Hiker standing on the exposed summit ridge of Clouds Rest overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Clouds Rest Hike Guide

Clouds Rest Hike Guide

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Clouds Rest is a nearly 10,000ft mountain located in Yosemite National Park. This hike has two popular ways to reach the summit, via the Mist Trail and Yosemite Valley and Tenaya Lake. This guide will focus on the Yosemite Valley approach which is longer and much more difficult. Clouds Rest offers excellent views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the Eastern Sierra’s. Although the hike is hard, this is one of the best hikes in the Eastern Part of Yosemite National Park and is up there as one of the best hikes in the park as a whole.

Close-up view of Half Dome's granite face as seen from the Clouds Rest hike in Yosemite National Park.
A stunning view of Half Dome from Clouds Rest, showcasing one of Yosemite’s most iconic granite formations.

Clouds Rest Quick Facts

 Clouds Rest Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)

Virtual Trail Guide: Clouds Rest

Distance: 21 miles RT (the most direct way using the Mist Trail). 20 Miles if you take the shuttle. 

Elevation Start: 4,018ft

High Point: 9,926ft

Total Elevation Gain: 4,900ft – Assuming you use Mist Trail

Estimated Time to Complete: 12-14+ Hours 

Difficulty: Strenuous – What does this mean?

Class: Class 2 – What does this mean?

Season: April – November (expect snow outside of this period)

Check the Weather Forecast 

Crowds: Moderate (High-Mist Trail)

Hiker navigating rocky terrain on the Clouds Rest Trail with Half Dome and Yosemite Valley visible in the background.
Making the final push along Clouds Rest while enjoying panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.

Directions to Clouds Rest

Trailhead: Mist trail and John Muir Trailhead (Shuttle Stop 16)

Getting Here: There are two main ways to get to the start of the Clouds Rest trail: parking at the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking Lot (allegedly reserved for backpacking permits – but no enforcement of that) and using the free Yosemite Shuttle and getting off at stop 16. Either way works but the shuttle option saves you about a mile of additional hiking (roundtrip).

Note: There is another approach to Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake which is much shorter but this guide will focus on the Mist Trail approach.  

Parking: The closest option to park for Clouds Rest is at the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking lot. It’s about a half mile away from here to the Mist Trail start. There are no restrooms here but there are some at the trailhead. This lot can fit about 50-75 vehicles and will absolutely fill up on most weekends and busy periods in the park (around holidays especially). There are of course other lots in Yosemite to park but this is the closest option. 

Park Shuttle: Shuttle stop 16 provides access to the Mist Trail and John Muir trail as well. The shuttle runs from 7AM to 10PM so just keep that in mind if you plan on using it.  

Permits/Fee: Admission to Yosemite National Park requires a $35 week pass or use of a National Parks Pass.

Snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks viewed from the summit area of Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park.
Expansive views of the Sierra Nevada mountains from one of Yosemite’s most spectacular summits.

Summary

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the trails of any US National Park. 

Camping: Yosemite has a variety of different lodging, camping and backcountry options. If you do get a backpacking permit, there are several camp spots in the Little Yosemite Valley (if your permit allows) or if you have to hike past LYV, there are great spots in between the Clouds Rest trail and Half Dome turnoff. When I camped, I found a spot near the creek that is right around the Clouds Rest trail split. 

Water: Your last solid chance for water, if day hiking, will be in the Little Yosemite Valley. Be sure to fill up here for your final push to Half Dome. If camping, you can obviously use this same source or if you hike about a half mile past Half Dome trail, there is a stream that runs seasonally but is also great for water filtering. 

Make it a Loop: Chances are, if you hike Clouds Rest that will be your main focus point for the day. However, if you happen to have a Half Dome permit, you could easily add that on as well. The Mist trail is the shortest option for both up and down but I would recommend adding on the John Muir Trail to Clark Point cutoff trail on the way down to get some different views of Vernal Falls. 

Want even more??? Merced Lake is another great option in the area to visit. 

Hike Tip(s): Save Your Legs

If you plan on hiking Clouds Rest in a single day, you are going to be outside for a very long time. Almost the entire hike up to the summit involves uphill hiking and then you have to descend back down to the Valley. Your legs are absolutely going to feel this day. Bring lots of calories and drink lots of fluids so that your body can maintain energy for the duration of the day. 

Trail X Factors: Water Sources

If you plan on hiking Clouds Rest in the late Spring, early Summer you will likely have some seasonal water sources pretty consistently throughout the hike. However, as the year goes on and water dries up, you will likely be required to carry a lot more on you once you leave Little Yosemite Valley. I would say that if you are hiking this one in July or August, plan on no additional water sources after you leave LYV. 

Best Views: Clouds Rest has had the best views from any Yosemite National Park hike that I have done to date. The section of trail from the Half Dome split until you reach the treeline is a little boring but after that views are stunning. Summit views from Clouds Rest are absolutely stunning in every single direction. 

Add on the views from the Mist Trail trail starting at Vernal and Nevada Falls and this is one of the most scenic hikes I have ever done.

Hiker standing on the summit of Clouds Rest with Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and granite cliffs in the background.
Standing atop Clouds Rest with panoramic views stretching across Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.

Gear Needed

Clouds Rest Hike Route

My hike up to Clouds Rest was part of a bigger backpacking trip, but hopefully this .gpx file will help someone out.

 

Download GPX

Clouds Rest Virtual Trail Guide

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