Clouds Rest, Mountain summit in Mariposa County, United States
Clouds Rest is a granite peak in the Sierra Nevada standing at about 10,000 feet (3,025 meters) with sharp ridges and exposed rock faces. The mountain features a northwest face of solid granite that rises dramatically above the surrounding canyon and meadows.
The mountain was named in the 1850s by the Mariposa Battalion when they observed clouds settling on the peak during a snowstorm retreat. The name reflects what they witnessed during that moment in the winter landscape.
The summit draws rock climbers and mountaineers from around the region who test their skills on the exposed granite walls. The peak holds significance for those pursuing climbing goals across the Sierra Nevada range.
You can reach the peak via multiple trails from different starting points in and around Yosemite. Plan for an early start and prepare for changing weather, since exposed ridges offer little protection from sudden storms.
The northwest face stands as one of California's largest continuous granite walls, rising dramatically above the canyon floor. This massive vertical expanse attracts experienced climbers seeking serious technical challenges.
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