We snagged a pass a few weeks ago and headed out Friday after work to be in the park early Saturday. Clouds Rest is a hike we have known about for awhile, but hadn’t had the opportunity to do. It’s a difficult hike but well worth it in my opinion. We started around 8:30am and hiked the ~15 mile round trip in about 7 hours. The hike is particularly tough because it’s all above 8,000 ft elevation and ends at just under 10,000 feet. Since we have been living at sea level this was extra tough.
So excited for you guys for the NP! It is going to be so fun!