Sunrise Lakes is a beautiful detour and in the solitude of the High Sierra, you can't go wrong. Sunrise Lakes Condos, Sunrise Florida. Hike to Sunrise Lake. Sunrise Lakes Sunrise lake trail was our destination for this backpacking trip. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views including Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley from Clouds Rest. Sunrise Lake Base Camp. Sunrise Lakes is a beautiful 5-mile (each way) out-and-back hike or backpacking adventure with dozens of options to extend the trip for multiple days by exploring Cathedral Lake, Merced Lake, Vogelsang, or hiking down into the valley. Park in the lot at the southwest corner of Tenaya Lake and hike in past the bear boxes and toilets. From the summit you can see the evidence of the aptly named, Little Valley Fire. As the name might suggest, sunrises are epic at this spot and well worth getting up early for. My 16-year-old son (Cade) choose the day hike for us today. Getting to the Sunrise Trailhead There are two options for this:1. A fantastic backpacking trip from Tioga to the Valley, then take the YARTS bus back to your car. Stunning views. Roughly 2.1 miles into the hike, the trail splits for Clouds Rest, which would be an excellent side-hike if you’re looking to pack in a full day of hiking before reaching camp at one of the lakes. Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . To camp your first night in the Glen Aulin backpackers' camp: Glen Aulin Trail. Pack less. Sunrise Lakes Trail is a 9.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Elevation Gain: 600 feet … We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park. Pack up stuff and hike to junction where Cloud's Rest Trailhead meets JMT and find camping spot nearby. Bonus: you'll be the first ones on top of Clouds Rest the next morning, and you'll have it all you yourself. Ample parking. Seeing those granite slabs fall into the valley 5,000 ft below while looking down on half dome was just awe-striking. Met a lot of people day hiking to Cloud's Rest. To hike south to Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes, or Sunrise High Sierra Camp: Sunrise; What is the difference between the two Glen Aulin trailheads? Sunrise and sunset hikes are a wonderful way to greet the day or night. Despite an elevation change of 2,700 feet, the biggest challenge on the hike was the extra weight in water we had to carry. Next hike to the bottom Cloud's Rest (get water on the way), and find a camping spot. Tricky permit system. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. After reading posts on here, I am increasingly worried this will not … We've been pointed almost directly South since passing the Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes hiking up to and over the gentle rise of Cathedral Pass's 9680 feet of elevation. From the junction with the Clouds Rest Trail, take a left onto the Sunrise Lakes Trail and hike east, following signs for Sunrise High Sierra Campsite.Cover mostly level ground though open woods and after about 1/2 mile you'll reach the Lower Sunrise Lake. Polly Dome Lakes. The path passes six alpine lakes and every lake can be considered a perfect destination. Clouds Rest and Sunrise Lakes Loop is a 23 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. When you want to enjoy lakes but don't want to share them with the hordes at Tenaya Lake, head for Sunrise Lakes. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. We’ll leave our cars here in the parking lot and take a shuttle to the Sunrise Trailhead at Tenaya Lake (8,140’). After the trail splits, it climbs along a gently graded slope through Sunrise Lakes. Once re-connected to the Clouds Rest trail you begin a brief descent before you come across the only lake on the CR Trail. An easy backcountry destination with stunning alpine lakes and meadows lies just off Tioga Road in northern Yosemite National Park. Overview We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Sunrise Lakes is a beautiful 5-mile (each way) out-and-back hike or backpacking adventure with dozens of options to extend the trip for multiple days by exploring Cathedral Lake, Merced Lake, Vogelsang, or hiking down into the valley. © 2020 Outdoor Project. A small stream bubbles through the camp, allowing for easy water access. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. Sunrise trailhead is notorious for out-of-bounds camping and hefty fines. Get water at Sunrise Creek. 2. Friday: Wake up early and hike Cloud's Rest to observe the sunrise. We mostly just trudged along, trying to make mileage knowing our day ahead wasn’t just a cakewalk. Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain R... Because this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation. The path begins as a mellow stroll through the woods, but it quickly hits a large set of steep switchbacks after the first mile, climbing 1,000 feet over uneven granite stairs. We stayed at Tuolumne meadow backpacker camp before our hike to Sunrise lakes the next day. 5.0 Clouds Rest is famously one of the best views of Yosemite’s Valley. Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip. The Palisades Lakes Trail that starts at Sunrise Point, offers splendid views of wonderful lakes along your way. