May Lake High Sierra Camp: A Guide to the Hike and Campground

AvatarByDale Richard Hiking

May Lake High Sierra Camp: A Breathtaking Alpine Oasis

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, May Lake High Sierra Camp is a backcountry retreat that offers stunning views, endless hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities for solitude and relaxation. Located at an elevation of 7,900 feet, the camp is accessible only by foot or horseback, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The camp itself is a collection of rustic cabins that sleep up to 10 people each. Each cabin has a wood-burning stove, a table, and bunk beds. There are also shared bathrooms and a central dining hall. The camp is open from June to September, and reservations are required.

The surrounding area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Sierra Nevada. May Lake is a crystal-clear alpine lake that is surrounded by towering granite peaks. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, May Lake High Sierra Camp is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

Name Location Elevation
May Lake High Sierra Camp Yosemite National Park, California 7,214 ft (2,199 m)

History of May Lake High Sierra Camp

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a backcountry hut located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The camp is situated at an elevation of 7,900 feet (2,408 m) above sea level on the shores of May Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks. The camp is owned and operated by the Sierra Club, and it is open to the public for day use and overnight stays.

May Lake High Sierra Camp was built in 1929 by the Sierra Club’s Northern California Chapter. The camp was originally a simple wooden structure, but it has been expanded and upgraded over the years. The current camp consists of a main lodge, a kitchen, a dining hall, a shower house, and a number of tent platforms. The camp can accommodate up to 100 people.

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, and climbers. The camp is located on the Pacific Crest Trail, and it is a convenient stop for hikers who are backpacking the trail. The camp is also a popular destination for climbers who are attempting to summit Mount Dana, a 13,053-foot (3,979 m) peak that is located just a few miles from the camp.

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a few days in the wilderness. The camp is surrounded by stunning scenery, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Facilities and Amenities at May Lake High Sierra Camp

May Lake High Sierra Camp offers a variety of facilities and amenities for its guests. The camp has a main lodge, a kitchen, a dining hall, a shower house, and a number of tent platforms. The camp also has a variety of other amenities, including a library, a campfire circle, and a nature trail.

The main lodge is the central hub of activity at May Lake High Sierra Camp. The lodge has a large fireplace, a comfortable seating area, and a library. The lodge is also where guests check in and out, and where they can get information about the surrounding area.

The kitchen at May Lake High Sierra Camp is fully equipped with everything that guests need to cook their own meals. The kitchen has a stove, a refrigerator, a sink, and a variety of cooking utensils. The kitchen is also stocked with food and supplies, so guests don’t have to worry about bringing their own food.

The dining hall at May Lake High Sierra Camp is a large, open space where guests can eat their meals. The dining hall has tables and chairs, as well as a serving counter. The dining hall is also where guests gather for campfire programs and other activities.

The shower house at May Lake High Sierra Camp has hot showers and flush toilets. The shower house is located near the kitchen and dining hall.

The tent platforms at May Lake High Sierra Camp are located in a meadow near the main lodge. The tent platforms are raised off the ground, and they provide a comfortable place to sleep. The tent platforms are also equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.

In addition to the facilities and amenities listed above, May Lake High Sierra Camp also offers a variety of other activities for its guests. Guests can go hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating in the surrounding area. The camp also offers guided nature walks and campfire programs.

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a great place to spend a few days in the wilderness. The camp offers a variety of facilities and amenities, as well as a variety of activities for its guests. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or you’re looking for a place to challenge yourself with some hiking or backpacking, May Lake High Sierra Camp is the perfect destination for you.

Activities and Hikes in the Area of May Lake High Sierra Camp

May Lake High Sierra Camp is located in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. The area offers a variety of hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as fishing, swimming, and camping.

Hikes

There are several different hikes that you can take from May Lake High Sierra Camp. The most popular is the hike to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The hike is 22 miles round-trip and gains over 6,000 feet in elevation. It is a challenging hike, but the views from the summit are worth it.

