Clouds Rest 9/28/2017 - Yosemite NP, CA

 

9-28-2017

Clouds Rest offers one of the most breathtaking 360 panoramic views in Yosemite Valley as it gives the best vantage point of the valley.  The hike also provides quite an impressive and thrilling experience as you traverse the narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides to reach the summit. The fastest and shortest way to scale Cloud's Rest is from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. 

From the trailhead, follow the trail sign for Sunrise H.S.C. After the first 1.5 mile, the trail starts to climb steeply in switchbacks. The switchbacks will get your heart rate going no doubt as you gain 1,000' in just one mile. No pain, no gain! Go easy and be careful as you cross the narrow ridge to the top...both sides of the sharp ridge are sheer drop-offs.

Take in amazing vistas from the summit...many of Yosemite landmarks such as Half Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana, Sentinel Dome, North Dome, Tenaya Lake, Cathedral Rock and El Capitan...and many peaks of High Sierras.

There were rockfalls at El Capitan two days in a row. The second rockfall at El Cap was seen in this hike from the top of Clouds Rest.

Video by Lifeisamt

El Capitan's Second Rockfall Seen From Clouds Rest 9/28/2017 - Yosemite NP, CA

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9-28-2017

El Capitan's massive rockfall occurred for second straight day, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, in Yosemite National Park. A gigantic granite slab fell from the east wall of El Capitan. I was hiking up Clouds Rest on Thursday and happened to see the rockfall covering the valley with a cloud of dust.  

It's a sobering reminder that the landscape is constantly changing even though it may not seem like that.

Video by Lifeisamt

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Horsetail Falls - South Lake Tahoe, CA

Trailhead - Pyramid Creek/Twin Bridges on US 50
5 miles (?) RT
800+ (?) Elevation gain

This is a very popular hike along HWY 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe. It is a short hike, but the trail climbs steeply toward the magnificent Horsetail Falls.  The trail may get a bit sketchy where you traverse those giant granite slabs, but generally easy to follow along the trail. There are many short trails branching out to the creek from the main trail, so don't get confused or lost.  Most hikers end their journey at the bottom of the falls unless you are confident enough to scramble the steep rock slabs to the top of the falls.  If you are to tackle the way up to the top, use caution as those granite slabs can be very slippery because of the splashing water from the falls.  Also, route finding skills are a must as there is no well established route to reach all the way to the top.

As informed by the rangers at the trailhead, the route I was advised to take to the top of the falls was climbing to the left from the big granite slab where you come to choose either go to the right or to the left.  Going to the right can be very slippery.  Scrambling up to the left eventually leads you to a partially established trail through screes/talus rocks and boulders and in time and effort gets you to the top.  Some scrambling necessary, however. There are cairns along the route which also help and guide you on the way up to the top and on the way to come down. 

Enjoy the views of the Horsetail falls from above!  Magnificent and powerful falls.  You can trek around Avalanche Lake to explore the alpine wilderness.  If you are backpacking, Avalanche Lake will be a perfect site for overnight, or you can continue to hike farther deep into Desolation Wilderness if you are an experienced backpacker.