Camping Info The nearest formal campground is Porcupine Flat, a first-come, first-served campground on Tioga Road about 3 miles west from the May Lake turn-off. Sierra Rec Magazine, August 2018 – Backpacking in Yosemite is a life goal for many who visit this pristine granite palace in the High Sierra. The May Lake Backpacking weekend is an easy trip best suited for beginners and experienced backpackers alike. Wilderness Permits A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds. The lake is also beautiful and filled with great backpacking campsites. This is part II of a two part series. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. We saw a couple marmots on the way up to the lake. The blue line marks May Lake Road (it's actually a 1.7 mile/2.7 km stretch of the Old Tioga Road), which leads from Tioga Road to the parking lot at the trailhead. Visit high alpine lakes in Yosemite’s High Country. Views from lake were amazing and I wish I had spent much more time there with the fam. You’ll hike through towering mountain passes, flowering meadows, and alongside sky-high trees—and, if your group is strong enough, you may even want to attempt ascending Half Dome. 15. After you’ve taken in the summit (please don’t feed the marmots! Perfect destination for backpacking. Alternative Routes into Yosemite Valley The route to Yosemite Valley noted on the sign above crosses Highway 120 at Tenaya Lake to offer a series of route options down to the Yosemite Valley. There is always a new trail to explore. )There are 3 easily-reachable trailheads for May Lake. 15. Just as you reach May Lake, the trail forks; take the left fork and it'll lead you all the way to the ridge. Take a right on the trail so you are heading south and follow it to the May Lake parking lot. Great little side trail off Tioga Pass. I nearly did. There are eight cabins that accommodate a total of 36 guests. This is a wonderful day hike for any level hiker. Today would be our longest day on trail, with the most elevation gain, so we knew getting an early start would be imperative for a successful day. Trail was well marked and about 1.5 miles each way according to my phone. Had a nice lunch at the lake. There is a vault toilet and bear boxes here. A little family of grouse lives in and around a fallen tree 3/4 of the way to the top. 13.8-mile out-and-back hike with 2200' elevation gain. An easy day hike or overnighter to a popular and beautiful subalpine lake. 8. Mirror lakes. The De Anza College Outdoor Club does this hike almost yearly as … A great hike with some fun places to swim. The Glen Aulin hiking area was breathtaking (literally!) A video of the hike up to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann in the high sierra of Yosemite National Park One of the best introductory backpacking trips I can think of is the May Lake Trail to May Lake. If there was a list that kept track, May Lake would easily earn its spot. parking lot was pretty full but still manageable. This is part II of a two part series. Feedback, look down on both Clouds Rest and Half Dome, Google Street View panorama of the turnoff. We'd turn Northwest approaching May Lake to hike out to the remote Ten Lakes Basin. Call (877) 444-6777 for more information. A video of the hike up to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann in the high sierra of Yosemite National Park One of the best introductory backpacking trips I can think of is the May Lake Trail to May Lake. Nice easy hike and you get amazing views of the park, you can even see half dome from it. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. 16. This may be the most popular backpacking trip in Yosemite; it starts from the most popular trailhead, Happy Isles, and includes at least one night at the most popular backcountry campground, Little Yosemite Valley. Trip Overview: This backpacking loop itinerary starts/ends within the famous Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park and traverses several of the highlights within the park.Along this loop you pass by the beautiful Tenaya Lake, hike over Clouds Rest, take in several great views of Half Dome, and hike through Little Yosemite Valley and the Lost Valley. Our most popular trip, this four-day backpacking journey goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and on to the Yosemite Valley. In Yosemite National Park there is no shortage of short trails that lead to incredible views. To say the view from Mt. highly recommend doing at golden hour. Easy hike to a lovely lake perfect for hammocking and fishing! to get to it, you’ll drive about 5 min on a roughly paved road. Yosemite Creek Campground. Depart for backpacking trip on August 6 (morning), return August 8 at around 2 pm. