High Sierra Topix

Does anyone know generally when it would be safe to hike to Clouds Rest? Do you think it would be fine to hike late this month? I am considering hiking to Clouds Rest, but if it would be too dangerous, I'll look for other alternatives.

Thanks,
Sean

Youll probably run into snow at about 8500ft, which will be icy in the
mornings in the shady sections.
There is a good campsite at the Sunrise(JMT)-Clouds Rest junction.
Cross the creek and a hundred feet on your right there will be a
small path to your right that leads to a campsite near the creek.
That way you can get up early and checkout the views from the top.
There are two trails to get to the top. One is from the south in between
the rocks which is more direct and safer, the other goes around
and comes up from the north on a snow drift that you dont want to
get to close to the edge of it and slip, its a few thousand feet down into
Tenaya Canyon!

I hiked Clouds Rest on Tuesday (5/1) and it was largely clear of snow except for a few isolated patches within 500' of the summit. They were easy to walk through and many even easier to go around. I bet they got a couple more inches of snow in the last few days, but I would say you should be more than fine later this month.

Wow! What a difference from last year when I really had to watch
my footing in places to make sure I didnt slip on the hard as rock
icy parts.
Is the northern trail approach to the top also snow free? I guess
the snow levels are higher than I thought. Thanks for the info!

I hiked from the south so I couldn't tell you what the northern approach was like.. although it looked snowy.
In general it seemed like south-facing snow levels were about 9500' and northerly ones more like 7500'.

Thanks for the information everyone! I would be hiking from the north, however, as I would do Clouds Rest as a day hike. Your report, metasyn, is very encouraging even if it was from the south. Thank you!!! Now, can anyone help me out with some questions about my trip? I posted them in the following thread: viewtopic.php?t=1737 If anyone can help with those concerns as well, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks again,
Sean