Are dogs allowed on Clouds Rest?

No, dogs are not permitted on Clouds Rest. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Clouds Rest?

No, Clouds Rest does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Clouds Rest?

Clouds Rest is rated difficult. It is 12.1 miles long with 2,566 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Clouds Rest suitable for kids?

Clouds Rest is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

DifficultOut and Back

Yosemite National Park/California

Clouds Rest

Yosemite National Park, California

12.1 mi

Distance

2,566 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

We don't publish a description for Clouds Rest unless we can point you at the agency it came from. We don't have one yet. The planning figures above — distance, elevation gain, estimated time, route type — come from the source listed on this trail.

National Park Service manages this trail and is the authority for conditions, closures and route notes. See official sources below. Spot something we should add?

Trail Conditions

Unknown

Updated May 24, 2026 — may be out of date

Legacy import flagged this trail as closed. Verify current status with the land manager before visiting.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Narrow granite ridgeline near summitStay off ridge in thunderstorms or when wet

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Mixed Surface

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
Tuolumne Meadows backpacking trails
National Park Service
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Where it is

Nearest town:: Yosemite Valley, CA · about 4 mi away
County:: Mariposa County, CA
Jurisdiction:: Yosemite National Park · National Park Service

Nearest town and county from U.S. Census Bureau place records and county boundaries.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:209-372-0200
Address:9039 Village Drive · Yosemite, CA · 95389

Highlights

Sunrise Lakes TrailheadClouds Rest summit (9,926 ft)Tenaya Canyon viewsHalf Dome views

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Hand-curated

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