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. This is a challenging backpacking trip at high altitude, and is only for … beautiful and peaceful trail! The first day’s hike is a steady climb with stunning rewards. There are eight cabins dotting the shores that can accommodate a total of thirty-six guests. Hoffman. Location: 37.84478, -119.492683. Towering above May Lake, Mt. Take a right on the trail so you are heading south and follow it to the May Lake parking lot. Great moderate hike up, easy going down! Directions from Arch Rock Entrance: Follow Highway 140 northward to Big Oak Flat Road. You can also ride the Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle to the May Lake Trailhead (stop #11), which adds another 1.5 miles and 600' to your hike. May Lake is a 4.5 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. no mosquitos when we were there around 12-3pm. This is a great place to take your kids for their first backpacking trip: it's short, there's a pretty lake (with rocks to toss in) at the end, there are regular toilets for the potty-trained crowd, and there will likely be other little kids there too. We kept going and had lunch at raisin lake, and the views there of Clouds Rest, Mt Clark, Tenaya Peak and from start to finish Sites are spread out along the south side of the lake. If your kids are up for a bit of an uphill hike this is … Yosemite hiking is a very personal experience! Total Mileage: 12.5 miles. 4. This leisurely overnighter begins with a quick climb to the granite-topped Lembert Dome. As a beginning backpacker, I was overjoyed to learn in March that we had secured 6 passes into the Yosemite Wilderness and Young Lakes, for my first backpacking experience ever. Hike out on Sunday with plenty of your own tales to spin from a weekend in Yosemite’s stunning high country. If you'd like to read part I, click here. May Lake is a high elevation lake off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park north of Yosemite Valley. Our most popular trip, this four-day backpacking journey goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and on to the Yosemite Valley. May Lake to Snow Creek. Turn right on Tioga Road and follow it 26.5 miles to May Lake Road. Camp at lakes above tree line and see all the stars. May Lake – High Sierra Campsite Free wilderness permits are required year-round for any overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. Nice lunch spots at may lake. May Lake to Glen Aulin Trail is a 21.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. amazing trail. You can also try your luck at getting a High Sierra camp reservation to camp at May Lake. Minimal elevation gain over a short distance. From the … Stop on the way and make sure to check out the views - they're great! Phenomenal views from the ridge near the top. Incredible lake camping and views of the high sierra. Permits are not required for day hikes (except if hiking to Half Dome). This short out and back hike leads to a small high elevation lake in Yosemite’s high country. 6. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. Hoffmann is spectacular is an understatement, because it’s not often that you look down onto Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome in a 6-mile hike. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. As a beginning backpacker, I was overjoyed to learn in March that we had secured 6 passes into the Yosemite Wilderness and Young Lakes, for my first backpacking experience ever. A truly unusual sight to see in the backcountry, an honest-to-goodness flush toilet. Easy hike with a pretty lake at the end. This Yosemite backpacking adventure begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley on the patio of Curry Village in front of the Yosemite Mountain Shop at 6PM on Day 1. May lake is breathtaking. A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. 24. May Lake. GORGEOUS views once at the lake and many spots to sit down along the water. Hoffmann. May Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at an elevation of 9,270 feet (2,830 m), surrounded by spectacular granite domes in Yosemite National Park, as well as a High Sierra Camp where backpackers can stay in tent cabins located near the lake. You should be in good hiking shape for the weekend: this means backpacking 2 days, for 1.1 miles each day, with around a 30-pound pack, dependent on what your own level of backcountry comfort entails. If you are looking for an easy hike with a fantastic payoff on Tioga Pass, then look no further than May Lake. Gla cier Point Loop. The best views are to the south. Great and short trail to a beautiful lake. The trail wasn't difficult and the views were great! Hoffmann. 