunrise Lakes basin. Three lakes sit at slightly different elevations along the way: Lower Sunrise Lake (2.8mi) is the first and most convenient if you want a shorter day, Middle Sunrise Lake (3.2mi) sits just beyond it, and Upper Sunrise Lake (3.5mi) is the highest and most scenic, with granite slabs perfect for watching the sunset, though more exposed to wind. Less crowded than Cathedral Lakes.
Water: None reliable between Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest; Sunrise Lakes on the way down
Leave camp early and pack light for the summit push; there is no reliable water between Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest, so carry enough for the whole round trip. The trail descends briefly from the Sunrise junction before climbing steadily, opening up to views of Yosemite Valley and a skyline of granite domes. The final stretch narrows to an exposed granite ridge, no more than 20 feet wide in places, non-technical but not for anyone uneasy with heights. From the summit, take in a 360-degree panorama that looks down on Half Dome rather than across at it, along with Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon, the Cathedral Range, and the Clark Range beyond. Return to camp, pack up, and retrace your steps back down to the trailhead.
Descend to Happy Isles for point-to-point route (shuttle back to Tenaya Lake via YARTS or park shuttle); extend to Merced Lake (3-4 days); combine with Cathedral Lakes for 3-day Yosemite high country tour; Half Dome cables from Happy Isles (separate permit required)
Tioga Road must be open. Clouds Rest summit ridge is narrow and exposed - not for those with fear of heights (but not technical climbing). Carry extra water for Clouds Rest push - no reliable sources between Sunrise Lakes and summit. Point-to-point option to Happy Isles requires shuttle back to Tenaya Lake (YARTS bus or park shuttle). Bear canister required. No campfires above 9,600ft. This is a less-competitive permit alternative to the overcrowded Half Dome cables.
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