Hike to May Lake

Yosemite › May Lake Trailhead

Save List Review

65 Saves

Added by Basak Prince

One of the most scenic hikes in Yosemite National Park with a backdrop of Tioga Road, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lake.

May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot.

During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot since this is a very popular hike.

May Lake is one of the five High Sierra Wilderness Camps in Yosemite National Park. If you are lucky enough you can win a lottery to stay in this camp site where you will be served dinner and breakfast. More info http://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/But don't worry if you did not win the lottery you can always stay at the backpacker campground as well. This is also a great day hike where you can complete it 4-5 hours with a lunch break by May Lake.

May Lake sits beneath 10,845 foot Mt. Hoffman. If you like, you can summit Mt. Hoffman by taking the rugged trail from the north side of the lake. In order to get to the top, you will need to hike for another 2 miles with 1,500 elevation gain along side of sweeping views of Yosemite.

Even thought it is not permitted to swim in the lake, I saw people cliff jumping and taking a dip in the lake.

Pack List

If you are planning to stay overnight you will need a backpacker's permit
Tent (if you are staying overnight)
Sleeping bag (if you are staying overnight)
Comfortable hiking shoes
Backpack
Camera
Snacks
Water
Sunscreen
Light jacket

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Photography

Skill Level:

Beginner

Season:

Summer, Autumn

Trail Type:

Out-and-Back

Distance:

3 Miles

Elev. Gain:

500 Feet

Rating:

Features:

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Lake

Picnic Area

Scenic

Are we missing something?

Suggest an edit

How to Get There

Get driving directions

Reviews

Leave a Review

Emily Noyd Follow

8 months ago

Hike to May Lake

Great for first-time backpackers

I send visitors to May Lake who A) have never backpacked before, and/or B) who want to spend time exploring Yosemite elsewhere and experience a quick backcountry trip. It's a short 1.5 mile hike with about 500 ft of elevation gain. Camping in the backpacker's camp during the summer season is very straightforward: pit toilets, running water, bear lockers, and fire rings. No swimming is allowed in the lake, but you can scramble up to Mt Hoffman if part of your group is feeling energetic, while others lounge with a good book.

8 months ago

Added by Basak Prince

More Adventures Nearby

Camp at Buckeye Flat in Sequoia National Park

Yosemite / Buckeye Flat Campground

Entering Sequoia National Park at the Ash Mountain Entrance near the small city of Three Rivers, follow Highway 198 (Generals Highway) through the park until you see a sign for Buckeye Flat Campgroun.

Nick Garcia

2 Saves

Snowshoe to Cooney Lake

Yosemite / Virginia Lake Trailhead

When it's winter time, one of the best things you can do is experience the snow in the Eastern Sierra! If you've ever been hiking and/or backpacking in the Sierra, you know it's one of the most beaut.

Stephanie Baker

1 Saves

Hike 20 Lakes Basin Loop

Yosemite / 20 Lakes Basin Trailhead

This trail is overall very easy to hike, but the 9.1mi distance at a 10,000ft altitude is what makes it a bit of a doozy for people who aren't frequent hikers.

Marlena Steiner

27 Saves