Clouds Rest Sidetrip

[phantum]

I'm on the JMT from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley in August and am curious about taking a sidetrip to Clouds Rest. I've found discussions of using the CR trail from near the Half Dome junction, from Sunrise Lakes or from Tenaya. I'm interested in intersecting with the Forsyth Trail, possibly via xc from the Muir Trail and Sunrise Creek around the south end of Sunrise Mtn., instead of going down to the JMT/Forsyth junction. It looks like it "could" save some time and elevation change, assuming the terrain is reasonable for intermediate (though veteran) backpackers. My maps even make it look like there could be camping options before starting the main climb to Clouds Rest.

I'm hoping for any informed input on the route, which will help determine the remainder of the trip. If anyone is familiar with this area, please share your wisdom! Thanks!

[bill-e-g]

Uh... the JMT from Sunrise HSC to HD Trail isn't incredibly scenic imo.
At HSC just head over to Sunrise Lakes and go that way up Clouds Rest. You'll thank me.

[phantum]

Trying to complete the JMT -- this is my last section.

[bill-e-g]

Ok, sorry... well... I didn't get that out of your post. Especially since you said xc.
So I had to assume stuff.... and I assumed you hadn't walked by Sunrise Lakes and didn't care really which way you went.

So I guess you have the entire JMT from Nevada Falls to Sunrise HSC to mark off...
Well... then even though it is 900 ft. more gain... I'd still just go to Sunrise/Clouds Trail Jct.
and dayhike up Clouds from there. Far superior views compared to Forsyth.
If you go up Forsyth you have to come back down it to mark your trail off. Views not spectacular on Forsyth...

If only want least elevation change then it's south from Sunrise HSC to small pond north of 9854 due west to Forsyth...
(have gone that way in winter...) ("fairly" simple) (YMMV)

Have fun

[phantum]

Thanks much for your input, bill-e-g. I see from your other posts that you're a strong advocate for finding more interesting routing through this section, and I certainly have to consider that as the trip is "about the journey", even though a goal is to complete the JMT. There are appealing options between Sunrise HC and LYM that I'll look at more closely thanks to your suggestions.

[phantum]

Found an amazing QTVR 360° panorama that could be useful for anyone thinking about making the trek to Clouds Rest:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/califo ... qtvr2.html

[bill-e-g]

I'm also about touching every trail... every peak... every lake...
So I completely understand you wanting to mark off that JMT section.

Many times the trail is not ideal for views. This all too unfortunate.
If it were up to me I would reroute the JMT/CR to JMT/Forsythe trail further
north to get some nice views of the rock below Clouds Rest and of other features hidden by the trees.

As in:
https://picasaweb.google.com/yosemite.c ... 6643517058

and:
https://picasaweb.google.com/yosemite.c ... 7291511698

Anyway, whatever you do... enjoy

[Katalinagirl]

Hoping that someone here might have an update on the conditions for hiking up Clouds Rest currently. Been struggling with finding anything current. Planning to enter the trailhead at the south-west part of Tenaya Lake on Saturday August 20th. Any and all information would be much appreciated on the conditions all along the trail and all the way up to the top of CR. More concerned with any possible snow,ice or deep waters that may have to be crossed along the way or snow/ice near the top of the hike or at the top of CR.

Much thanks in advance

[bwg999]

I hiked from Sunrise trailhead (Tenaya Lake) to CR summit last Tues (Aug 2). No snow or ice anywhere along the trail including near or on the CR summit. The only "deep" water was at the outlet of Tenaya Lake. Water was about 12 to 18 inches deep for about 40 feet of trail. Ground is smooth enough that you can walk it barefoot, or what we did since it is very near the trailhead was to leave the car in our sandals carrying our boots...cross the outlet in sandals...put on our books leaving the sandals there...upon our return the sandals were still there so take off boots for sandals. Actually on the way back it felt great on the feel/ankles to go barefoot in the water and stand there for a few minutes.

Overall no unusual conditions for the hike, and it leads to a great view, we had a completely clear day. I assume you know if you see cloulds near the top to avoid it, I would not want to be near the summit with lightning.

Enjoy.

[FloridaTrekker]

I just did Clouds Rest this past Friday the 5th from the Happy Isles side, we had come in at Cathedral and were hiking out through Happy Isles. Had a spare day. It was clear all the way up, although as they say the last 100 yards from that side can lead to quite a bit of vertigo with the steps to the summit. Some beautiful views on the way up as well.