Cloud Rest in Early June

[martincr70]

My wife and I did not win the Half Dome Lottery and we are now trying the other options for obtaining a pass, but I want to go ahead with a plan b, which right now looks to be hiking to Cloud Rest. We would be hiking it between 6/1-6/4. Do you think snow will still be an issue this year? We are from Alabama and have no experience with crampons. Would crampons be difficult for first timers if we had to use them?

[AlmostThere]

Real crampons, not the YakTrax type, are not for beginners - you need to be taught how to use them. There is a risk of shredding your pants or worse, your legs.

You wouldn't need them next week - the snow is sparse and melting fast. I just came back from the Diving Board and Little Yosemite Valley - there's thin snow higher, on Clouds, but it'll be melting quick since night temps are no longer below freezing. There is a chance of another storm but doubtful that will stick for long.