Clouds Rest: from Tenaya or the Valley

[potatopants88]

Hi! We'll be spending a few days in Yosemite the first weekend of October, basing ourselves in Lee Vining. I've been wanting to do Clouds Rest for a while. Is this a nice enough hike from Tenaya Lake? I've read it is mostly forested (and I know it's shorter and not as strenuous). Is it far more scenic to hike it from the Valley?

In other words, should I snag the opportunity while I can, or delay my gratification?

Thanks for your input.

[Alex]

Did Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake 3 days ago. Mostly forested, like you said, and you don't really get a lot of views until you get to the summit. Trail easy enough to follow, overall a nice and not a very difficult hike with cumulative elevation gain of around 3000 feet. Never did Clouds Rest from the Valley but I would imagine that hike offers more views.

[dan]

From Yosemite Valley
There's nice views heading up the lower part of Little Yosemite Valley, but you can see that another time in a day hike. There is a LONG uphill stretch from the John Muir Trail and Clouds Rest Trail junction (last reliable water) through forest. At least it's through forest, so not as hot as it could be in summer.

Disclaimer: I've never gone all the way up to Clouds Rest from Yosemite Valley (but have headed down multiple times).


From Tenaya Lake
Relatively shorter hike mostly through forest. Views as you get closer to Clouds Rest.

An option is to head down from Clouds Rest to Yosemite Valley. This assumes you don't mind the thousands of feet of downhill and have left a car in Yosemite Valley or have time to take the Hiker's Shuttle from the Valley to Tenaya Lake (you can do this at the beginning or end of your trip).
http://www.yosemitepark.com/tuolumne-meadows-tour.aspx

[Grzldvt]

Another option is cutting across from Glacier Point. No doubt a haul from Lee Vining, but has some decent views, a lot less elevation gain, but more distance. If that is too far, tehn I would vote for Tenaya. It's not all that bad and saves 3500+ feet of climb.