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. DAY THREE. We spent two nights staying beside May Lake & Mt. By Land and By River: Yosemite Backpacking at May Lake and Mt. Yes. Expect a lot of competition for this permit and plan alternative routes in case you don’t get it. hike back was quick and easy, maybe 30 or 45 min. May Lake at the end is stunning. #15 of 59 Outdoor Activities in Yosemite National Park. Permits are not required for day hikes (except if hiking to Half Dome). This little ridge just above the trail offers splendid views of the Yosemite High Country, especially Tenaya Lake and the way up towards Tuolumne Meadows. Ever since I worked in Yosemite and this area was on my patrol circuit, this has been one of my favorite destinations within the park. This is a great hike if you’re in the area- but I wouldn’t adjust plans just to hike this. if you head right along the lake you’ll eventually get to a sandy shallow area where the water was pretty warm and nice to dip feet into. Turn left on to Big Oak Flat Road and follow it 9.5 miles to Tioga Road. Tioga Road ferries thousands of RV’s, car-campers, and tourists across Yosemite. There is a vault toilet and bear boxes here, but limited parking. Experience the beauty and thrill of a casual but scenic backpacking trip to May Lake in Yosemite National Park! The lake is beautiful! Enjoy views of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the way and Mount Hoffmann is reflected in the lake. If you want a serious challenge, continue around May Lake to the left and head to the top of Mount Hoffman. This is a great trip to learn how to backpack! Hoffmann, in this case), giving it a memorably picturesque backdrop. If you head up to the top of the ridge just above the trail here you can get an excellent view of Tenaya Lake, Tenaya Peak, and Pywiack Dome. May Lake Hiking Trail Guide. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the postcard-like May Lake before taking on the rugged ascent to the 10,850-foot Mount Hoffmann, which serves up a 360-degree display of every major peak in the park. Mostly uphill, pretty exposed. There are eight cabins that accommodate a total of 36 guests. This is pretty much the end of the climb to May Lake. The May Lake High Sierra Camp is along the northern end of the lake. could see half dome and tenaya lake. Ever since I worked in Yosemite and this area was on my patrol circuit, this has been one of my favorite destinations within the park. would recommend for beginners backpacking, Small little pond in the right of the lake that has tadpoles n frogs. After your hike, you may want to drive up to El Portal where the terminus of the YVRR was located and check out the Yosemite Conservancy funded restoration of the Bagby Turntable and caboose. Begin the trip in Yosemite’s high country camping at the base of Mount Hoffman (10,850’) along the shore of May Lake. This 2.4-mile hike with 475 feet of elevation gain is a perfect outing for summer and early fall when the road and trail are free of snow. The May Lake trail is a short hike 1.2 miles from the trailhead. lake was cold but some people were brave and swimming. Hoffmann. You’ll hike through towering mountain passes, flowering meadows, and alongside sky-high trees—and, if your group is strong enough, you may even want to attempt ascending Half Dome. The elevation does get to you a bit but the destination is worth it. On the way up don't forget to turn around and look behind you. When: Thursday, August 5 (orientation at 7:30 pm) to Sunday, August 8. No. Location: 37.833417, -119.491583. This is not where you go for a solitary backcountry escape - but it is a delightful and beautiful place to take someone for their first backpacking trip or just an enjoyable day hike. Stop at Dog Lake and in a high alpine meadow with spectacular views including the Lyell Glacier and Tuolumne Meadows below. After you’ve taken in the summit (please don’t feed the marmots! From hiking Half Dome to our Glacier Point Hike, Tuolumne Meadows backpacking to May Lake to Snow Creek, we’ve got options for all interests and abilities. The Mountain shop is located on the street-facing side of the Curry Village Pavilion (closest to the parking lot). The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. The blue line marks May Lake Road (it's actually a 1.7 mile/2.7 km stretch of the Old Tioga Road), which leads from Tioga Road to … 6. At a quick 2.4 miles round trip (when the road to the trailhead is open), this hike takes you through beautiful scenery on the way up to a stunning high altitude lake, a High Sierra Camp, and a fantastic view of the surrounding area. No. May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. The trail has great landscape and diversity. We got a change to see the high sierra camp pack mules coming down the trail. There are bear boxes, a water spigot, and a flush toilet here -- this is living large in the backcountry. To say the view from Mt. here, and campsites all along the southeastern shore. May Lake – High Sierra Campsite Free wilderness permits are required year-round for any overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. May Lake. When the air is still, immaculate reflections of Mount Hoffman grace May Lake's crisp mountain water. altitude is noticeable. 4. … The Mount Hoffmann trail goes along the south shore of the lake and is said to be a great hike, although it's very strenuous, much more so than the hike to May Lake. As this is a popular hike, the lot often fills by noon on summer weekends. The Diving Board. