Mount Hoffmann Trail

Mount Hoffmann Trail is a 5.6-mile out-and-back from May Lake Trailhead, past May Lake to the granite summit at about 10,850 feet. This is a hard, high-country climb: allow four to seven hours, starting near 8,860 feet and gaining about 2,000 feet. The signed May Lake Trail is straightforward; the upper summit route gets steep and harder to follow. If you want a gentler day, May Lake alone makes a rewarding 2.4-mile round trip.

The trail climbs through conifers before crossing open granite, where views open toward Polly Dome and Tenaya Lake. May Lake is about 1.2 miles from the trailhead. It is a good place to pause and decide whether the harder climb sounds worth it; the route becomes much rougher beyond the lake.

The summit extension leaves around May Lake's south and southwest shore, crosses a boulder field to a shoulder, then climbs a steep open slope of loose granite. It is a long-used, less formal route than the signed lake trail, and the tread can fade among the rocks. Cairns help, but download a map before you go. The final approach reaches a bowl below the summit block and finishes with a short Class 2 scramble over broken slabs. Turn around at the lake if route-finding or hands-on scrambling is outside your comfort zone.

Mount Hoffmann sits near Yosemite's geographic center. From the top, Half Dome and Clouds Rest lie to the south, Tuolumne Peak to the north, and broad mountain views spread across the park. At May Lake, frame the pale summit above the water; its reflection makes the approach's defining view.

Start at May Lake Trailhead at the end of May Lake Road, off Tioga Road. Tioga Road closes to vehicles seasonally in winter, so check its status before driving in. No wilderness permit is needed for a day hike, but pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails. Bring food and water for the high-country outing.