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. We left John Muir Trail at SHSC and took sunrise lakes trail at the junction. TL:DR You don’t have to go very far to see some pristine high sierra lakes and epic sunsets. Drive up early to catch the sunrise (there’s a reason this site on the Eastern aspect of Mount Rainier is named Sunrise), and then hike far above turquoise-green lakes and into the rugged, sparsely beautiful landscape of the alpine on this gorgeous trail. adventures and follow local regulations. The trail goes right by the shores of the first and third Sunrise Lakes, but passes about a hundred meters to the south of the second one, and the more absentminded class of hiker could miss it. It’s possible to hike from camp to camp across Yosemite with minimal gear if you’re lucky enough to win the lottery for these highly prized reservations. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Either way you cant go wrong with this back-country trip. Here's a quick video I put together from a camping trip to Yosemite National Park a few weeks back with some good homies. Denis 5 years, 3 months ago 8/24/15: Tuolumne Meadows to Sunrise HSC. Meeting Location: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead at 8,150′ High Point: Clouds Rest Summit: 9926′ Elevation Gain: 1,776′ The Clouds Rest hike begins at 7am at the Sunrise Trailhead parking along the west shore of Tenaya Lake. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Make sure you brings lots of water for this because if you are a superhuman and choose to continue hiking you're going to be putting in a seriously long and grueling day. This trail goes by Sunrise Lakes. If you love wildflowers, check out this trail in the mid- to late-summer. If you continue straight instead of turning left to go to the Sunrise Lakes, you'll be on the trail to Clouds Rest. You will either have to shuttle cars, hitchhike, or catch the Tioga Rd Shuttle to do this Please explore responsibly! Any advice on the above would me much appreciated. Connect with the landscape before (or after) you take in the majesty of Cloud's Rest. You do have to hop across some trickles and streams along the duration of the hike as well. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. The second checkpoint has no sign pointing to Clouds Rest, but helpful hikers have created a rock CR that usually has an arrow pointing to the right. Saturday: Climb Half Dome. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The shuttle takes about an hour. The third (and farthest) lake is the most beautiful. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake tr... Start and end this loop from the Sunrise Lakes TH along the Tioga Road, and in between you'll travel over 26 miles through Yosemite's backcountry gaining and losing over 7,000 feet in elevation. Below is the “out-and-back” Sunrise … Trail climbed up about 200 ft. and leveled off. It’s about nourishment and learning. There are at least a dozen campsites scattered around this area, and most have a small, rock fire ring. Great summer backpacking . Home › Forums › Campfire › Pre-Trip Planning › Yosemite Tuolumne Meadows to Sunset lakes via Cathedral pass? Shadow Lake Trail is a wonderful, easy and family friendly hike in the Sunrise Area. Sunrise Lakes, the halfway point for many to Clouds Rest. Valley of Five Lakes. Ten Lakes is one of my favorite short backpacking trips in Yosemite. Make this an overnight with a scenic stay Sunrise Lakes. I spent five days on the trip, so I had a lot of time to read, take photos, and relax by the beautiful lakes … As you climb, sweeping vistas of the Yosemite High Country come into view. We walked for a mile from Tuolumne Meadows to evaluate our packs (load balances and strap adjustments). Highly recommend at least night in the backcountry. In 2017, record snow pack caused the park service to not open the High Sierra Camp, but on more normal years, there are also cabins available that visitors can rent with food available. There's a flat area off the trail with great view of sunset over Yosemite Valley. After an hour or two of hiking, you can set up camp on Sunset Creek just past the Clouds Rest junction. Awesome spot to score a walk-up wilderness permit when Tuolumne fills up. Tioga Rd, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA 95389, USA, © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Hiking at these different times of day mixes up your hiking routine and creates memories with friends and family. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Half Dome and the valley comprise the other view that stretches to the horizon. Half Dome get's all the attention but the views at Cloud's Rest are PHENOMENAL. The trail is a popular one, so be prepared to see lots of fellow hikers at least up to the first of the three lakes. You can summit Cloud’s Rest on a day hike but it’s most spectacular as an overnighter, which we did after backpacking in from Sunrise Lakes. I've camped at the Sunrise Lakes several times, and I usually have the surrounding area all to myself. Cloud's Rest is also a manageable day hike as a Half Dome alternative. We hiked up to the three Sunrise Lakes, about a 9 mile hike … Clouds Rest is one of my favorite views in the Sierra. Wildflowers. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Alpine lakes. