5 min
Overview
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. From the rocky summit, hikers can enjoy a panorama ranging from the western margins to the park to the northern, southern, and eastern boundaries of Yosemite, encompassing nearly all of the park’s terrain. The potential for camping overnight at May Lake’s High Sierra Camp creates the possibility for enjoying this fantastic hike in a comfortable, historic fashion. History on the High Sierra Camps Established in 1916 through an agreement between the Park Service and a private concessionaire, the High Sierra Camps offered mountain chalet-style accomodations to hikers wishing to explore the high country in Yosemite (and to a lesser extent, Sequoia National Park). Although the original incarnation of the camps eventually folded in bankruptcy, the concept evolved until the five primary wilderness camps (Merced Lake, May Lake, Vogelsang, Glen Aulin, and Sunrise) remained to form the famous High Sierra Camp Loop, a 51 mile loop ending and beginning at Tuolumne Meadows that visits some of Yosemite’s best high country scenery. Today’s camps feature meals provided by camp cooks, more evolved lodging on cots inside tent cabins, and access to beautiful destinations. These conveniences eliminate the necessity of carrying a lot of backpacking gear, making the hiking and lodging far more comfortable than the usual modes of wilderness travel. If you like the backcountry and hate backpacking, this is the way to go. Reservations & Wilderness Permits Getting a spot in the High Sierra Camp is a challenge. The popularity of the camps means that Yosemite Hospitality, the park’s concessionaire who manages the camps, uses a lottery system not unlike Half Dome to determine who gets
Trail Stats
11.1 km
609 m
3277 m
2699 m
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