Hike to Mt. Hoffman

The May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2 mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!)

After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive at May Lake, nestled at the base of Mt. Hoffman and the site of a seasonal High Sierra Camp. There's space for backpackers as well, with bear lockers and a pit toilet. Don't forget to pick up your backcountry permit at any Wilderness permit station, the day of your trip or the day before at 11 am. Please remember there's no swimming in May Lake, but with Mt. Hoffman looming above, it's a beautiful spot for sunrise and sunset.

Onward to the top of Hoffman! Skirt the lake heading west, before following the social trail to climber's left. In early summer there may still be patches of snow in this area. The trail follows sparse trees and meadows before climbing up the granite. Cairns may or may not be marking the easiest route, but heading straight up is the goal. Find yourself on a small saddle between two summits. A radio repeater is to the west, and a scramble to the eastern peak gives views of May Lake, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne, the Cathedral and Clark Ranges, Cloud's Rest, and Half Dome.