Hiking to May Lake in Yosemite National Park (2026 guide)

Hiking to May Lake in Yosemite National Park is a must-do for those visiting Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass for the first time! It’s a relatively short hike without much effort offering stunning views along the way. 😍

The lake sits at 9,270 feet right under Mount Hoffmann – it’s an incredibly picturesque sight. My husband and I had the privilege of camping at May Lake recently. Watching Mount Hoffmann glow bright orange as the sunrise light hit the mountain while drinking hot tea by the lake will forever be ingrained in my memory.

Add May Lake to your itinerary or plan a backpacking trip! Either way, you will not be disappointed when visiting this spot.

Read my complete guide to learn everything you need to know about hiking to May Lake in Yosemite National Park! 🙌

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May Lake Trail and Stats

May Lake is one of my favorite alpine lake hikes in Yosemite, but there are more worth exploring! Check out Cathedral Lakes, Gaylor Lakes, Spillway Lake via Mono Pass Trail. These are all located along Tioga Road.

If you want the best view of May Lake, hike a little way up the Mount Hoffmann Trail until you are high above the lake. You don’t even hike the entire trail to reach the viewpoint.

Oh and if you’re planning a trip to Sequoia National Park and you love alpine lakes, consider hiking the Lakes Trail where you’ll see four alpine lakes!

Ok, let’s get discuss the May Lake Trail in Yosemite! 👇

May Lake Trail Stats

May Lake Trail Map

Yosemite National Park 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 this year. (updated July 8, 2026).

May Lake Trailhead and Parking

The hike to May Lake starts from the May Lake Trailhead, found at the end of May Lake Road (1.7 miles / 2.7 km one way), just off Tioga Road.

Be aware that in early summer, even though Tioga Road is open, May Lake Road may still be closed. If this happens then you will have to hike an extra 1.7 miles (2.7 km) one way to reach the May Lake Trailhead.

The May Lake Road is completely paved but it takes a beaten during the winter months so expect lots of potholes. You do not need a 4WD vehicle though! Just take it slow and drive carefully as the road is quite narrow.

🚗 Parking Tips: If you want to park at the trailhead, arrive early. This parking area has limited spots and fills up fast! There is a big roadside pullout directly in front of the turnoff for May Lake Road – you can park here and walk to the trailhead. This will add 3.4 miles (5.5 km) to the total hike.

🚻 Facilities: There are vault toilets and bear-proof lockers at the trailhead. You will also find flush toilets, drinking water, and bear-proof lockers at May Lake.

🚌 Shuttle Option: The Tuolumne Meadows Area Shuttle is running this season until September 13, 2026. It provides stops between Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and Olmsted Point approximately every 30 minutes.

One of the stops is for May Lake – I’m not sure if the shuttle goes directly to the trailhead or drops you off at the beginning of the road. On their website, it says “hike to lake is 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip, with 1,100 feet of elevation gain” and it’s “eastbound only.”

Best Time to Hike the May Lake Trail

🪻 Late June to Early July: Yosemite’s high country begins to come back to life with wildflowers starting to bloom and snowmelt filling streams and lakes. Patches of snow may still linger at higher elevations, so be prepared with the appropriate gear. Tioga Road may still be closed during this time, so check road conditions before heading out!

☀️ July to August: These months are the most popular for hiking due to warm weather and clear trail conditions. Expect more crowds, especially on weekends. And be aware of afternoon summer thunderstorms!

⚠️ Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

🍂 September to Early October: This is an ideal time for those seeking fewer crowds (as compared to peak summer crowds) and cooler temperatures. The weather is generally dry, and the crisp fall air makes for excellent hiking conditions. However, be prepared for cooler mornings and evenings, and always check for early snowstorms in late September and October.

🌨️ November to May: Tioga Road will be closed during this period due to snow. There is a chance it could be open in November and May (on rare occasions even in December) – check road conditions HERE.

I have zero experience exploring Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows in winter, so I’m going to leave that for the experts. If you have the knowledge, skills, and experience then you do you. Always be smart and safe!

The best time of day to hike the May Lake Trail is before sunrise! Not only is the temperature a lot cooler for hiking and you avoid the crowds, but watching the sunrise glow hit Mount Hoffmann above May Lake is a beautiful sight to see. Don’t forget a headlamp!

I personally haven’t hiked this trail for sunrise, but my husband and I were able to watch the sunrise a few times from our campsite at May Lake. This is a lot more convenient (and you don’t have to wake up as early) if you’re already at May Lake camping.

Hiking the May Lake Trail: Step-by-Step Directions

May Lake Trail

The trail starts between the vault 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 climbs higher and higher. It may feel quite tough due to being at high elevation so take your time, rest, and enjoy the views along the way.

Soon you will get stunning views of Yosemite’s high country. You will also get a great view of Mount Hoffmann!

May Lake

At 1.2 miles (1.9 km) in, you’ll arrive at May Lake, sitting at 9,270 feet. You might see a decent amount of people here because not only is May Lake a popular day hike but it’s also the location of one of the High Sierra Camps as well as a backpacker’s camp.

🚫 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 either on the southern or eastern shore, where you can look across the sparkling water with Mount Hoffmann towering above.

If you have the time and are capable of hiking strenuous trails, I highly recommend making the trip up to Mount Hoffmann. It’s an amazing hike but not for beginners! Read my guide to hiking Mount Hoffmann to learn more.

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!

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

Tips for Hiking to May Lake in Yosemite National Park

1. Start Early: 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. Acclimate to the Elevation: The May Lake Trail climbs from 8,710 feet to 9,270 feet, so the high elevation can make the hike 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.

3. 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 National Park!

4. 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 National Park

🎟️ 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.

👚 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.

💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!

Conclusion

Compared to other hikes in Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows, May Lake is one of the easier ones making it doable for most people!

The hike ends at a beautiful, sparkling alpine lake with an incredible view of Mount Hoffmann. It’s one of my favorite day hikes as well as one of my favorite spots to camp!

If you’re visiting Yosemite’s high country for a few days, I highly recommend adding May Lake to your itinerary. And if you’re feeling crazy, continue following the trail to the summit of Mount Hoffmann. The latter is tough so make sure you’re prepared!

If this guide inspires you to hike to May Lake in Yosemite National Park, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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