Last updated: September 12, 2025
Place
May Lake Trailhead
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Animal-Safe Food Storage, Trailhead
A short trail leads through a conifer forest and across granite slabs to reach May Lake. Enjoy views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and surrounding peaks on the way.
Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round-trip; 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 485 ft (150 m)
Time estimate: 1-2 hours
Tips & Seasonal Information
Depending on conditions, particularly in early summer, the unpaved road to reach the trailhead may be closed. When closed, hikers must hike an additional 1.75 miles each way along the road. A vault toilet is available at the parking area. A flush toilet may be seasonally available at the May Lake High Sierra Camp.
Begin at the May Lake parking area, 1.75 miles (2.8 km) north of Tioga Road. This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November.
Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).