May Lake Trail

Overview

The trail cuts through mixed conifer forest before emerging onto the open granite slabs that define the Sierra Nevada. May Lake sits at 9,270 feet in a natural bowl carved by glaciers, surrounded by polished granite domes and the imposing bulk of Mount Hoffmann. The 485 feet of elevation gain is distributed gently enough that most hikers knock this out in an hour each way.

What sets this apart from Valley floor walks is the setting. You're fully in alpine terrain here, where the air is thin and the granite dominates the landscape. The lake itself is substantial — not a pond tucked into the trees, but a proper Sierra lake that invites swimming if you can handle the cold.

What to Expect

The trail surface mixes gravel, rock, and roots, with roughly hewn rock steps in places. The steepest section comes at the end via a series of switchbacks as you approach the lake. Most of the walking is straightforward forest travel until you break out onto granite slabs for the final approach.

May Lake High Sierra Camp operates seasonally at the lake, which means you'll encounter other people, but the setting absorbs crowds well. The granite shoreline offers multiple spots to sit and take in Mount Hoffmann's 10,850-foot summit, which looms directly above the lake's far shore.

For stronger hikers, an unofficial trail continues from May Lake up Mount Hoffmann — an additional 2 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. This path follows use trails and requires route-finding skills, but it opens up panoramic views of the entire Tuolumne region.

Tips & Logistics

Access is the main consideration. The trailhead sits 1.75 miles up an unpaved spur road from Tioga Road, and this entire area shuts down when Tioga Road closes for winter — typically after the first significant snowfall in October or November, reopening in late May to late June.

Early in the season, even when Tioga Road is open, the spur road to the trailhead may remain closed due to snow conditions. When this happens, you'll need to walk the additional 1.75 miles each way along the road, effectively doubling the hike's length.

Overnight parking ends October 15, regardless of road conditions. The trailhead has a vault toilet and bear boxes — use them. The High Sierra Camp provides a seasonal flush toilet and water spigot when operating.

The lake is swimmable, though the water temperature will test your resolve even in summer. Bear activity is common throughout this area, so secure food properly and don't leave packs unattended.

For current road conditions, call 209/372-0200 and follow the prompts. Tioga Road closures can happen quickly when weather moves in, potentially stranding cars on the wrong side of the pass.

This trail works well as a leg-stretcher if you're driving Tioga Road or staying in Tuolumne Meadows. The relatively low mileage and easy grade make it manageable for most fitness levels, while the high-elevation setting delivers legitimate alpine scenery without the typical Sierra suffering.