![]() ![]() If you visit Nevada Fall, you will be next to Merced River, of course. Total distance was 13 miles but at least 5 miles was without packs.I think your last chance of getting easy access to stream water is near Little Yosemite Campground. Exiting via the Mist Trail is only 2.5 miles but the steps are steep and harder on the knees although the advantage is you're right next to Vernal Falls. There's plenty of room above the falls to relax, pump water, and cool off before making the 4.1 mile descent to Happy Isles via the JMT which has great views of Nevada Falls. Don't forget your obligatory picture from "the visor." The hike from the JMT/ Half Dome Junction to the top of Nevada Falls is about 3.4 miles. We were off the subdome by 9 am and several groups were approaching. We topped out about 8 am and spent about 30 minutes on summit. There were less than 10 people on the cables/summit while we were there. In retrospect, we could have saved 1 mile by packing up camp in the am and bringing our packs to the junction of the JMT and Half Dome Trail. We returned to the campsite, packed up, and left for Nevada Falls. Take small steps and take your time going board to board. We did a lot of research so we knew what to expect. We just brought limited water and food to the summit of Half Dome (2.5 miles). Sunrise Creek is the last place to pump water on the way to Half Dome.ĭay 2: JMT to Half Dome then Happy Isles. This was about a 10.5-11 mile day that took us ~8 h. We proceeded down Cloud's Rest Trail to the junction of the John Muir Trail (JMT) and camped near Sunrise Creek (~3.7 mi). It took us about 4 hours to reach the summit with packs. There is a small lake after you turn right at the Cloud's Rest Trail and several streams around this point so you can pump water and save weight (June 14, 2021). The steepest part is the tough switchbacks during mile 2 before reaching the fork to Sunrise Lakes. Sunrise Trail to Cloud's Rest (7.1 mi, elevation gain 2600 ft). Though you can do this as an overnight like we did, if you're quick you don't have to. Wilderness Hike (Entry Trailhead: Sunrise Lakes, Exit Trailhead: Happy Isles). Ascend Half Dome without packs the next morning before descending to Yosemite Valley via Happy Isles as described below. If you are highly motivated, the hike can be done in 2 days by camping at the junction of the JMT and Clouds Rest Trail. You must carry water to this point as there is none until the junction of the John Muir Trail (JMT) and Clouds Rest Trail.ĭay 2: Hike up Half Dome and spend the night at Little Yosemite Valley.ĭay 3: Descend to Yosemite Valley via either the Mist Trail or the JMT to Happy Isles. If you plan on spending 3 days (which is how you must reserve your wilderness permit (any travel through Yosemite Valley requires 2 nights in the wilderness)), I would recommend the following itinerary:ĭay 1: Sunrise Lakes over Clouds Rest and on the Clouds Rest Trail ~1 mile after you descend from Clouds Rest. This is normally a 3 day hike and more manageable as such. Wilderness hike (Entry Trailhead: Sunrise Lakes, Exit Trailhead: Happy Isles). ![]() Along the way, you'll see wildlife, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, beautiful sunsets and sunrises. You'll enjoy world class views of the Sierra Mountain Range from Clouds Rest and beat the crowds to Half Dome. ![]() Sunrise Lakes to Happy Isles is a great way to experience the Yosemite Wilderness.
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