The lake was beautiful with half granite, half forest surrounding the lake itself. Quota (reservable) Quota (first-come, first-served) Restroom. The people who wrote this article apparently camped right at Cloud's rest, which I didn't realize this was an option (but it sounds awesome), however I'm sure it isn't necessary. From the Cascades Lake trailhead, the trail drops down to the dam then climbs gently for about 1 mile to “68 Lakes”. We set up tents on the rocks to have a screen room to protect us from their attacks which do come in waves. We passed the Sunrise Lakes and looked around at the seemingly-abandoned Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes.This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sunrise-camp-to-may-lake-trail The lakes are pretty. Photos. Your legs maybe a bit sore afterwards as mine were, but definitely its worth checking out. Nice trail along 4 lakes. Great day hike out to sunrise camp and back, diverse terrain and scenic view points. Sunrise Lakes. The third is supposedly the most popular. Before We Begin… This lake is part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.. Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. Here you’ll find an array of wildflowers surrounding the lake. I did this hike on a whim, needing to kill some time. Sunrise/Merced Lake: Sunrise Lake trail begins at the Tenaya Lake trailhead and travels 3.3 miles to the campsites on Sunrise Lakes. Lots of trees. Whichever lake you choose, you’ll be taking the Sunrise trail towards Tenaya Lake, until it intersects the Clouds Rest trail. This means a Northwest Forest Pass is required on your dash for trailhead parking.. Lucky for you, a pass is very easy to obtain. Beautiful day hike with lunch at the first lake on the rocks. Overview: From the 128th Street Trailhead take Ringtail Trail 0.6 miles up to a right on Sunrise Trail and follow another 2.15 miles to the peak. We only made it to the lakes because we had the GPS going; snow covered the signs and most of the trail heading up. I was having major issues with my right hip flexor, so I only dragged myself to the first lake and returned. Suggest you forget about the altitude gain and enjoy the views! However after reading the top, the trail splits, and you continue up to Sunrise lakes, which is great for backpackers. From the junction with the Clouds Rest Trail, take a left onto the Sunrise Lakes Trail and hike east, following signs for Sunrise High Sierra Campsite.Cover mostly level ground though open woods and after about 1/2 mile you'll reach the Lower Sunrise Lake. Since this is the beginning of a few trails such as the hike to Clouds rest, it is a busy trail. Sunrise Lake Base Camp. Doing the switchback while unable to lift my right leg more than 3" from the ground was an adventure! What To Expect From The Colchuck Lake Hike During Sunrise . The north woods comes alive with a … Fishing was the best I've seen in the area with huge Rainbow trout which snapped my 5lb leader twice. There are three lakes, one a little off trail you will need to look for, but all are pretty and set in a beautiful location. If the parking lot is full you can park along side the road on the north side. Follow the paved access road from the trailhead parking area across the outlet of Tenaya Lake to a trail junction. Probably because it’s closest to the trailhead. Then comes another hard ascent up back to the lakes. Sunrise Lakes Trail is a 9.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. 10. Wowwww...Three lakes to choose from, but I think the one closest to Tenaya is my favorite. Ends in a valley at high sierra camp. Still a good leg workout as well as nourishment for the soul. Posts about Sunrise Lakes Trailhead written by peaksandpotatoes. Yes. It has amazing camping spots over to the right with staggered rock platforms for tents etc. Next hike to the bottom Cloud's Rest (get water on the way), and find a camping spot. From here it descends for another 2 miles to the campsite at “Sunrise Lake” at elevation 6,250 feet. Lots of switchbacks and steps. Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International License. 6. Very low usage, at least when I was there. The left fork leads along the southern shore of Tenaya Lake. Drive to Sunrise trailhead (We will be leaving one car at Yosemite Valley). Sunrise Lakes Notice. They were nowhere near my campsite. Drive east on SR-1, 3.2 miles to the turnoff on the right (west) for the Sunrise Trailhead, which is just past milepost 34.5. Very few people at the lakes compared to the number we encountered on the trail (shared with Clouds Rest). We camped at the first lake and it was near perfect. Hiked only as far as the 3 lakes before turning back due to late hour, mileage seems to be factored for Sunrise HC as the destination so hiking to lakes only is a bit shorter. ... That’s where we were informed that the bus we wanted to take up to the Sunrise Lake Trailhead had already left and wouldn’t leave again until evening. great trek. Once you have made it to the lakes the views are beautiful and there are ample places to set up camp. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Yes. Insultingly beautiful at times; when you crest the hill, head to the right a bit and keep an eye out for a magnificent panorama view. Probably should have done some research for something easier, but I pushed through. Switchbacks are brutal from Tenaya Lake. Got slammed with five-minute hail storm in early september. If you can survive the switch backs, the trail is well worth the effort! Beautiful trail, no mosquitos right now, very few people (for an overnighter on a Sunday). Hiking length: 9-mile loop. It’s nice, but keep going. