May Lake and Mount Hoffmann: Complete Hiking Guide (2026)

Sitting at 10,850 feet, right at the heart of Yosemite, Mount Hoffmann is the geographic center of the park and one of the best places to soak in 360-degree views of the park. 😍

The hike starts out relatively easy with a short, scenic climb to May Lake, a sparkling alpine gem tucked beneath Mount Hoffmann.

From there, things get more adventurous! The trail becomes harder to follow, the climb gets steeper and rockier, and you’ll find yourself scrambling to reach the summit.

Prepare yourself for the insanely, stunning, and beautiful views from the top. You’ll see Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Yosemite Valley, many High Sierra peaks, the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne, and so much more!

If you love alpine lakes, challenging hikes, rock scrambling, and summiting mountains, then this is the hike for you! 🫵

Read my blog post to learn everything you need to know about hiking to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann in Yosemite National Park!

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May Lake and Mount Hoffmann Trail Stats and Map

May Lake Trail Stats

Mount Hoffmann Trail Stats

May Lake and Mount Hoffmann Trail Map

Yosemite’s Entrance Fee and Reservations

Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, for U.S. residents, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US. residents will cost $250.

Reservations are not required at this time (updated January 12, 2026).

May Lake Trailhead and Parking

The hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann starts from the May Lake Trailhead, found at the very end of May Lake Road (1.7 miles one-way), just off Tioga Road.

One thing to note: the NPS website mentions “No oversized vehicles on the road to the parking area.” That likely means RVs aren’t allowed, but if you’re driving one, it’s best to call ahead or check with a ranger just to be sure.

I did see a motorhome parked in the big pullout right across from the May Lake Road turnoff, with the family walking along the road, so that’s always an option. Just keep in mind it’ll add some extra mileage to your hike, so plan to start early if you go that route.

The parking lot at the trailhead itself is a decent size, but it does fill up quickly on busy summer days, so arriving early is definitely the way to go.

There are vault toilets and bear lockers located at the trailhead.

Best Time to Hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann

🪻 Late June to Early July: Snow from the previous winter often lingers into early summer in Yosemite’s high country. The May Lake Trail may be clear by early July, but the Mount Hoffmann Trail will likely still have snow lingering through early summer.

Always research the trails conditions prior to your adventure. And if there is snow, be prepared with proper gear and understand your limit and skill set.

During this time, particular in July, you’ll see lush greenery, colorful wildflowers starting to bloom, and streams running strong from snowmelt.

☀️ July to August: This is the most popular time to hike thanks to warm weather and mostly clear conditions. The trail to May Lake is easy to follow and snow-free, and the climb to Mount Hoffmann is most likely snow-free.

Be ready for bigger crowds, especially around May Lake. And keep an eye on the sky – afternoon summer thunderstorms are common in the high country.

⚠️ Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

🍂 September to Early October: If you’re looking for fewer crowds, crisp air, and excellent visibility, this is the sweet spot. The trail is usually dry and quiet, making the summit climb extra enjoyable.

Just remember that mornings and evenings get chilly at this elevation, and there’s always the possibility of an early-season snowstorm.

🌨️ November to May: During this time, Tioga Road is closed for the season, which means there’s no easy access to the May Lake Trailhead.

I’m sure people have hiked to May Lake and even Mount Hoffmann in the winter and spring but it’s not a hike that the average person should attempt unless you have winter hiking and mountaineering experience.

Even if the road opens early or stays open later than usual, snow and ice can make the upper part of the hike challenging. Only attempt it if you’re experienced in winter conditions and have the proper gear!

⚠️ There is a chance Tioga Road could be open in November and May (on rare occasions even in December). Check if the road is open or closed HERE.

Hiking to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann: Step-by-Step Trail Directions

May Lake Trailhead

The trail starts between the pit toilets and a small pond at the May Lake Trailhead.

From here, you’ll head into a shady forest before the path opens up across granite slabs.

The May Lake Trail is easy to follow and gently ascends towards a beautiful, sparkling alpine lake.

May Lake

At 1.2 miles in, you’ll arrive at May Lake, sitting at 9,270 feet, along with the May Lake High Sierra Camp. Flush toilets are available here, and this camp is the easiest of Yosemite’s High Sierra Camps to access.

🚫 Note: Swimming is not allowed in May Lake! The lake is a water supply source for the park.