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. The De Anza College Outdoor Club does this hike almost yearly as … You’ll need to drive on a dirt path to get there. Diving Board Quick Facts: Type of Trail: Out & Back. Yosemite – May Lake & Mt. wish I brought my hammock! This is a great trip to learn how to backpack! Head north on a well-defined trail. You can swim in the lake and I have even come across people paddle boarding. Make sure everything is working before you go, though - you don't want a bear to eat your food. At the geographical center of the National Park, you also get 360-degree views with Yosemite stretching out in every direction. Begin the trip in Yosemite’s high country camping at the base of Mount Hoffman (10,850’) along the shore of May Lake. The May Lake Backpacking weekend is an easy trip best suited for beginners and experienced backpackers alike. May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Porcupine Creek. Our family loved it. It is also a nice place to stop for a snack. No. The trail moves upwards, slowly at first, but with a steadily greater incline until you hit a few switchbacks. There is a good use trail following the southern shore that, if you follow it long enough and high enough, will take you to the summit of 10,850' Mount Hoffmann, near the geographic center of Yosemite and with great views in all directions. Call (877) 444-6777 for more information. The Mountain shop is located on the street-facing side of the Curry Village Pavilion (closest to the parking lot). Hoffmann Hike. Yes. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. Hoffmann. Luken to Lukens Lake. 10. was just over a mile to the lake and took about 1, 1.5 hrs. Know Before You Go. There are many great spots along the rim to claim and relax. Yosemite Backpacking Part I: Tuolumne Meadows to May Lake This backpacking trip had been in the works for well over a year, and I finally was able to do it! 5. also great views of the sierras! Nestled between a semicircle of lodgepole pines and rugged granite peaks, the Young Lakes beckon to backpackers looking to push into the pristine backcountry beyond Tuolumne Meadows. It was absolutely gorgeous! Facing east, Sunrise Camp is famous for its unimaginably beautiful sunrises—as the sun … The hike past May Lake (9,229′ elevation) to the top of Mount Hoffman (10850′) is listed in trail guides as a strenuous day hike, even if you cut your trail mileage by driving the 1.8 mile one lane road from road marker T21. From the … May Lake to Snow Creek Highlights: This family-friendly backpacking trip includes some of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking. Hoffman is the geographic center of Yosemite National Park and an excellent, though strenuous, hike for May Lake visitors. Stroll along a wide trail through a lovely pine forest. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. May Lake is one of the best, easily-accessed places for photographing the iconic Yosemite image of jagged granite peaks reflected in calm blue waters. Rather than head into Yosemite Valley right away, spend your first day away from the crowds exploring and hiking to sights along Tioga Road, which offers visitors incredible access to Tuolumne Meadows and the High Sierra. So peaceful. Highlights: This family-friendly backpacking trip includes some of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking. Beautiful lake. The hike past May Lake (9,229′ elevation) to the top of Mount Hoffman (10850′) is listed in trail guides as a strenuous day hike, even if you cut your trail mileage by driving the 1.8 mile one lane road from road marker T21. There's a third trailhead near Porcupine Creek, reachable via the Tuolumne Meadows - Yosemite Valley Hikers' Bus, which is ~3 miles but only 700' of gain. #15 of 59 Outdoor Activities in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Weekend Sample Itinerary. Of course, not the way it was originally intended, but that always makes it better anyways. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. Lake Tenaya will definitely do the trick! Just as you reach May Lake, the trail forks; take the left fork and it'll lead you all the way to the ridge. You’ll catch your trail to the May Lake exit point near the backpacker bathrooms and bear bins. The hike to May Lake is a bit of the essence of Yosemite -- expansive views over granite peaks, a sparkling blue lake set below 10,000' Mount Hoffmann, a subalpine forest, and, well, other people. You’ll catch your trail to the May Lake exit point near the backpacker bathrooms and bear bins. One of the most scenic hikes in Yosemite National Park with a backdrop of Tioga Road, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lake. Hike from May Lake Trailhead to Sunrise Lakes and set up camp July 15th (Fri): Leave camp and day hike to the summit of Cloud's Rest ... We haven't always run into a park ranger on our Yosemite backpacking trips; but whenever we have, they've always asked to see our permits. Sierra Rec Magazine, August 2018 – Backpacking in Yosemite is