Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest and then the Valley

Hi.. hoping to do an overnight hike starting at Tenaya Lake heading to Clouds Rest and then down to the valley sometime between 5/20 and 5/22. When I spoke to the ranger last week they said there is about 40% snow coverage on the way up to Clouds Rest. I also noticed the weather in Tuolomne Meadows is reaching 80 degrees. Any insight on the current conditions? Will we need snow shoes? Thanks!

Yes, there are plenty of insights already posted on the following current – and still active – discussion thread about your proposed overnight backpacking trip: Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley via Clouds Rest .



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2012 10:39PM by plawrence.

If you're lucky the postholing that you do will all be consistent.
If you go in the same depth every step... and it's a foot or less
then it's WAY less tiring than plopping thru every 20th step.
40% can be misleading... the lower portion is nearly all snow free
... and from looking at the pix I took I expect the top to be too.
(the snow you see from Olmsted, etc. on top is up there. but
I don't think affects the trail... )
Expect long stretches of snow covered though. Here's my best
guess for right now. It's melting fast... by Mem. day it will be a different story.


Have fun. There will be plenty of traffic on that trail now

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Thanks for the info! The less snow the better... It has been YEARS since I have hiked in snow.

A few more questions.... What kind of water sources will we find along this route? How frequent are thunderstorms this time of year? I live in Texas and this is definitely thunderstorm season, they pop up without much warning. What are the chances of encountering one and if we do do you have any tips on taking cover? (If we do get into one I hope to get some pictures) and finally... Any suggestions on where to camp near clouds rest? Hoping to be close enough to be able to be at the top for sunset and sunrise. Thanks

Prob. not much worry about thunderstorms quite yet...

Other questions have been asked a lot ... looking for the posts...

In the meantime... perhops you are interested in how things looked earlier this year:

http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,52819

http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,53841

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Water sources:
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,32423,32430#msg-32430

(although you will be literally walking in water mind you)
(I'm not joking)

You will find suitable camping spots on the NE shoulder of Clouds.
(certain there are fire rings)

Have fun

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Just fabulous!

Wonderful news! I was just popping on to post about info for a Clouds Rest hike this Sunday and all the info I need is already here! This place is the best! I'll post some photos and a trip report when I return home on Monday

Have a great weekend everyone!

Quote
nervousOne
Wonderful news! I was just popping on to post about info for a Clouds Rest hike this Sunday and all the info I need is already here! This place is the best! I'll post some photos and a trip report when I return home on Monday

Have a great weekend everyone!

Enjoy your hike!