Of course we’d always say do both if you can : ) If you prefer a quieter hike with a truly spectacular summit - or don’t want to take on the somewhat dangerous cables - then go for Clouds Rest. So overall, we’d say if you’re looking for adventure and a scenic track, and don’t mind the less beautiful summit, go for Half Dome. On Half Dome you only need to look at our picturesto see the crowds that flock to this iconic track. For the most part we were hiking on our own. When it comes to the crowds, Clouds Rest - whilst still popular - is much quieter than Half Dome. If you make it the whole way the satisfaction will be on another level.
Despite not making it to the very top we were still pretty happy to have had the opportunity to get even part way up. Excitementįor the excitement factor, Half Dome wins in the sense that it has the cables and - love them or hate them - they certainly get everyone’s heartbeat going. With Half Dome you may or you may not get to the summit, as around 30% of people hiking on our day didn’t get up the cables due to fear of slipping on the smooth granite (and the fact a woman had tragically fallen to her death two weeks before which had everyone rattled).Ĭlouds Rest is at a higher elevation, so we felt more breathless at first, but otherwise it is significantly shorter and easier than Half Dome. There’s nothing technical or scary about Clouds Rest, so you will definitely have the gratification of making it to the summit. In terms of difficulty, Half Dome is much harder and chances are if you start the Clouds Rest hike you will finish it. After all, everyone wants to look at Half Dome, which you clearly can’t do when you’re standing on it. However, from everyone we’ve spoken to, and pictures we’ve seen, the Clouds Rest hike has a much better view from the summit. It is more varied, with more to see for most of the hike. Having hiked both Clouds Rest and Half Dome (although we couldn’t get all the way up the cables after finding it too scary!), we can tell you that - contrary to what most people say - we think the Half Dome hike is actually more impressive. Interestingly, we met very few that wanted to hike El Capitan, which is pretty surprising given how iconic it is. Our goal is typically to be finished between 2:00 and 3:00 PM if not sooner.If you plan to take on one of Yosemite’s big hikes, chances are you have Half Dome or Clouds Rest on your list. En route, experience two of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls. Take in the views and descend the 2.5 miles back to camp before hiking out another 5.5 miles to Yosemite Valley via the Mist Trail. Stop At: Half Dome Wake early and hike 2.5 miles to top of Half Dome at 8,836′ (carrying only lightweight daypacks). Today’s mileage: 7.3 mi / +800′, -2,800′ Camp Location: Sunrise Creek/John Muir Trail Junction. From the summit, hike down 5 miles to Sunrise Creek for the final night of camping. Enjoy lunch at the top while soaking in one of Yosemite’s most renowned panoramic views. Stop At: Cloud's Rest After a hearty breakfast, hike approximately 3.5 miles to the summit of Clouds Rest at 9,926′. Today’s mileage: 7 mi / +666′, -500′ Camp Location: Sunrise Lakes.
#Clouds rest trail head full#
Find your reward for a full day of hiking at the top with a relaxing evening at camp beside Sunrise Lake, complete with a spectacular alpenglow sunset. Stop At: Sunrise Lakes Hike the JMT up and over Cathedral Pass (9,700) for some of the trips most spectacular views, passing Matthes Crest, Tressider Peak, Echo Peaks, and Columbia Finger on the way to Sunrise Lakes. Also at this location: swimming, relaxing, and taking in an amazing sunset. We’ll return to camp this evening and enjoy a delicious hot meal and tea before bedding down beneath the stars. Upon arrival, have lunch lakeside and set up camp with a stunning view, then spend the rest of the day exploring this iconic alpine lake area, with the option for another short hike up to Upper Cathedral Lake. Catch your first glimpse of the high country while hiking 3.2 moderate miles up to Lower Cathedral Lake (9,288′). Stop At: After grabbing breakfast in Curry Village, take the morning shuttle to the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead. (Food in the front-country is not included.) Camp in the Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Camp. Eat dinner at one of the park’s numerous restaurants. If time allows before dinner, walk to some of the Valley’s iconic destinations. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. Stop At: Yosemite Valley Meet your guide in Half Dome Village at 3:00 PM. This is a typical itinerary for this product Day 1 Day 1
0 kommentar(er)
