Hi all

I am planning to hike Clouds Rest during labor day. I hiked half dome last weekend and half way through the sub-dome, my acrophobia kicked in and I had to return before I reached the bottom of the cables.

I have seen the videos of the Clouds Rest ridge and it is scary. However, I read in this forum somewhere that there is a foot trail that is safer and less treacherous. In this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP6IDWJ3DlE, at 3:36, I see signs to a foot trail. Is this the safe foot trail? When I reach this spot, should I turn left and continue?

Any advise is welcome.

Thanks.

Yes, there is a "bypass trail" that will allow you to continue on your route without traversing the absolute top (the "spine" ) of the ridge along the Clouds Rest trail. I can't say whether or not you will be comfortable on it, but I can say that there definitely is less exposure and so likely less anxiety taking that segment. [Note: I've passed that junction more than once, but never taken the bypass trail. If I recall correctly it is tucked up against the base of the "spine" - on the side away from Tenaya Canyon, with little exposure] If you got past the steps on the subdome, my guess is that you'll be OK on the bypass - but that's just my opinion. Others here that have been on that segment can offer more.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/10/2017 03:36PM by ags.

Got it, thanks. I will keep an eye on the bypass trail, I hope it is well marked.

Here is a like to a picture Chick-on took back in '09. You can see me to the right of the spine about 15' or so below the actual ridge on the "trail".

http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?1,5720,5823#msg-5823

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Old Dude

I took these two videos on Saturday as I had seen your post before heading out. Didn't recollect that you were looking for side trail options and you can see the right-side side trail in one of the videos. The left-side side trail is relatively easier and spine is not too bad either.
Clouds Rest Yosemite - airy part



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/21/2017 10:37AM by nwhkr.

Thank you.

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Should be up now

I am super happy to report that I summitted Clouds Rest yesterday. Many thanks to this forum and @mrcondron in particular. Yes, I found the "trail" on the ridge and I also had a trusted friend who I followed like a puppy up the ridge. I have some pictures that explains the "trail" part of it. I am writing a blog post, will post a link to that when done with pictures.

Thanks all, you made my day / week / month / year. This has been the first big highlight of my hiking life so far.

As promised, here is my blog with pictures.

https://medium.com/@obelix74/a-guide-to-hiking-clouds-rest-for-hikers-with-acrophobia-30189d480f5b