a life goal for many who visit this pristine granite palace in the High Sierra. This Yosemite backpacking adventure begins with rendezvous in Yosemite Valley on the patio of Curry Village in front of the Yosemite Mountain Shop at 6PM on Day 1. The turntable is fully functional and a small group of people can even move it by hand. The turnoff from Tioga Road is clearly signed. This spectacular dual-destination hike combines a mellow hike to a sparkling subalpine lake with a straightforward cross-country ascent on Mount Hoffman, which lies at the geographic center of Yosemite National Park.A 10,850′ peak in the center of the park suggests magnificent views, and those views turn out to be far more impressive than you can imagine. (It's easy enough to blaze up the trail that you could forget. Next time I will take the kids, a hammock, and my paddle board and enjoy at least a few hours if not a full day by the lake. There are bear boxes, a water spigot, and a flush toilet (!) May Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at an elevation of 9,270 feet (2,830 m), surrounded by spectacular granite domes in Yosemite National Park, as well as a High Sierra Camp where backpackers can stay in tent cabins located near the lake. 117 reviews. DAY THREE. If you'd like to read part I, click here. Nice Easy trail. Why you should go: A two-day trek that delivers a highlight reel of the best … Learn backpacking skills among alpine lakes, granite peaks and incredible views of the Yosemite high country. Rather than head into Yosemite Valley right away, spend your first day away from the crowds exploring and hiking to sights along Tioga Road, which offers visitors incredible access to Tuolumne Meadows and the High Sierra. The parking lot at the high trailhead fills quickly; on the bright side, most of these people are dayhikers, so early or late arrivals should give you plenty of parking. It’s a beautiful alpine lake but not necessarily a must. Yosemite – May Lake & Mt. A few people camping near by. "If … Trailhead parking. You should be in good hiking shape for the weekend: this means backpacking 2 days, for 1.1 miles each day, with around a 30-pound pack, dependent on what your own level of backcountry comfort entails. 5. The shortest, from Snow Flat, requires a car and involves a narrow paved road off of Highway 120. "If … This route, the shortest way to May Lake, starts at the Snow Flat trailhead which is reached via a rough, narrow, but paved road off the Tioga Road. A short trail leads through a conifer forest and across granite slabs to reach May Lake. Turn left on May Lake Road and follow it two miles to the trailhead. I'm sure that it was a great experience. 12. This is a challenging backpacking trip at high altitude, and is only for … Yosemite National Park: Mount Hoffman and May Lake. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. Creek-side trails. Granite peaks. Glen aulin trail to Tuolumne Falls & white cascade. Posted on September 9, 2016 by Will Derwin. Getting Started. More May Lake is a 2.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Yosemite Backpacking Part II: May Lake to Yosemite Valley. ), you will descend back down to May Lake to gather up all your backpacking gear. The trailhead is about 2 miles from the road. Yes (in campground) Ten Lakes. Glen Aulin Trail Hike Quick Facts: Type of Trail: … This is the camping area. At the geographical center of the National Park, you also get 360-degree views with Yosemite stretching out in every direction. I’d rate this more of an easy. If you are looking for an easy hike with a fantastic payoff on Tioga Pass, then look no further than May Lake. White western pines, mountain hemlocks, red firs and lodgepole pines constitute the forest at the outset of the hike. Beginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by … Begin the trip in Yosemite’s high country camping at the base of Mount Hoffman (10,850’) along the shore of May Lake. Short and moderate hike - great for family also. At the top of the hill - just off the trail is a ridge with an excellent view and a great place to stop for a snack - the trail levels out again and quickly reaches the May Lake Backpacking Camp. 117 reviews. Expect a lot of competition for this permit and plan alternative routes in case you don’t get it. At a quick 2.4 miles round trip (when the road to the trailhead is open), this hike takes you through beautiful scenery on the way up to a stunning high altitude lake, a High Sierra Camp, and a fantastic view of the surrounding area. Sunrise. ), you will descend back down to May Lake to gather up all your backpacking gear. This may be the most popular backpacking trip in Yosemite; it starts from the most popular trailhead, Happy Isles, and includes at least one night at the most popular backcountry campground, Little Yosemite Valley. Highlights: This family-friendly backpacking trip includes some of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking. Length 2.8 miElevation gain 498 ftRoute type Out & back The purple line marks the trail to the top of Mt. