Clouds Rest from Happy Isles (JMT)

Starting Point:~ 4000 ft. elevation at the Nature Center at Happy Isles.

Ending Point:~ 9930 ft. elevation at Clouds Rest

In between:From Happy Isles, travel the John Muir Trail. Clark Point is a wonderful place for a break along the way and the perfect photo opportunity. Continue on to the top of Nevada Falls, the crowd gets a little thicker at the right time of day from hikers coming up the other way from Mist Trail. The view is gorgeous from the top of the fall. Continuing on toward Half Dome, you'll travel alongside the Merced River - clear and pristine. We did not stop and stay, but Little Yosemite Valley is a great place to plan ahead and pack for. You can get the appropriate permit and stay overnight here. Beyond Little Yosemite Valley, continue on past the trail to Half Dome. Your water becomes your new best friend, especially on a warm summer day. There are a number of switchbacks, and gnarly trees toward the top. There are a few places along the way that make you think you've had to have reached the top, but the clouds really will be resting around you when you do. We lingered at the top some time, so the journey back down was a little more dim than hoped. Rather than going back down the John Muir Trail, we turned down Mist Trail to take in as much possible scenery. It gets slick, especially when the sun is going down, but I am so happy we took the route we did. Plenty of cool mist after a long days hike feels good!

Overall - Just over 20 miles or so of hiking, and around 6000 ft in elevation gain.