May Lake Camping Trip
A 4 day camping trip spent exploring May Lake, hiking Mount Hoffman and seeing Tuolumne Meadows
Looking to enjoy the last few weeks of summer before heading off to college, we decided to spend 4 days in Yosemite, enjoying the mountains.
The trip began in Yosemite Valley. We got our wilderness permit for May Lake from the wilderness center then headed to the Merced River for a quick swim.
Once we swam and enjoyed the sun, we headed up to May Lake. After packing our gear and deciding what to bring, we we’re off. We had been hiking for a few minutes when we started feeling a light sprinkle of rain. Looking up, the storm clouds above us were dark. Picking up the pace, we we’re hoping for the best but it started hailing. We hiked to the campsite as fast as we could and quickly set up the tent. The rain subsided and we we’re able to sort out our gear and start making lunch. With it still raining a little we decided to cook from inside the tent. While not ideal, it made for a unique and cozy camping experience. After dinner the sun began to set so we walked up to a nearby ridge to get a view of the surrounding Yosemite landscape.
The remaining clouds from the storm were lit up with beautiful colors from the sun setting behind Mount Hoffman.
After sunset we headed back to the tent and easily fell asleep because of the busy, hail-filled day we had. We got up early the next morning, made our oatmeal breakfast and started hiking up Mount Hoffman. Although only a 2 mile hike, it’s steepness and high starting elevation made for a difficult hike. After plenty of breaks, seeing a few marmots and going on the wrong trail we we’re at the top. I’ve seen many views from the tops of mountains but this one is hard to beat. Finishing at 10,800 feet this is one of the highest points in Yosemite and is in the middle of the park. Giving you an unparalleled view of the entire Yosemite National Park. In fact, naturalist and author, John Muir once said in regards to the best way to spend time in Yosemite: “Go straight to Mount Hoffman … From the summit nearly all of Yosemite park is displayed like a map.” If you don’t believe me, just look at the view.
Later that afternoon we decided to take a hike around the lake just before sunset. There weren’t any afternoon thunderstorms, but the lingering clouds made for some great photos.
When the sun set behind Mount Hoffman, it created sun rays beaming from the peak. We finished the hike around the lake with amazing views the entire time. We made some pasta for dinner, then roasted marshmallows over the camping stove and made s’mores. When the s’mores were done we turned off all the lights and turned our eyes to the sky. Being at such a high elevation and having no light pollution nearby made for a one of a kind view of the stars.
The next day we packed up our stuff and hiked out of May Lake. On our way to Tuolumne Meadows we stopped at Olmsted Point. From here you get great views of Half Dome, Cloud’s Rest and Tenaya Lake.
Wefinished the drive to our campsite and decided to cool off at the Tuolumne River. We went down the water slide, swam, relaxed in hammocks and read for the rest of the afternoon. Some well deserved R&R after a few days of high sierra camping and hiking.
That night we were able to have our first campfire of the trip. Fires at May Lake were not aloud because of the recent California wild fires. With access to a fire pit, we had our chance. We roasted marshmallows, made s’mores and enjoyed the heat.
This was one of my favorite trips in Yosemite and I couldn’t recommend it more. All it take is some camping know how and a few friends for an unforgettable few days.