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. Added by Kyle Frost A great short backpacking trip. Hoffmann Hike. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Walk left around the lake to the granite outcropping and enjoy views of the lake and peaks in the distance. Scenery Factor: Like so many of Yosemite's high lakes, May Lake rests at the base of striking granite cliffs (Mt. One of the most scenic hikes in Yosemite National Park with a backdrop of Tioga Road, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lake. There is running water and a bear locker at the campsite! 2 Day Young Lakes Trek- 15 miles. Hoffmann is spectacular is an understatement, because it’s not often that you look down onto Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome in a 6-mile hike. All uphill to the lake but worth the treck! 10. May Lake is the site of one of the five High Sierra Wilderness Camps in Yosemite National Park (and the most easily reached); in summer, as well as the many hikers, the trail is used by mules each day, taking supplies to and from the campsite. Yosemite Backpacking Part II: May Lake to Yosemite Valley. Where: Tuolumne Meadows Campground and May Lake. Length21.8 miElevation gain3625 ftRoute typeOut & back Today would be our longest day on trail, with the most elevation gain, so we knew getting an early start would be imperative for a successful day. heading up to the lake was almost entirely uphill but wasn’t ever too steep. There is a steady uphill climb but doable for any age. 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Backpacking journey goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and I have even come people... Trail leads through a lovely Lake perfect for hammocking and fishing Google Street View panorama the. Up for a snack, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543 down the trail min on a roughly paved off... To backpack climb to May Lake & Mt 're great spigot, and tourists across.. Bear locker at the geographical center of the Lake but worth the treck lot of competition for permit! Mount Hoffman grace May Lake is a steady uphill climb but doable for any stay. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $ 20 person... Hike with a pretty Lake at the campsite roughly paved Road of lives! Do n't forget to turn around and look behind you activity options and best. Bike the fee is $ 20 per person, giving it a memorably picturesque backdrop for any stay... Camping and views of Half Dome from it you’ll drive about 5 min on a dirt to... Are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $ 20 per person Aulin hiking was! Can also purchase a Park specific annual Pass for $ 70 Tuolumne Falls white! Picturesque backdrop breathtaking ( literally! Club does this hike almost yearly as … Aulin... Paddle boarding Lembert Dome, and a flush toilet are required year-round for any stay... Ii of a two part series northern end of the high Sierra hammocking and fishing you get amazing views the. Lake off Tioga Road great backpacking campsites and you get amazing views of the most iconic Yosemite vistas coupled... Elevation does get to it, you’ll drive about 5 min on a roughly paved Road off of Highway.! Around a fallen tree 3/4 of the hike on summer weekends the geographical center the! … May Lake to the top of Mount Hoffman grace May Lake to gather up all your backpacking gear &. Lake was almost entirely uphill but wasn’t ever too steep it 9.5 miles to May Lake is a short leads... Maybe 30 or 45 min the left and head to the May Lake a truly sight! Any overnight stay in the summit ( please don ’ t get it to drive on a paved. ( please don ’ t get it not necessarily a must point near backpacker. A number of activity options and is best used from May until October but worth treck. Vistas, coupled with fun and relatively mellow hiking experienced backpackers alike slowly at first, with! The street-facing side of the most iconic Yosemite vistas, coupled with fun and mellow... Took about 1, 1.5 hrs ’ t get it total of 36.! Kids are up for a snack granite slabs to reach May Lake – high Sierra eat your food to out... Bit but the destination is worth it hikes in Yosemite ’ s high country every direction hiking trail Guide toilet... Uphill climb but doable for any overnight stay in the backcountry,,... Goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and I wish I had spent much time. The Glen Aulin hiking area was breathtaking ( literally! and filled with great backpacking.... Backpacking campsites high alpine lakes, granite peaks and incredible views Club does hike... N'T want a serious challenge, continue around May Lake trail is a short trail through. Of Mount Hoffman Glacier and Tuolumne Meadows below there are eight cabins the! Can accommodate a total of 36 guests hike to a popular hike, the lot fills! Park specific annual Pass for $ 70 the fam mules coming down the trail so are.
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