The Hike to Clouds Rest, Yosemite NP, USA, 13-09-2006

CLOUDS REST

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

'Clouds Rest' (9,926ft) is an absolutely awesome peak located mid way down the Yosemite valley. Its got to be one of the parks 'Jewels in the Crown' providing you with a breathtaking 360 degree panorama including views of the infamous Half Dome (8,842ft).

After spending most of the morning thawing out after a cold night in sub zero temperatures, we made our way from Porcupinte Flats (8,300ft) to the trail head. The route itself, although moderate in length did not require any technical ability and can easily be accomplished by the vast majority of hikers who enjoy distance day hikes. From the trailhead the path meanders through low level forests before arriving a short but steady climb which leads you across the ridgeline and onwards to a small but beautiful crystal clear lake. At this point its definately worth stopping for a few minutes to take in the peace and traquility before heading ever onwards and upwards to the summit of Clouds Rest. The scenery and rock formations along the way are also spectacular so dont forget the camera. At 2.40pm, we arrived at the summit and were greeted with views to die for.. "Oh my God, check out Half Dome, it that stunning or what!!!.... "Look at Mt. Dana further up the valley, lets do it tomorrow"... "I'm emigrating, this place is awesome". The whole place was so awe-inspiring that the entire active brits posse just wanted to set up camp for several months and do everything in sight. It was Psychs's birthday so for him it was also a dream come true, to climb a peak with his mates, see some top scenery and do what he does best. He has a tendency to go full on mentalistic in the mountains, think he must have been a goat in a previous life and was absolutely in his element, checking out the views and weighing up all the options for one-leg extreme balancing.


From the summit the drop down on either side was sheer as the photo on the left shows with me dangling my legs over the side and you wouldn’t survive a fall if you fell off, not only is it a long way down, (definate pavement pizza terriitory), but the granite would just cut you up into shreds.

After contemplating our feable and somewhat insignificant existence, the Active Brits decided that a relaxing sunbathe was in order. It was calm and peaceful and it is moments like that that make you forget about life back home. You just dont have a care in the world.

We were on the summit ridge for well over 1 hour. We would have stayed longer but we noticed a thunderstorm that was coming our way at rapid speed so thereore we decided that we should start to make our way down again but things took a turn for the worse.

In summary, the hike to Clouds Rest is a relatively easy one. There are a few steep ascents if you are not used to hiking but these are broken up by the presence of zigzags. The paths are easy to follow and if you keep to these then you are rewarded with a magnificent view across Yosemite that you will cherish forever. As with all hikes, make sure that you take plenty of water and food with you as you are a long way from a tap or a shop. In addition, and this is very important, make sure that you have wet weather clothing with you. This peak is not called 'Clouds Rest' for nothing, the clouds really do settle here in no time at all. If you are caught out then you could be in trouble. As always, we recommend to anyone that jeans and denim do not go with outdoor life. If this clothing gets wet then it takes a very long time for it to dry. In addition some of the paths are fairly rough and we recommend that you have a strong and sturdy pair of hiking boots. Enjoy and thanks for reading... Olly :o)