Overview

If you’re looking for an incredible backcountry adventure that isn’t too strenuous, look no further! During this five-day trip you’ll experience some of Yosemite’s pristine wilderness locations. Camp at the base of Mount Hoffman (10,850′) along the shore of May Lake. Swim, relax, or opt for a four-mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Mount Hoffman. Trek through high alpine meadows as you make your way to Polly Dome Lake—a hidden location surrounded partially by granite. Camp at Glen Aulin, nestled at the mouth of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Amazing sunsets are a specialty along this route! This trip is perfect for a family backpacking adventure, or those wanting something less strenuous.

As the calendar is confusing, our 2022 dates are:
6/14 - 6/18
6/21 - 6/25
7/4 - 7/8
7/22 - 7/26
7/29 - 8/2
8/11 - 8/15
8/16 - 8/20
9/4 - 9/8
9/11 - 9/15
9/17 - 9/21
9/24 - 9/28

Description

Day 1: Meeting

Stop At: Tuolumne Meadows, East Highway 120, California 95389 United States
Meet your guide in front of the Tuolumne Meadows Store at 3:00 PM. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, explore some of Tuolumne’s hidden gems. Grab dinner at the Tuolumne Grill before settling in for the night at the Tuolumne Meadows Backpacker’s Camp. (Note: food in the front-country is not included.)
Duration: 9 hours

Accommodation included:
Tuolumne Meadows Backpacker's Camp

Day 2: May Lake & Mount Hoffman

Stop At: Mt. Hoffmann, California United States
After grabbing breakfast at the Grill, take the shuttle to the May Lake trailhead. Before hitting the trail, soak in the alpine views at Tenaya Lake (8,150′) before hiking approximately 3 moderate miles up to May Lake. After setting up camp, opt for a four mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Mount Hoffman. Mount Hoffman is the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and was John Muir’s favorite summit view. After dinner, scramble up onto the secret bluff to witness the first amazing sunset.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included:
May Lake Backcountry Campground

Day 3: Polly Dome Lake

Stop At: May Lake Trail, Tioga Road, California United States
Hike 4.5 miles to Polly Dome Lake. Relax and swim in the pristine alpine lake as your guide prepares you a hearty dinner. Explore up one of the granite walls around the lake for another amazing sunset!
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included:
Backcountry camping at Polly Dome Lake

Day 4: Glen Aulin

Stop At: Tuolumne River, California United States
Hike 4.5 miles to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Spectacular waterfall and swimming hole here. After dinner take a short stroll to a bluff overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne for the final (and typically the most incredible!) Yosemite sunset.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included:
Backcountry Camping at Glen Aulin

Day 5: Return

Stop At: Tuolumne Meadows, East Highway 120, California 95389 United States
Hike out 6 miles along the meandering Tuolumne River to Tuolumne Meadows. Typically we arrive back in Tuolumne Meadows between 11am-1pm; perfect time for a burger from the Tuolumne Grill!
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
Breakfast