If you're seeking a challenge with a picturesque payoff, Sunrise Lakes won't disappoint. Indeed, a beautiful place to see a sunrise, the lakes at Sunrise reflect the colors in the sky as well as the domed peaks that surround it. There is also a High Sierra Camp located at Sunrise, whose origin dates back to 1916, the earliest days of the National Park Service.
Sunrise Lakes Indeed, a beautiful place to see sunrise, the lakes at Sunrise reflect the colors in the sky as well as the domed peaks that surround it. A short distance from the lakes, the Sunrise High Sierra Camp faces east for sunrise views. Reservations are required for lodging at all High Sierra Camps. Distance: 10.4 mi (16.7 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 1,300 ft (396 m) Time estimate: 6-8 hours Clouds Rest Situated at 9,926 ft above sea level, the summit of Clouds Rest affords hikers spectacular, 360-degree views of Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, and countless high Sierra peaks. The final ascent toward the summit follows a narrow granite ridgeline. Caution: stay off this summit and ridgeline during thunderstorms or when wet. Distance: 14 mi (22.5 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 2,300 ft (700 m) Time estimate: 8-10 hours Tips & Seasonal Information Pets and bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. Vault toilets are available at this trailhead. A composting toilet is available seasonally at Sunrise High Sierra Camp (this is not on the route to Clouds Rest). This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).