How to Get a Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) Permit
Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest in seven miles, on one of the few Tuolumne trailheads that keeps Half Dome on the permit.
Check Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) permit availability15
People Per Day
Recreation.gov permit 445859 lists a $10 reservation fee and a $5 per-person use fee, plus a $10 lottery registration fee for the weekly lottery. Half Dome adds $10 per person, collected when the permit is issued.
Permit Cost
1-3 nights
Duration
moderate
Difficulty
About Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass)
Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) is a Tuolumne-area wilderness trailhead at the western end of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park. NPS sets the daily quota at 15 people: 9 reservable by lottery 24 weeks in advance and 6 released first-come, first-served one week in advance. The trailhead is Half Dome eligible, and NPS states all members of the permit are eligible to walk up Half Dome with an additional $10 per person due when the permit is issued. The one thing this permit does not do is leave the park. NPS states that hiking over Donohue Pass and hiking the John Muir Trail is not available for this trailhead. Reservations for the Tuolumne area run June 18 to October 14, 2026.
NPS describes this very popular trail departing from western Tenaya Lake and following switchbacks up toward Sunrise Lakes or Clouds Rest, with loop options toward Merced Lake, Half Dome or Cathedral Lakes. It is the shortest backpacking approach to Clouds Rest, and NPS lists it as Half Dome eligible with every member of the permit able to walk up.
The Experience
The switchbacks out of Tenaya Lake are the only real work. Above them the country flattens into slabs and lakes, and then Clouds Rest arrives with a summit ridge that most people rate above Half Dome itself.
From the western end of Tenaya Lake the trail climbs to the Sunrise Lakes junction. NPS puts Sunrise Lakes at 3.3 miles, Sunrise High Sierra Camp at 5.8 and Clouds Rest at 7.0.
Beyond that the loop options open up. Half Dome is 13.0 miles by this route, Tuolumne Meadows is 14.0 and Yosemite Valley is 17.3, which makes a Tenaya-to-Valley one-way a very good three-day trip.
Bears are the practical concern. NPS says bears have successfully obtained food from backpackers in this area on a regular basis, and asks that all food and toiletries be stored in a bear canister. Camp at least 100 feet from any water source, and keep washing and waste 300 feet from water throughout the Tuolumne watershed.
What to Expect
A daily quota of 15 people: 9 by lottery 24 weeks out, 6 released one week out
Vault toilets at the trailhead per the NPS trailhead table
Clouds Rest at 7 miles and Half Dome at 13, per NPS mileages
Half Dome available for every person on the permit at $10 per person
No Donohue Pass and no John Muir Trail exit on this permit
Get Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Permit Requirements
Hiking over Donohue Pass and hiking the John Muir Trail is not available for this trailhead
Store all food and toiletries in a bear canister - NPS reports regular bear success here
Camp at least 100 feet from any water source
Along the Tuolumne watershed, do all washing and waste disposal 300 feet from water
Maximum group size is 15 people, or 8 for cross-country hiking more than a quarter mile off trail
Half Dome is available with this trailhead for every person on the permit, at $10 per person
If Tioga Road is closed on your date the permit is not valid and there is no refund
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •An allowed bear-resistant food canister, for food and toiletries both
- •Gloves for the Half Dome cables if that is part of the plan
- •Water treatment
- •A stove, since fires are prohibited above 9,600 feet
Hazards & Safety
Persistent bear activity, which NPS calls out for this trailhead specifically
Clouds Rest's summit ridge, which is narrow and exposed
Afternoon storms on open slabs with a long way to shelter
Snow on the initial switchbacks into early summer
Best Time to Visit
Reservations run June 18 to October 14 in 2026. July through September is the reliable window for Clouds Rest and the Half Dome cables. September is the best of it, with cold nights and thin crowds.
Pro Tips
Store toiletries in the canister too, not just food - NPS calls this area out for repeat bear success
Clouds Rest at 7 miles makes a better objective than Half Dome at 13 if you only have two days
Add the Half Dome permits when you book the wilderness permit, at $10 per person
A one-way to Yosemite Valley is 17.3 miles and needs a car or the shuttle at both ends
Six of the fifteen spots come out seven days ahead, which is the realistic route in
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) permit?
+
Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass)?
+
Reservations run June 18 to October 14 in 2026. July through September is the reliable window for Clouds Rest and the Half Dome cables. September is the best of it, with cold nights and thin crowds.
How difficult is Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass)?
+
Parties heading for Clouds Rest or a Tenaya-to-Valley traverse, and Half Dome hopefuls starting high.
What gear do I need for Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass)?
+
Essential gear includes: An allowed bear-resistant food canister, for food and toiletries both, Gloves for the Half Dome cables if that is part of the plan, Water treatment, A stove, since fires are prohibited above 9,600 feet.
Don't Miss Your Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Sunrise Lakes (no Donohue Pass) availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
