5 Camps, Limitless Adventure
It is with our deepest regrets that we share with you that the backcountry camps in the High Sierra will be unable to open this year due to the record-breaking snowpack in the High Sierras.
Each year the final snow survey is taken by the NPS Winter Rangers to assess when Tioga Pass and the High Sierra Camps, trails, and services can open for the season. This year’s snow is greater than the park has experienced since they started recording snowfall totals in the high country. With the snowpack in excess of 200% of normal, snow is expected to persist into the summer season, delaying both damage assessment and access of the trails and facilities. Impacts on the Tuolumne and White Wolf areas are still being considered at this time.
We know that this trip has been likely postponed for you for many years at this point and we simply cannot express how heartbroken we are to have to cancel this experience for yet another.
Your reservation will be canceled and refunded to the original method of payment, please note that this could take 10 - 14 business days depending on your financial institution.
As a High Sierra Camp lottery winner, you will be guaranteed a winning spot in next year’s lottery should you choose to enter it. More information regarding next year will be released prior to the 2024 lottery.
Imagine all the joy of backpacking without the burden of a heavy backpack filled with tents and cooking gear. That’s the appeal of the Yosemite High Sierra Camps, nestled high in the wilderness and surrounded by nothing but nature. Accessible on foot or by mule, once you’re here you’ll be free to explore the back country—carrying only a day pack as you head out each day. Camps are spaced 6 to 10 miles apart along a loop trail. If you're new to wilderness travel, guided mule trips and hiking trips are available.
High Sierra Camp Lottery
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Camp Locations
See printable PDF charts for more information about your High Sierra Camping experience!
| From | To | Level | Distance & Time |
| Tuolumne Meadows Lodge |
Glen Aulin | Moderate | 8.0 miles, 12.0 km 4 hours |
| Glen Aulin | May Lake | Strenuous | 8.5 miles, 13.7 km 5 hours |
| May Lake | Sunrise | Strenuous | 8.25 miles, 13.0 km 4.5 hours |
| Sunrise | Merced Lake | Moderate | 9.5 miles, 15.5 km 5 hours |
| Merced Lake | Vogelsang | Very Strenuous | 7.8 miles, 12.5 km 6 hours |
| Vogelsang | Tuolumne Meadows Lodge |
Moderate | 6.8 miles, 11.0 km 3.5 hours |
| *Total loop 49 miles, 79 km | |||
High Sierra Map
Glen Aulin
At an elevation of 7,800 feet above sea level, Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp was established in 1929—nestled next to a magnificent waterfall and pool on the Tuolumne River. When you camp in one of the eight cabins here, you'll enjoy watching the sun set each evening with a stunning view of Mt. Conness in the distance.
May Lake
Accessible with a strenuous uphill 1.2 miles hike from the May Lake parking lot, May Lake High Sierra Camp offers incredible views of the surrounding mountain wilderness. Here, peace and tranquility abound—perched high in the mountains next to a pristine lake. Known to photographers as a must-see location, the ridge behind the Camp offers magnificent sunsets every evening. Fill your days with fishing, relaxing—or strong, expert hikers can set out to summit Mount Hoffman—the geographic center of Yosemite National Park—which is reflected in May Lake. The camp offers eight cabins that can accommodate 36 guests.
Sunrise
Facing east, Sunrise Camp is famous for its unimaginably beautiful sunrises—as the sun peeks over the distant mountain ranges, casting vivid colors across the morning sky. Set next to a lovely alpine meadow, the Camp faces Mt. Florence and Mt. Clark beyond. The hiking is excellent here, as you’ll be starting from 9,400 feet above sea level. Built in the early 1960s, Sunrise High Sierra Camp was the last camp to be built on the fifty-mile High Sierra Camp Loop. Nine cabins provide beds for 34 guests.
Merced Lake
The original High Camp at Yosemite, Merced Lake was established in 1916, and is the most remote of the High Camps. Located near Merced Lake, hikers tend to stay awhile and enjoy swimming, fishing and restful days along its shore. Because of the camp’s relatively low elevation (7,150 feet) it’s moderately warmer. The camp is accessible earlier and later in the season than the other High Sierra Camps. Most visitors arrive at Merced Lake having spent the previous night at Sunrise or Vogelsang. In fact, due to it's remote setting, many visitors choose to spend one or more nights at Merced Lake during their loop trip.
Vogelsang
The highest of the High Sierra camps at over 10,000 feet above sea level, Vogelsang was established in 1940 and is a great basecamp for hikes to the surrounding alpine lakes, including Evelyn Lake, Ireland Lake, Boothe Lake, Emeric Lake, and Vogelsang Lake. Here, you’ll find comfortable accommodations and great hospitality—at nearly two miles high. A dramatic step up from tent camping, our 12 cabins offer 42 guests comfortable beds—but no showers.