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
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Experienced Guides
Lunch
Memories to Last a Lifetime!
Dinner
Souvenir T-Shirt
Breakfast
Permits
Use of Backpacking Gear as requested
Entrance to Yosemite National Park
Guide Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
Day 1 Meeting
-
Tuolumne Meadows
9 hours Admission ticket not included
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.)
Day 2 May Lake & Mount Hoffman
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Mt. Hoffmann
24 hours Admission ticket included
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.
Day 3 Polly Dome Lake
-
May Lake Trail
24 hours Admission ticket included
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!
Day 4 Glen Aulin
-
Tuolumne River
24 hours Admission ticket included
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.
Day 5 Return
-
Tuolumne Meadows
24 hours Admission ticket included
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!
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- 2025 Dates: 6/16-6/20, 7/7-7/11, 8/4-8/8, 8/29-9/2, 9/15-9/19
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
FAQs about 5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets
Can I cancel 5-Day Yosemite Backpacking - Amazing Sunsets for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 5 days.
Where does it start?
Curry Village Main Parking Lot near Shuttle Stop #14
What's included?
- Experienced Guides
- Lunch
- Memories to Last a Lifetime!
- Dinner
- Souvenir T-Shirt
- Breakfast
- Permits
- Use of Backpacking Gear as requested
What's not included?
- Entrance to Yosemite National Park
- Guide Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Tuolumne Meadows, Mt. Hoffmann, May Lake Trail, Tuolumne River.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Lasting Adventures












