Clouds Rest from Yosemite Valley

[Aviprk]

Has anyone done it? How long does it take?

I will be doing a day hike to Clouds Rest and because we are camped near Wawona it will be hard to drive all the way to the Sunrise TH at Tioga Rd. I'm also planning on tagging Half Dome if we have some time and energy after. Thanks

[Moondust]

The Happy Isles trailhead sign says Clouds Rest is 10.5 miles one way. Plus add almost another mile to walk to and from the parking lot. It took us just under 5 hours to get to Half Dome with several photo stops. My guess is that Clouds Rest will take you at least 6 hours and maybe more, even if you hustle and don't take pictures. I'd plan on almost all day.

[PhilB]

I have gone over Clouds Rest a couple of times at the start of backpacking trips. As a one way hike carrying about 30lbs and taking a few rest stops I think it took me about 7 hours.

Only you will know your fitness level but Clouds Rest as a day hike from the Valley is 21 miles with a 6000 feet gain. Including Half Dome adds 4 miles and 3600 feet.

It may be worth considering driving to Tenaya Lake. The total miles for climbing both CR and HD would be about the same but at least you would start about 4000 feet higher.

[KathyW]

I've done it from the Tenaya Lake area- it's a pretty easy day hike from there and the view is just beautiful. I might eventually start at Tenaya and go all the way to the Valley with a side trip to Half Dome. Then I could shuttle back to Tenaya, but I haven't really looked into the mileage/gain involved.

[EricJLee]

I've done Cloudsrest/Halfdome from the valley in a day. Cloudsrest alone is a long hike, so be prepared for a lot of uphill and many miles. Technically its very easy, trail all the way, just be in good shape. It's almost equivalent to climbing Mt Whitney, just a few less miles and quite a bit more oxygen.
Eric

PS Here are some shots from that trip, look at pages 5-7.