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Conquer the Clouds Rest trail in Yosemite and soak in sweeping views from 1,000 feet above Half Dome. This challenging hike promises unforgettable scenery and a true mountaineering experience.
Conquer the Clouds Rest trail in Yosemite and soak in sweeping views from 1,000 feet above Half Dome. This challenging hike promises unforgettable scenery and a true mountaineering experience.
Book with Echo Adventure Cooperative
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Echo Adventure Cooperative · Groveland, California
Experience one of Yosemite National Park’s most exhilarating hikes with the Clouds Rest Summit Adventure. This private hiking expedition, provided by Echo Adventure Cooperative, takes you on a challenging 14.5-mile round trip trail that ascends approximately 2,000 feet to reach the summit of Clouds Rest. Standing about 1,000 feet above Half Dome, the summit offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Yosemite’s iconic landscapes, including Tenaya Lake, El Capitan, and the expansive high country. The route features some of the park's most dramatic cliffs and ridges, delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience that avid hikers will cherish. Along the way, you’ll navigate rocky terrain and steep switchbacks, rewarding your effort with spectacular vistas at every turn. This strenuous hike is perfect for those seeking a full day of outdoor adventure, physical challenge, and exposure to the natural grandeur of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Echo Adventure Cooperative’s knowledgeable guides ensure a safe, personalized journey that highlights the natural history, geology, and wildlife of the area. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or pushing your limits, the Clouds Rest Summit Adventure offers a unique and memorable way to explore one of Yosemite’s most awe-inspiring peaks.
difficult.
8–10 hours.
You should have excellent endurance and be comfortable with sustained elevation gain and rugged trail conditions.
The hike is considered difficult due to its length and elevation gain, requiring good physical fitness and stamina.
Due to its strenuous nature and exposure to cliffs, it’s best suited for experienced hikers or those in very good shape.
Starting early in the morning is recommended to avoid heat, take advantage of cooler temperatures, and finish before dusk.
Pets are not allowed on many Yosemite trails, including Clouds Rest, to protect wildlife and vegetation.
While a wilderness permit is required for overnight trips in Yosemite, day hikes like this one generally do not require a permit.
You may encounter mule deer, squirrels, and various bird species typical of the Yosemite high country.
Clouds Rest has long been a landmark for Native American tribes living in the Yosemite area and was later popularized by early conservationists.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect Yosemite’s fragile alpine ecosystems and preserve the area for future generations.
Echo Adventure Cooperative is a Groveland, California–based outdoor outfitter specializing in guided Yosemite adventures, rentals, and family-friendly experiences. Founded to connect visitors with Yosemite's landscapes, Echo Adventure Cooperative offers a curated selection of private tours, multi-day backpacking trips, and seasonal rentals. Tours include private Yosemite Valley excursions with a Roosevelt-style BBQ, 3-day Explorer packages, snowshoe and winter adventures, and fly fishing trips for families and experienced anglers. Guides are local naturalists and experienced outdoor professionals who lead hikes to Glacier Point, Taft Point, Wapama Falls, and the Ten Lake Basin while emphasizing safety, Leave No Trace principles, and regional ecology. Rental options at the Yosemite basecamp include fly fishing gear, bear vault canisters, and MSR snowshoes with flexible 24-hour pick-up and drop-off. Echo Adventure Cooperative operates from Groveland, providing convenient access to Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Lake, and surrounding trailheads. The cooperative supports sustainable recreation through catch-and-release fishing instruction, wildlife-safe food storage, and low-impact camping practices. Group sizes vary by trip type to maintain a high-quality experience and personalized attention. Reservations can be made for private and family adventures, with customizable meals such as organic Roosevelt BBQ options and gourmet backcountry menus. Echo Adventure Cooperative's combination of guided expertise, equipment rental convenience, and location near Yosemite makes it a reliable option for visitors seeking immersive, responsible outdoor experiences. Safety protocols, permits support, and detailed route planning are managed by the cooperative for each trip, and clear communication before departure ensures guests arrive prepared for weather, terrain, and wildlife considerations.
Book with Echo Adventure Cooperative