About
Length (round trip)2.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain500 ft up
Typical time1 hr 30 min
TrailheadMay Lake Road, off the Tioga Road
SurfaceRocky forest path
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake

A short trail leads through a conifer forest and across granite slabs to reach May Lake. Enjoy views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and surrounding peaks on the way. Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round-trip; 1-2 hours Elevation gain: 485 ft (150 m) Time estimate: 1-2 hours Tips & Seasonal Information Depending on conditions, particularly in early summer, the unpaved road to reach the trailhead may be closed. When closed, hikers must hike an additional 1.75 miles each way along the road. A vault toilet is available at the parking area. A flush toilet may be seasonally available at the May Lake High Sierra Camp. Begin at the May Lake parking area, 1.75 miles (2.8 km) north of Tioga Road. This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).

Tips
The High Sierra Camp here makes it busy at midday but quiet in the evening. Mount Hoffmann above it is a 6-mile round trip with the widest view in Yosemite.
Location

May Lake Road, off the Tioga Road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.