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. August 2017. Trail Wiki® is a registered trademark of Trail Wiki, a nonprofit organization. Chain Lakes in the extreme southeastern portion of Yosemite is a lesser-known "backdoor" into Yosemite. Drive up early to catch the sunrise (there’s a reason this site on the Eastern aspect of Mount Rainier is named Sunrise), and then hike far above turquoise-green lakes and into the rugged, sparsely beautiful landscape of the alpine on this gorgeous trail. The night I spent there, I saw two backpackers and a guy flyfishing. You cross a few small bodies of water, one of which you have to fully get into to cross, and the water is cold (for consideration); mosquitoes hang out in those general areas pretty bad so have repellent handy. Easy, gradual ascent from Tenaya Lake trailhead for about 1.5 miles, then some really brutal switchbacks for another mile, with a 1000 ft gain. Below is the “out-and-back” Sunrise Lake … I've been to many lakes and this is one I plan on returning to in the future. Incredible views on way up to summit. Parking Permit Required: Yes. Must haves- lots of water, protein snacks, good camera, solid hiking boots and thick breathable socks. SoundCloud. Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. 2. Find all the transport options for your trip from Tuolumne Meadows to Sunrise Lakes Trailhead … It was only four miles to Cloud’s Rest from here, but would feel like the longest four miles of my life. Friday: Wake up early and hike Cloud's Rest to observe the sunrise. Posted by saturdaysummits on October 28, 2017 October 28, 2017. Most visitors start this trail at the USFS Quartz Mountain Trailhead about .75mi to the south of Chiquito Pass.The climb is fairly gradual over variably dusty, sandy and rocky trail, but there are several instances of climbing that are cool spots to catch ones breath. Hikes. After reading posts on here, I am increasingly worried this will not … The hike was challenging but it was all worth it for the views. The lakes are cool and refreshing and the wildlife abounds. The Cathedral lakes were way better probably the best part of the trail is the valley that surrounds the High Sierra camp. The lakes were nothing real special. From US-395: Travel north or south to Lee Vining and just south of the town take CA-120/Tioga Road west. Summary below is to the popular turn around at the hitching post. Flat for 1.5, then steep to the lakes for another 1.5. Hike to Sunrise Lake. Which saves you 220 feet of steep elevation gain and 0.5 miles off the roundtrip. But overall I enjoyed the hike. From Sunrise Lakes, we retraced our steps back to the trail junction with all the signs. Note that in late July, it's mosquito feeding time, and you are dinner. Scenery: Considering that the trailhead is at the fabulous west end of Tenaya Lake, and that all three Sunrise Lakes combined are less than half the size of Tenaya Lake, you might find yourself weighing the virtues of just hanging out at Tenaya, especially about a mile and a half into the hike, once you start up the switchback-laden climb to the trail juncture. Drive CA-120/Tioga Road for 27.8 miles to a small parking lot on your left(south). Probably the biggest downer to this trail. Makes a nice loop to Cathedral Lake and Tuolumne Meadows if you don't mind hitching a ride back to Tenaya. Yosemite- Sunrise Lakes. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sunrise-lakes-trail Cathedral Lakes. Sunrise Lakes is a beautiful 5-mile (each way) out-and-back hike or backpacking adventure with dozens of options to extend the trip for multiple days by exploring Cathedral Lake, Merced Lake, Vogelsang, or hiking down into the valley. Would hike it again and maybe try for an overnight permit - no bugs encountered. That section was by far the most difficult part of our 3 day hike from Tenaya to Yosemite Valley. Definitely in the “hard” category though not as hard as Mist trail to Nevada Fall. Vault toilets but no water available. At 1.5 miles is Clover Lake. May Lake High Sierra Camp from Tioga Pass Road, Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome, Porcupine Creek to Indian Rock, North Dome, and Columbia Rock via Tioga Pass Road, John Muir Trail: Tenaya Lake to Reds Meadow. If I had known this was the hardest part of the trail I would have done Clouds Rest first instead I did Sunrise Lakes first and went back again the next day to Clouds Rest. Trailhead. Notes. We decided not to extend the length, but instead headed onto the Cathedral Lakes trailhead back towards Tuoloumne Meadows. You'll be rewarded at the 'top' (if ending at the lakes) with an idyllic place to lounge and enjoy a swim. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. I think 90% of the hike I could hear other hikers. Sunrise Lakes Condos, Sunrise Florida. The sunrise lakes trail to Cloud's rest is 12 miles round trip, I think. Took a dip. From Tenaya Lake, cross Tenaya Creek and soon begin climbing up to the Sunrise Lakes. Extremely serene place to be. Find the travel options that best suit you. Completed this hike on 8-3-12. Trail is busy, mostly with hikers heading to Cloud's Rest. Trailhead: Sunrise Lakes. It was not yet open for the season. Answer 1 of 6: Hey everyone, I have booked a trip for my son and I to do a backpack from Sunrise Lakes to Happy Isles, via the CRT and with a stopover to summit Half Dome (our wilderness permit is for June 11-14). 6. Beautiful view of Half Dome and into Yosemite Valley when you are done with the switchbacks. 