5 Camps, Limitless Adventure
Overview
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 LotteryCurrent AvailabilityThe 2019 High Sierra Camp Lottery opens October 1, 2018. Please visit High Sierra Camp Lottery for more information. How to ApplyYosemite High Sierra Camps have been a popular destination in Yosemite National Park since they were first established. Because of the demand, we’ve created a lottery system for reservations. Applications are accepted in October for the following year. |
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
Important Information for 2018 Hikers: Conness Creek Bridge, used to access Glen Aulin, received some damage during the winter floods. The National Park Service is working to repair the bridge, but it is unlikely to be completed before your trip. For more information and safety recommendations click here.
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 an easy mile-long hike, 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 it 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 is the last camp 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 and accessible earlier and later in the season than the other High Sierra Camps. Approximately 14 miles (23 km) of steep hiking will get you to Merced Lake from Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. Because of this, nearly all visitors stop along the way at Vogelsang or Sunrise before continuing on to Merced Lake the next day.
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 Lakes, Booth 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.