Can you die without walking? A trip to American National Parks (9) A huge amount! Crowsrest Trail with a 360-degree view of Yosemite that spreads out before you.

This trail is called "Cloud Rest" or "Cloud Rest Place." Maybe it was named because it was a place where the clouds flowing through the big sky would want to stop and take a break? .

Among the many trails in Yosemite, this trail is famous for its 360-degree views of the beautiful mountains and overlooking the rocky mountains of Yosemite National Park, and is known for its many hikers around the world and has many repeat visitors.

It's not an easy trail, with about 4 hours on the way out, 3 hours on the way out, over 3,000 meters, and a thrilling cliff that comes at the climax, but hikers with a certain amount of experience can take a day hike for about 10 hours. This is a trail that should definitely be challenged for those with good legs.

A hearty day hiking trail that condenses the charm of Yosemite. The Clouds Rest

How to get to Yosemite National Park Crow's Rest Trail

This trail is from the trailhead, located along Tioga Road, not towards Yosemite Valley.

Compared to the Yosemite Valley, there are fewer tourists, and this area has a different face to face in Yosemite. Around June, when the roads can be safely passed by as long as the snow melts, Tioga Road (California State Route 120) will open and you will be able to enter this trail.

The trails open and hiking can be done from around June to October (depending on the snow accumulation of that year). For a basic information such as Yosemite National Park overview, how to get there, and what to bring for the hike, please refer to this past .

Trailhead: From Sunrise Lakes trailhead along Tioga Road (photo below: "TH").

There is a parking lot at the trailhead, so park your car there and start the hike. The parking lot is small and limited, so we recommend entering the trailhead early. (It would be best if you arrive by 9am.) There is also a bathroom.

From San Francisco

• If you enter from the Big Oak NP Flat Entrance on Highway 120, it is about a 55-minute drive from the trailhead.
• If you enter Highway Route 140, it takes about 1 ken by car to the trailhead.

Crowsrest Trail data

• Distance: 14.5 miles round trip (23.3 km)
• Trailhead elevation: 8,150 feet (2,450 m)
• Clouds Rest Elevation: 9,926 feet (3,025 m)
• Elevation difference: 1,775 feet (540 m)
• Course time: 8 to 10 hours round trip

*If you are hiking in the summer, bring at least 3.5 to 4 liters of water.

Hiking information for the Crowsrest Trail in Yosemite National Park

This trail is also quite high, with a rocky mountain of over 3,000m. The closer you get to the top, the thinner the oxygen will be, so we recommend that you walk slowly without rushing, drinking plenty of water.

We got ready at the trailhead and finally set off (pictured above is 8am in October. The trailhead is high at 2,450m, so it gets cold. Wear it well before departing).

The first 30 minutes will be a flat road. It's very easy to walk in. But that's the best part.

After walking for about 30 minutes, a sudden steep slope begins. There is a long way up the fork towards Sunrise Lake along the way. This is the most difficult section on the outbound journey.

We'll climb the zigzag trail.

This zigzag driving is quite far away and can be quite difficult, so take a break. The stone steps in the second half put a strain on your feet.

The altitude has risen even further and I can feel the oxygen is thin. If you hurry, breathing becomes difficult. Walk slowly and control.

This Clouds Rest is the perfect climb to the top.

In about two hours you will arrive at the fork to Crow's Rest and Sunrise Lake. There are always signs at forks, so it's not particularly easy to get confused.

4.7 miles (7.52km) to the top

The climb continued, but beyond that, there was a descent and flat section. We head down the ridge in the opposite direction.

The beautiful lake that appears along the way is exactly halfway between the trailhead and the summit. You can see it on the right side of the travel direction.

If the wind is not blowing, the waves will not develop and the surrounding scenery will be reflected on the surface like Mirror Lake, making it very beautiful. Many people take a break here while taking photos.

Along the trail, you will walk through the forest. It takes about an hour to pass through the forest.

We'll be back up again with 2.5 miles remaining. Another zigzag trail.

I feel the air fade even further, and the sky gradually widens.

If you don't hurry and walk slowly, you will be able to adjust your altitude better and avoid altitude sickness such as headaches and nausea, so you will walk slowly and steadily while walking at a constant pace. Along the way, you will pass through the forest and reach the rocks, so although it is an uphill road, you can see the summit right there.

The closer you get is the motivation.

And the climax of Crow's Rest is the last 1km.

We walk over a narrow cliff. It's a spectacular view, but it's a thrilling experience for those who are afraid of heights.

When I first saw it from afar, my legs were really sluggish. Are you really going to climb here? ? That's how it is. When you actually walk, it's quite spacious, so there's no need to worry too much.

But don't let your guard down. Of course, if you step on it and fall, you will not be able to live, so be careful. Be especially careful on days with strong winds.

Finally, we arrived at Crow's Rest (3,025 m).

A spectacular view. A spectacular view. A spectacular view.

The half dome can be seen below. This is higher than the height of the half dome, so you can see a landscape that you wouldn't normally see from here.

Discovering this view makes me worth walking around and feel a sense of accomplishment.

We also have a break and lunchtime at the "Cloud Rest Area" with a spectacular 360-degree view. A blue sky spreads out, and clouds are close. It really seems like the clouds are stopping by here and taking a break...

After taking a break for over an hour, we finally say goodbye to the clouds and we too have to go from the sky to the bottom.

I'll go down the same path. On the return journey, there is less water, so the luggage is lighter, but the downhill puts strain on your knees. Don't let your guard down and be careful.

This trail is not easy as the return journey is halfway through. There's also a good time to try hard on the way home.

The descent took about 3 hours to arrive.

Continue on the way back and head right before the trailhead to find Tenaya Lake. You can also go there and take a break by the water. It is a very clear and beautiful lake. The water is very cold, but it feels good to cool down your lower body. My legs will be refreshed and fatigue will disappear for a moment.

By the time I got home it was sunset time. The half dome you can see on your way home is also beautiful.

The Crowsrest Trail is one of the most satisfying courses out of the many great Yosemite hikes. If you're interested, please give it a try.

Kato Sayaka

Leave your hiking and travel plans to Yosemite National Park to us. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.

ANAMI TOURS Official Website