Alpine lakes, waterfalls, and Clouds Rest in one 40-mile loop from the Valley floor.
The best of Yosemite's high country in a single loop. Alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and granite bluffs that make you understand why Muir called this the Range of Light. It's a serious undertaking (40 miles with real elevation), but if you have the legs for it, there's no better way to see what Yosemite is about beyond the Valley floor.
Start: Mirror Lake Trailhead
End: Happy Isles Trailhead Parking
Water: Two streams near camp
Steep exposed climb up Snow Creek Trail; start early
Water: Snow Creek, Tenaya Creek, Tenaya Lake, Sunrise Lakes
Tenaya Creek crossing can be waist-high early season; mosquitoes at Sunrise Lakes
Water: Sunrise Creek, Merced River
Clouds Rest summit optional but highly recommended; can bypass via Forsyth Trail (-4mi); steep knee-pounding descent
Water: Echo Creek, Merced River
Spectacular Merced River views; Lost Valley; Nevada & Vernal Falls; end at Half Dome Village for pizza
Half Dome cables (5.1mi RT, +/-2230ft, separate permit required, 75/day for backpackers)
Camping restricted near Snow Creek due to bear activity; burned forest sections from 2014 Meadow Fire; mosquitoes fierce at Sunrise Lakes
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