15. No mosquitoes when we were there mid October. This is for sure the hardest part I kept passing hikers resting up the way that looked exhausted! We had some options as to how far and how many days we would go. saw some different animal's and evidence of a mountain cat. Welcome to Sunrise Lakes ♣ Would you like to play FREE golf and tennis ALL YEAR ROUND!? We were thinking of driving over to Tenaya Lake, leaving the vehicle there and then finding transportation back to the McGurk Meadow trailhead. As from Wednesday 13th May following the lifting of certain Covid 19 restrictions by our Prime Minister, we are pleased to announce the re opening of Sunrise Lakes for angling only. An easy backcountry destination with stunning alpine lakes and meadows lies just off Tioga Road in northern Yosemite National Park. really peaceful and lovely views. Once you are at the lakes it's excellent for a mud bath. Stream Sunrise - Fiske Lake Trailhead by MinnesotaSoundscapes.com from desktop or your mobile device. Smooth sailing from there. Trekking poles would have been very helpful. Rome2rio makes travelling from Tuolumne Meadows to Sunrise Lakes Trailhead easy. Directions from Tuolumne Meadows: Travel westward on Tioga Road approximately 8 miles to the Tenaya Trailhead immediately west of Tenaya Lake. Lots of invisible mosquitoes that eat you alive. You can park at the Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station and take the free shuttle to the trailhead. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Ascend the final uphill above higher Sunrise Lake and come down on the other side of Sunrise Mountain. Overall the hike seemed to me to have three sections, the first section near the Tenaya lake is mostly flat and very good. Great. Yosemite is a favorite destination, especially the high country hikes during the summer months! 9. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. lol. This short, one-mile, downhill jaunt from the hairpin turn on the road to Sunrise makes a great detour when hiking the Palisades Lakes trail, or a nice warm up before tackling longer hikes like Burroughs or Dege Peak from Sunrise. The third lake was our favorite — has some nice camping spots and lots of fish. Getting to the Sunrise Trailhead I'm glad this trail is marked hard because it kicked our butts! This trail is marked hard for a reason, that real hard and steep ascent up to the Clouds Rest junction. The water temperature in late August was absolutely perfect, and there were no bugs to speak of. Sunrise - Fiske Lake Trailhead by MinnesotaSoundscapes.com published on 2011-12-19T14:37:51Z. the hike itself was rewarding carrying a ~30 lb pack but the mosquitos made it a point for me to remember them, lol, This is no kiddie climb up to Sunrise Lakes. Trailhead Amenities: Driving Directions. Hey everyone, I have booked a trip for my son and I to do a backpack from Sunrise Lakes to Happy Isles, via the CRT and with a stopover to summit Half Dome (our wilderness permit is for June 11-14). The best way to get from Mammoth Lakes to Sunrise Lakes Trailhead costs only $16 and takes just 3 hours. Great spot right by the water with nice flat sections for tents and a great granite shelf for cooking. Bear right at this junction to reach Sunrise Lakes. When you want to enjoy lakes but don't want to share them with the hordes at Tenaya Lake, head for Sunrise Lakes. Water is brisk but warm enough to swim. Nice hike, don't be fooled by the short distance, sturdy knees needed for this one! Once re-connected to the Clouds Rest trail you begin a brief descent before you come across the only lake on the CR Trail. Here, the High Sierra Camp, nestled on the mountainside, looks out over gorgeous meadows to the rugged peaks of the Cathedral Range. The middle section is a steep switchback area which seemed to go on for a long time. Murphy Creek. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Otherwise a lovely spot. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. Valid Parking Permit: Yellowstone Entrance Fee. After an hour or two of hiking, you can set up camp on Sunset Creek just past the Clouds Rest junction. Overall I recommend these lakes if you want to see as much of Yosemite as I do. I found myself wondering how long this would last as most people seemed to slow and need extra time to get through here. All current rules still apply but more importantly the government guidelines and rules regarding Covid 19 must also be applied. Passing over rocky sections of trail, listen and look for pikas; if you’re quiet you’ll be able to spot them. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International License. The trip can be to the Sunrise lakes or to the high sierra camp. I have heard of very large swarms of mosquitors in mid-Summer, though by the time I got there (mid-August), they were totally absent. Hike Distance Elevation Gain High Point Low Point; Clouds Rest: 14.2 miles : 3200 ft ... State: California. We stopped by one of the lakes on the way down to admire the view and a coyote just waltzed by us on the trail, unfazed and on his way to his destination. 9. This trail begins from the Tenaya Lake Trailhead along Tioga Road slightly west of the lake. On the second day of this trip, my companion and I woke up around 7:00 am and leisurely packed up our campsite. The trail starts across the road and heads downhill to Sunrise Lake, the first of many you’ll encounter. This is a busy trail located in the Tenaya lake area of Yosemite national park. Answer 1 of 2: My group is backpacking for four days and starting from McGurk headed to Tenaya Lake. There’s a bit of a climb in the middle. 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