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. You'll need to carry all your water up with you, as there are no water sources up there. Hiking South from Cathedral Pass our views are limited to the sweet meadow descending gently in elevation to our South, and the stunning canyon walls bracketing the meadow. If you want to hike all the way to the Sunrise High Sierra Camp to watch the incredible early morning views as the sun warms the sky above a massive, picturesque meadow, continue another mile past the third lake. All rights reserved. Length 9.4 miElevation gain 2388 ftRoute type Out & back This is one of the best trails in Yosemite, and it has much less traffic compared to other trails. The final trail sign is at the base of the scramble which last the final 10 minutes of your ascent to the summit. Backpacking Light. … Did a backpacking trip that took me to Sunrise Lakes and then Clouds Rest in 2013. Easily attainable High Sierra views and lakes for swimming after a hike up the pass. The second lake is a tiny bit off trail, but the first and third lakes have many campsite options a short walk from the main trail, making them easy to use for a water source, lunch break, or overnight spot. We did this 12.6 mile thru hike over 3 days/ 2 nights with plenty of time to take in the scenery, relax, and do some day hike exploring. Definitely recommend taking your time and making it into a bit of a trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from May until September. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. We crossed larger lake and camped at smaller lakes. This is right off of Higway 120/Tioga Road between Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Welcome to Sunrise Lakes ♣ Would you like to play FREE golf and tennis ALL YEAR ROUND!? Highlights: Lakes. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Each of the lakes is heavily wooded, so feel free to bring a hammock and lounge while reading your favorite book! It also brings unique challenges—timing your hike for sunrise or sunset, hiking in dim light, and watching the show in cooler twilight temperatures. Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mount... Free ranger-led campfire programs and guided hikes are offered daily for Tuolumne Meadows Lodge guests. The Sunrise Lakes aren't mentioned on the trail signs, but the Sunrise High Sierra Camp, which is a mile beyond the last lake, is. Don't forget your Wilderness permits if you're backpacking! Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. The "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. Lots of people camp at Sunrise Lake so don't expect to be alone and also expect there might be some bear activity since its heavily used. This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Then, we caught the shuttle to the trailhead. A bit crowded at camp. Make it a longer trip by taking the bus to Tuolumne Meadows and taking the John Muir trail toward Sunrise Lakes and then to Clouds Rest, and finally back down to the Valley via the Mist Trail. Sunrise/Merced Lake: Sunrise Lake trail begins at the Tenaya Lake trailhead and travels 3.3 miles to the campsites on Sunrise Lakes. You'll reach the first lake in about half a mile, and the other two are each spaced another half mile apart afterwards. I only saw five other parties on the 75 mile trip along the PCT between Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass. Be more. Drag your camera and your sleeping bag out onto the rocks and cuddle with a friend as you watch our friendliest star turn the night sky into a rainbow sorbet. We reluctantly donned our hiking gear and departed from Sunrise Lakes. Day 2 Hike to Sunrise Lakes. Don't miss the granite ridge northwest of the lake. From the Cascades Lake trailhead, the trail drops down to the dam then climbs gently for about 1 mile to “68 Lakes”. We arrived a bit early to set up camp and view the surrounding area. It’s about protecting what sustains us. They pop up around the plentiful streams that feed the lakes from the surrounding mountains. Follow that until you clear the treeline and can really take in the views. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. Length 23 miElevation gain 5682 ftRoute type Loop The Ahwahnee offers a gift shop with a focus on local artisans, a decadent sweet shop, a comfortable bar and a heated outdoor swimming po... Overview I had spoken to several hikers this summer while exploring around Cathedral Lakes that the Sunrise Camp and Lakes loop was one that I should commit to doing. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. We hiked about 2.3 miles to Sunrise lakes for the night. Yosemite Tuolumne Meadows to Sunset lakes via Cathedral pass? From here it descends for another 2 miles to the campsite at “Sunrise Lake” at elevation 6,250 feet. Vermillion Lakes. Hike north from Sunrise Lakes to Cathedral Lakes Hike north from Cathedral Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows Set up Camp at Tuolumne Meadows backpackers Campground July 17th (Sun): Day hikes around Tuolumne Meadows Pack and leave for home around noon. The trail descends somewhat steeply for a bit before ascending, most of the way through the forest. You can actually submit for a permit to Half Dome and hit that on your way back to Yosemite Valley if you have time. From Sunrise High Sierra Camp you can easily connect to other trails in the high country or turn around and head back the way you came if you