Hi, I just scored a permit to go in and out of the Cathedral Lakes TH. My primary goal is to see Clouds Rest. My thought of an itinerary is:
Day 1: hike to one of the Sunrise Lakes, camp there (8 miles).
Day 2: leave tent & gear (& food?) at camp, day hike to Clouds Rest and back (8 miles). If there's time and energy, continue back to camp at Cathedral Lakes (4 miles), otherwise stay at Sunrise Lakes.
Day 3: hike back (4 or 8 miles, depending).
I wonder if you more experienced hikers have any advice on how to improve this itinerary? It doesn't feel like the most optimal use of my limited time. Is there a way to turn it into more of a loop? Or is there an interesting side excursion I could do? If I can arrange to spend an extra day, would that help?
And if I did leave my gear at Sunrise Lakes, would I be asking for trouble by leaving my food, too? (In a container, obviously, but still...)
Thanks!