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[Yosemite]

Trail Conditions to Clouds Rest

Hiking, backpacking, running, biking, climbing, rafting, and other human-powered activities in Yosemite National Park

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Trail Conditions to Clouds Rest

Postby belowi » Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:20 pm

I was getting a little nervous about trail conditions since the last post I could see on here showed several feet of snow on top of Clouds Rest (granted, that was early May: http://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=664), and the NPS website says to expect 100% snow coverage on trails to CR. However, I came across these photos with a google search for Clouds Rest 2009, there didn't seem to be any snow visible at the summit, anyone been out recently that can provide some insight?

From Wunderground (from 6/13):
http://tinyurl.com/nnnnca

Another recent account (from 6/7)
http://iyerdeepak.wordpress.com/2009/06 ... ouds-rest/

Thanks.
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Postby bill-e-g » Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:31 am

You need to find someone with a shot to Tenaya Lake / Sunrise Mountain.
I can only say that the recent weather has not helped the situation
much. (I've been rained on the last 3 weekends, didn't get rained on
once last year in 20+ trips...)
Even though the summit is free and clear the spot that will have snow
is the area from Sunrise Lakes South to the Summit (the Forsyth Trail).
2 weekends ago I would have guessed you would have hit 80% snow
coverage from where I could see Clouds and Sunrise Mtn.
But if the park service says 100 then you should assume that.
My guess is that you are doing the more and more popular Sunrise
to Happy Isle trip.
In case you don't know it would be probably about 3.5 miles hiking
in the snow. Right now you can walk right on top of the snow.
You have to be careful where you step though and not step right
next to fallen logs or large boulders.
Anyway, that's all I got. Good luck and be safe.
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Postby belowi » Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:54 pm

I guess the rain's good news unless you're caught out in it...

I was planning a loop over Clouds Rest to Half Dome then down through Echo Valley (possibly on your recommendation, bill-e-g) and back out again. I'm wondering if it is just the approach to the summit of Clouds Rest that is snow covered, or if it is also on the JMT etc. at lower elevations in the area. It is going to be my longest day by far and I don't know if I want to do it through snow. Only one way to find out, I guess, I'm headed out next Monday.
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Postby bill-e-g » Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:38 am

Are you hiking back up to Sunrise or out to HI?

If you are going out to Happy Isles then after Clouds you won't hit any snow.
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Postby belowi » Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:19 am

I've been planning on exiting at the Sunrise trailhead where we started to spend more time in the backcountry, but now I'm not so sure if the trail conditions are going to be really poor.
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Postby bill-e-g » Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:52 am

I'd just go and deal with it.
What you can do is go up and over Clouds. Now you know the
conditions on the trail from Sunrise to Clouds for yourself.
For sure you will run into someone coming from Sunrise HSC area so
you can ask them what their dealings were.
If it's not great then you can just go back up the Forsyth Trail
(the trail that is due east of Clouds that goes from JMT to Sunrise Lakes).

I myself am heading to TM and run around by Glen Aulin and then
go up Dana on Sunday. I can give you my thoughts Sunday night
when I get back.
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Postby BrendanSF » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:27 am

Bill,

any reports you can offer on Dana snow conditions after your trip would be most welcome. Thanks!
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