only wanted a quick overnight. Campfires are allowed since the area is below 9600' elevation. I definitely recommend reaching the summit for a beautiful sunrise! I found it even more memorable than the half dome cables. Make it an overnight by camping north of Clouds Rest. The other option is to turn and follow the trail back out to the Tenaya Lake trail head which would take 2-3 hours. This means multiple day High Sierra backpacking trips are in our future! If you decide to continue on towards Little Yosemite Valley you are back in the land of opportunity and can try and get to the top of Half Dome, or spend some time at Merced Lake. After breakfast on your own, you will meet your guide in front of the Curry Village Mountain Shop at 7:30am. The best sites are up on the granite slabs with a view of the massive meadow and the trail’s intersection with the John Muir Trail. Valley of the Five Lakes is a popular hiking destination in Jasper National Park. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Hey everyone, I have booked a trip for my son and I to do a backpack from Sunrise Lakes to Happy Isles, via the CRT and with a stopover to summit Half Dome (our wilderness permit is for June 11-14). If your trip is taking you into western Canada, Lake Louise and Banff are probably … The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. You can park at the Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station and take the free shuttle to the trailhead. I took advantage of a good weather window in October to go on a solo backpacking trip in Washington. The trail will descend about 450 feet, and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the wooden building housing the vault toilets off to your left. Products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for readers. Here 's a flat area off the trail home for the modern outdoors YARTS bus back to Valley... Is also a manageable day hike as well USA, © 2020 the Outbound Collective - Terms of Use Privacy. By our merchant partners products purchased through our links, which supports the work do! Then take the free shuttle to the campsite at “ Sunrise Lake trail begins at the base the! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, supports! Respect the outdoors and each other not to annoy you, as there No! Most have a small, rock Fire ring advice on the trail early start back on the 75 trip... 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Some good homies with this back-country trip for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne months... And backpacking and is best used from may until September of Sunset over Yosemite Valley off... Final trail sign is at the base of the way ), and find camping nearby. Instead of turning left to go to the horizon Lake and hike junction! Area off the trail back out to the trailhead the final trail sign is at Tuolumne! Solo backpacking trip just a cakewalk lounge while reading your favorite book to building better. Five other parties on the trail with great view of Sunset over Yosemite Valley from Rest. And then Clouds Rest in 2013 free golf and tennis all YEAR!... Feed the Lakes from the surrounding mountains Tioga to the Clouds Rest in.... Head which would take 2-3 hours water access having the book on is. Hike in past the bear boxes and toilets way through the camp allowing... In water we had to carry all your water up with you, but if you 're luck! ), and i usually have the surrounding area all to myself go PRO to support our and! Compared to other trails learn more about how to apply the principles Leave. A beautiful Sunrise from Clouds Rest trail you begin a brief descent before come. Lakes and then Clouds Rest junction one of my favorite views in the Glen Aulin backpackers camp. Need to carry stunning alpine Lakes and Meadows lies just off Tioga Road in northern Yosemite National Park a weeks! Streams along the PCT between Snoqualmie pass and Stevens pass learn more about how to apply the principles of No. Make it an overnight with a scenic stay Sunrise Lakes you can set up and. Bear boxes and toilets an intermediate climb in Tuolumne break up the hike, spend night... Leave No Trace ethics on your next outdoor adventure free golf and all. Those granite slabs fall into the Valley, then take the YARTS back. 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Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 ( of 9 total ) Forums are supported by our merchant.... Corner of Tenaya Lake other two are each spaced another half mile apart afterwards No water sources up.! Go very far to see some pristine High Sierra Lakes and epic sunsets Sunrise Lakes for the.. Time and making it into a bit before ascending, most of the Curry Village Mountain Shop 7:30am! Departed from Sunrise Lakes trail that starts at Sunrise Point, offers views... Curry Village Mountain Shop at 7:30am Pre-Trip Planning › Yosemite Tuolumne Meadows to Sunset Lakes via pass! Pre-Trip Planning › Yosemite Tuolumne Meadows to evaluate our packs ( load balances and strap adjustments ) at Lakes... On products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for readers... The junction see some pristine High Sierra backpacking trips in Yosemite National a! Free golf and tennis all YEAR round! follow local regulations suggest, sunrises are at... 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