The best vantage point of May Lake is on its eastern shore, where you can look across the sparkling water with Mount Hoffmann towering above.

If you’re only here for May Lake, this is your turnaround point. Make sure to explore the area and relax before making your way back to the trailhead!

Beginning Section of Mount Hoffmann Trail

If you’re summiting Mount Hoffmann, follow a well-worn use trail around the southern shore of May Lake. You’ll start to gently climb southwest towards Mount Hoffmann.

At 1.4 miles, the path begins weaving through a forest of red fir, mountain hemlock, and lodgepole pine. You’ll start gaining elevation as you climb toward a ledge with stunning views of Yosemite and the High Sierra peaks.

The trail is fairly obvious, but multiple use paths crisscross, so it’s easy to feel “off-trail” at times. These trails end up meeting back in the same spot, so don’t worry if you end up getting off the main trail.

I recommend downloading offline maps from AllTrails and using that to help you navigate.

The trail flattens briefly before turning into a steep ascent of Mount Hoffmann’s east-facing slope.

Stop and enjoy the views for a bit before this next section.

Boulder Field along Mount Hoffmann Trail

At about 2 miles in, you’ll reach a boulder field. This is the trickiest section of the hike that’ll require some route-finding.

There are cairns everywhere, but many will lead you astray from the main trail. The best bet is to just keep making your way upwards, keeping towards the left of the two rocky towers that you’ll see straight ahead of you.

This stretch of the trail isn’t just tough because the path can be hard to follow. It’s also physically demanding. The climb is steep, rocky, and the high altitude adds an extra layer of challenge.

Be sure to pace yourself, taking plenty of breaks along the way. And don’t forget to look behind you at the views. They get better the higher you climb!

Final Push and Scramble to the Summit

After you make your way to the top of the boulder field, the trail, now completely visible, will wind through an open slope.

The path climbs over sandy scree toward Mount Hoffmann’s summit.

The final climb requires a short class 2 rock scramble. It’s pretty straightforward – just find the antenna sitting on the summit and head towards that!

I’m not the best rock scrambler (at the time of typing this in 2025), but I didn’t find this scramble intimidating at all. But for some, it still could be.

Mount Hoffmann Summit

At the summit, sitting at 10,850 feet, you’ll find an antenna (I think it’s for their communication system). You’ll also find some of the best panoramic views in Yosemite!

From the summit you can see ⬇️

• South: Half Dome, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Sentinel Dome, and Yosemite Valley
• East: The Cathedral Range and Eastern Sierra peaks
• North: The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Yosemite’s backcountry
• West: Alpine lakes and rolling hills in the distance

Retrace your steps back down toward May Lake, then back to the trailhead.

The descent is steep and slippery in spots, so hiking poles are your friend. Take your time and watch your footing.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

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May Lake and Mount Hoffmann Hiking Tips

1. Start Early for Parking and Solitude: The May Lake parking lot can fill quickly in summer, and starting early also helps you avoid afternoon thunderstorms that are common in the high country.

2. Download Offline Maps: Once you leave May Lake, the trail to Mountain Hoffmann is hard to follow with multiple use paths that can cause some confusion. An offline map, like from AllTrails, will help keep you on track.

3. Acclimate to the Elevation: At over 10,800 feet, Mount Hoffmann’s high elevation can make the hike significantly more challenging than similar distances at lower altitudes.

Take time to acclimate if you’re not used to hiking at high elevations. Altitude sickness is a serious risk, and there have been instances where hikers needed evacuation due to severe symptoms.

Pay attention to your body, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed.

4. Bring Hiking Poles: The trail to Mountain Hoffmann gets steep and covered in loose rock – hiking poles make the climb (and especially the descent) a lot easier on your knees and ankles.

5. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Yosemite. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite!

6. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

What to Bring to Yosemite

🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.

📆 Reservation – Depending on when you plan to visit Yosemite, you may need a reservation.

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

Conclusion

Hiking to May Lake and Mount Hoffmann is one of my favorite Yosemite adventures because it has it all – an alpine lake, a challenging but rewarding climb, and unbeatable 360-degree summit views right from the geographic center of the park.

Whether you stop at May Lake for a quick and scenic outing or push on to Mount Hoffmann’s summit for a full high-country experience, this hike is the perfect mix of alpine scenery with a big summit payoff.

If this guide inspires you to hike May Lake and Mount Hoffmann, I’d love to hear about your adventure.

Leave a comment and share your experience!

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