Program Overview: Spend a relaxing weekend in Yosemite’s high country exploring May Lake and a pair of nearby mountains, Tuolumne Peak and Mt. Hoffmann.
The trip kicks off with a Thursday evening get-together, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers, and review the route, Leave No Trace ethics, and safety tips.
On Friday morning, hike the mile from Tioga Road to May Lake, your home base for the weekend. After setting up camp, grab your day pack and join your guide for a day hike to the top of Tuolumne Peak. On Saturday, embark on another day hike to the summit of Mt. Hoffmann, which offers 360-degree views from the park’s geographic center, or kick back and lounge by the lakeshore near camp. After a final night at camp, you’ll pack up on Sunday and head back out to Tioga Road. Throughout the weekend, you’ll have opportunities to learn about the natural and human history of Yosemite’s high country (including about the Mt. Hoffmann “thumb” and weather station), and you’ll soak up the beauty and quiet of a late-summer weekend in the wilderness!
Know Before You Go
- When: Thursday, August 18 (orientation at 7:30 pm) to Sunday, August 21. Depart for backpacking trip on August 19 (morning), return August 21 at around 2 pm.
- Where: Hike from Tioga Road to Make Lake and Mt. Hoffmann.
- Registration includes: Guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), bear-proof canister rental, Yosemite Wilderness permit, and two nights of tent camping at Upper Pines campground before and after the trip (August 18 and 21). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Lodging options: Tent camping (included), or upgrade to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (August 18 and 21) for an additional fee. Camping and lodging dates cannot be adjusted. The upgrade option expires 30 days before the program. Lodging information will be sent immediately after registering.
- Experience level: No experience necessary!
View a suggested packing list.
COVID-19: We have implemented special safety measures to keep participants and instructors safe during the ongoing pandemic. Please review our COVID-19 procedures for details.
