You’ll be able to find it once you’re on the open slope again. Mt Hoffmann Hike from May Lake, Yosemite National Park Written on November 8, 2019 . Hoffmann. Stick to the well-defined sandy path toward the peak with an antenna. Careful on the sandy or rocky sections where it is easier to slip on the downhill. If you’re already in the high country, consider bopping around to explore the area. The trail flattens out as you arrive at May Lake. Almost a year ago, the Tioga Pass was still open and we could access a winter wonderland in the high country. For this reason, I decided to exhaust myself further and venture over to the second saddle and do more scrambling. Continue reading ... 1 2. At 1.1 miles it makes for a blink of the eye hike in terms of distance. Watch Queue Queue It didn’t have that glossy reflection from the morning. May Lake is a high elevation lake off Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park north of Yosemite Valley. Pothole Lake is more like an overgrown pond, but Bertha May Lake is more like an high mountain lake, surrounded by cliffs. Please try again. Hoffmann peak offers 360-degree views of Yosemite, looking down on Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome as well as the backcountry, The geographic center of Yosemite National Park, The Mt. May Lake Trail: Easy trail to May lake - See 54 traveller reviews, 65 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. Hoffman ascent challenged my route-finding and scrambling abilities at high altitude. Slow down and look for an easy route. Enjoy views of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the way and Mount Hoffmann is reflected in the lake. Near the pit toilets, there will be a path (and a sign, I believe) to follow around one side of the lake. The trail to May Lake is nice and not very difficult. We kept going and had lunch at raisin lake, and the views there of Clouds Rest, Mt Clark, Tenaya Peak and … It is a well-used and obvious path that quickly takes you away from the lake through a small ravine. Continue on switchbacks until you reach the tree line. Enjoy rugged wilderness vistas at Tenaya Lake (8,150′) before hiking up a total of 3.2 moderate miles to May Lake at 9,329′. If you don’t use poles, you’ll start to feel the steep descent in your knees about halfway to three-quarters of the way down. Granite Lake is the largest of the 3 and is a great destination for a day hike and lunch. Hoffman is the geographic center of Yosemite National Park and an excellent, though strenuous, hike for May Lake visitors. The actual lake is pretty with nice mountains nearby. Here are some things we try to do when we go: Or you’re welcome to check out some things to do in the Yosemite Valley: Though I was physically prepared for a long hike, the Mt. before going to ensure the roads you’ll use to get there are open for the season. Don’t panic if you feel like you’re on the wrong trail. One of the most scenic hikes in Yosemite National Park with a backdrop of Tioga Road, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lake. A quick hike up to May Lake in Yosemite National Park, California. The trail moves upwards gradually in the beginning but continues in incline until you hit switchbacks. You’ve seen most of the front country while taking breaks during your hike up, but now you’ve got access to a 360-degree view including the backcountry and most of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Hike to May Lake. From this vantage point, you can see Cloud’s Rest, Half Dome, and the Cathedral Range. Hoffman is the geographic center of Yosemite National Park and an excellent, though strenuous, hike for May Lake visitors. Length 2.8 miElevation gain 498 ftRoute type Out & back The May Lake trail is a short hike 1.2 miles from the trailhead. We packed into May Lake and it was easy. With the additional views on the lower shelf, this also sounds like a lovely way to spend your day in Yosemite’s high country. The trail gains elevation before reaching Granite Lake, then descends to the outlet of the lake with another stream for crossing the lake outlet. Good thing I captured it earlier in the day! The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. This hike starts from 8710 feet at the May Lake parking lot, goes through the lake (9270 feet) and then goes all the way to the peak of Mt. Towering above May Lake, Mt. Hoffmann Peak for 360-degree views. Some grip and ankle support would have made the steeper sections much better. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Eustis ( 28.872393, -81.629878 ) 1.8 miles. I would recommend this hike to anyone, including those with children. To continue on to Mt. This is a challenging hike with an unmaintained "use" trail. From Puyallup, WA Let me and other travelers know in the comments what I should look forward to in the future! Highway 120/Tioga Road closes each winter, so. Still, though May Lake is pretty, it's Mount Hoffmann that makes this a four-star excursion. Along the way are several viewpoints that capture the grandeur of Yosemite, including magnificent views over Tenaya Canyon with Half Dome among the granite peaks and alpine forests. The trail to Mount Hoffman is completely unmarked, but well-enough traveled to be fairly easy to follow when the ground is snow-free. The view from the top is absolutely incredible with Yosemite in every direction. Click for PDF Directions Map of this Hike . Watch Queue Queue. Mount Hoffman is the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and was John Muir’s favorite summit view. May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. The north side has an impressive cliff. Hoffmann, It is a lovely gentle hike to get to May Lake, The backdrop of May lake is Mt. The May Lake trail is a short hike 1.2 miles from the trailhead. Enjoy views of Half Dome and surrounding mountains on the way. Log in, This blog is simply a hobby and labor of love for me. This 2.4-mile hike with 475 feet of elevation gain is a perfect outing for summer and early fall when the road and trail are free of snow. There are no lake views, but views of Klamath Basin and a peaceful walk through the forest. For specific directions, head over to this blog post by Modern Hiker. This trail features a gain in elevation of 4,550 feet. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Hoffman in the water. It will give 360 views that give an unusually good view of the northern part of the hike. The blue line marks May Lake Road (it's actually a 1.7 mile/2.7 km stretch of the Old Tioga Road), which leads from Tioga Road to the parking lot at the trailhead. The views presented in this section are not disappointing as one overlooks the magnificence that Yosemite's High … 4.0 3 mi / 500 ft gain May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. After setting up camp along the shore of the alpine lake, opt for a four mile round-trip hike to the top of Mount Hoffman (10,850′). List of trails Mountain Biking Enjoy riding your mountain bike through Falls Lake State Recreation Area! It is a very easy and short hike to May Lake. The trail is wide and easy to follow all the way to May Lake. The temporary Hanging Lake trail management plan can accommodate a maximum of 240 people per day spaced out in eight hiking groups/time slots. 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