Happy Isles to Clouds Rest

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

This hike starts at Happy Isles, the starting point of the famous Half Dome route, and forks off the Half Dome trail to head over to Clouds Rest. This is a long hike with over 6,000 feet of vertical elevation gain, in addition to the 18+ miles of round trip hiking. Plan for a very long day and get an early start.

Clouds Rest is a massive granite peak just northeast of Half Dome. The peak can be seen from Yosemite Valley, and at 9,930 ft. is about 1,080 ft. higher than the more famous Half Dome. The peak offers excellent views of Half Dome and the surrounding area.

Clouds Rest is a great hike if you are unable to secure a permit for Half Dome or if you are looking for a longer trail with more elevation gain. For the most part, the trail to Clouds Rest follows the Half Dome Trail, and then splits about 1.5 miles before the Half Dome summit.

Along the trail, you'll see up-close amazing views of two waterfalls—Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls—get to hike across Little Yosemite Valley, and finally experience the beautiful summit with its expansive views.

The peak can also be reached using the Sunrise Lakes Trail from Tenaya Lake. The description below is for the longer hike starting at the Yosemite Valley.

Start the route at Happy Isles, past the river from the bus stop. Hike to the first bridge and then continue on JMT: Segment 1 - Happy Isles to Tuolumne Meadows. Shortly, you'll come to a fork and have to pick between the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. Both trails merge later at the top of Nevada Falls. If you pick the Mist Trail (open only in summer), you pass very close to Vernal Falls and get a great up close view of Nevada Falls as well. At the top of Nevada Falls, there is a restroom. This is where the two trails meet again.

Continue hiking as the trail gets flatter and reaches Little Yosemite Valley. At the end of Little Yosemite Valley, turn left as the trail start climbing up the hillside. The next important intersection is the fork between the Half Dome and the Clouds Rest Trail. Take the right fork which follows the John Muir Trail towards Clouds Rest. After a little bit of hiking, you'll pass a trailhead for Clouds Rest Trail on your left. Follow this, leaving the John Muir Trail, which continues to the right. Follow Clouds Rest Trail all the way to the summit of Clouds Rest.