Other popular hikes in the area include the hike to Clouds Rest, the hike to Half Dome, and the hike to Tuolumne Meadows. All of these hikes are challenging, but they offer stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Backpacking

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a great basecamp for backpacking trips in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. There are a number of different trails that you can take from the camp, and you can choose a trip that fits your fitness level and interests.

Some popular backpacking destinations in the area include the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the High Sierra Trail. These trails offer a variety of scenery, from alpine lakes to high mountain passes.

Fishing

May Lake is a popular spot for fishing for trout. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and the fishing is usually good in the early summer and fall. You can fish from the shore or from a boat.

Swimming

May Lake is a beautiful place to swim. The water is cold, but it is refreshing on a hot summer day. The lake is also a great place to cool off after a long hike.

Camping

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a great place to camp. The camp has a variety of campsites, including tent sites, group sites, and walk-in sites. The camp also has a dining hall, a kitchen, and a ranger station.

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a beautiful and challenging destination that offers a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing backpacking trip, or a peaceful place to camp, May Lake High Sierra Camp has something to offer everyone.

Getting to May Lake High Sierra Camp

May Lake High Sierra Camp is located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, about 10 miles from Tuolumne Meadows. The camp is accessible by hiking or backpacking.

By Hiking

The most popular way to get to May Lake High Sierra Camp is by hiking. The hike is 10 miles round-trip and gains over 2,000 feet in elevation. The hike starts at Tuolumne Meadows and follows the John Muir Trail to May Lake. The hike is challenging, but it is well worth it for the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

By Backpacking

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a great basecamp for backpacking trips in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. There are a number of different trails that you can take from the camp, and you can choose a trip that fits your fitness level and interests.

Some popular backpacking destinations in the area include the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the High Sierra Trail. These trails offer a variety of scenery, from alpine lakes to high mountain passes.

By Car

May Lake High Sierra Camp is not accessible by car. The closest car access is at Tuolumne Meadows, which is about 10 miles from the camp. You can either hike or take a shuttle to the camp from Tuolumne Meadows.

May Lake High Sierra Camp is a beautiful and challenging destination that offers a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing backpacking trip, or a peaceful place to camp, May Lake High Sierra Camp has something to offer everyone.

Q: What is May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: May Lake High Sierra Camp is a backcountry hut located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Yosemite National Park. It is situated at an elevation of 7,900 feet, and offers stunning views of May Lake and the surrounding peaks. The camp has 12 bunks, a kitchen, and a dining area. It is open from late June to early September.

Q: How do I get to May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: The best way to reach May Lake High Sierra Camp is by hiking. The trailhead is located at the end of the Tioga Road, about 12 miles from the town of Tuolumne Meadows. The hike is about 8 miles long, and takes about 4-5 hours to complete.

Q: What is the best time to visit May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: The best time to visit May Lake High Sierra Camp is during the summer months, from late June to early September. This is when the weather is typically clear and sunny, and the trails are free of snow.

Q: What activities can I do at May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: There are a variety of activities to enjoy at May Lake High Sierra Camp, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and stargazing. The camp is also a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Q: Do I need a permit to stay at May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: Yes, you need a permit to stay at May Lake High Sierra Camp. Permits can be reserved online or by calling the Yosemite National Park Wilderness Permit Office.

Q: What are the costs associated with staying at May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: The cost of a permit to stay at May Lake High Sierra Camp is $25 per person per night. The cost of food and other supplies is not included.

Q: What are the safety precautions I should take when hiking to May Lake High Sierra Camp?
A: There are a number of safety precautions you should take when hiking to May Lake High Sierra Camp. These include:

  • Hiking with a partner
  • Carrying a map and compass
  • Dressing in layers
  • Staying hydrated
  • Bringing plenty of food and water
  • Being aware of the weather conditions
  • Packing out all of your trash

    May Lake High Sierra Camp is a beautiful and serene destination that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The camp is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada and is accessible by a short hike from the Tioga Road. The camp offers a variety of amenities, including cabins, a dining hall, and a campfire circle. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • May Lake High Sierra Camp is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada and is accessible by a short hike from the Tioga Road.
  • The camp offers a variety of amenities, including cabins, a dining hall, and a campfire circle.
  • It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.