May Lake to Snow Creek

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

May Lake

Yosemite's North Rim

Summit Mt. Hoffman

Tenaya Lake

Incredible Sunset Vistas

Yosemite Valley

Our May Lake to Snow Creek backpack trip offers a bit of everything Yosemite has to offer in only four days: a high alpine lake, a summit hike, alpine meadows, old growth forests, waterfalls, creeks/rivers, sunset bluffs, and camping at one of the most scenic spots along Yosemite Valley's North Rim directly across from Half Dome. Begin this trip by meeting and camping in the popular Yosemite Valley before relocating to Yosemite's High Country at Tenaya Lake. Backpack to May Lake at 9270'. Either rest and relax along the May Lake shores, or do an optional summit of Mt. Hoffman (10,850'), Yosemite's geological center of the park, and one of John Muir's favorite viewpoints within the park. Enjoy the alpenglow sunset this evening on the perch above May Lake. On day three, we leave May Lake and descend towards Yosemite Valley, with camping the final night on the North Rim at the Snow Creek site, directly across from Half Dome, and nearly 2,750' above the Valley floor. On our final day, we will descend to the Valley past the spectacular cascades of Snow Creek before reaching Mirror Lake at the base of Half Dome. This is also a great trip for families and/or those wanting to experience so many of Yosemite's highlights on an easier multiday hike.

Mileage & Difficulty

15-18 Miles

(Map and Elevation)

Moderate

Length

4 Days

Price

$1,600

Per Person

Departure Info

Curry Village Shuttle Stop #14

4 p.m.

Check Availability

48-Hour Risk-Free Booking

You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.

Lifetime Credit Policy

Book with confidence knowing you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before your trip date and receive a transferable lifetime credit that is good for use on any of our programs.

Free Date Changes

Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so at least 30 days before the current and new trip dates.

All dates remain tentative until confirmed 23-24 weeks in advance.

We are now fully permitted through July 4, 2026 departures.

See HERE for more info.

Yosemite 2025 Update: The National Park Service was given the green light for Yosemite to hire all needed seasonal employees for the summer 2025 season. We do expect to be able to run all our programs as planned. Should reservations be required, participation in Lasting Adventures programs, trips, and/or tours includes entry when reservations are needed

Women's Exclusive Trip Dates: 8/24-8/27

2026 Departure Dates by Month

All dates remain tentative until permitted 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining your dates. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm.

May Lake to Snow Creek Backpacking Trip

For a detailed map with an elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.

Day 1

Meet your guide in Curry Village at 4 p.m. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, explore some of the Valley’s hidden gems with your guide. Camping in the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campsite.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: ~0.5 mi / +0′, -0′

Day 2

After breakfast and packing up the campsite, our group will return to Curry Village and for our transfer to Tenaya Lake by 8am. Enjoy rugged wilderness vistas at Tenaya Lake (8,150′) before hiking up a total of 3.2 moderate miles to May Lake at 9,329′. After setting up camp along the shore of the alpine lake, opt for a leisurely time along the lake or a 4-mile round-trip hike to the top of Mount Hoffmann (10,850′). Mount Hoffmann is the geographical center of Yosemite National Park and was John Muir’s favorite summit view. Speaking of views, enjoy a magical sunset and alpenglow views on the bluff above May Lake this evening.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 3.2 mi / +1185′, -11′ (Optional additional 3.2 mi/1535′ of elevation if hiking Mount Hoffmann)

Day 3

Hike south and mainly downhill a total of 7.5 miles (as we cross back over Tioga Road/Hwy 120) to the top of Snow Creek Falls (6,720′) and to one of the most scenic viewpoints along the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. Here, we will camp alongside the creek, directly across from the sheer face of Half Dome. This site offers amazing views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 7.5 mi / +273′, -2869′

Day 4

We will return to the Valley itself by hiking down the Snow Creek trail, which descends 2,600′ feet into the Valley below. Once on the Valley floor, we will hike out beside Mirror Lake (at the base of Half Dome) for another 2 miles. Ending time is usually between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. back in Curry Village.

Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 4.8 mi / +109′, -2858′

Other: The May Lake Yosemite trip combines high-alpine lakes and scenery, a chance to summit a major peak in Yosemite, and views into Yosemite Valley from the northeast rim. This is also a great trip for families and/or those wanting to experience so many of Yosemite’s highlights on one of our easier multiday hikes.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability, which we gain 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

See here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags and pads, LEKI trekking poles, and eating gear, free of charge. Group gear, including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification, is also included. See the Guide Service Backpacking Equipment List for more information.
See our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Transportation Options, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
Parking will be available adjacent to the first day’s meeting location.
All trips include the required permits and are pending permit availability, which we gain 23-24 weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates. If we cannot acquire permits for this exact itinerary on your chosen dates, you will be contacted with options to choose different dates and/or cancel/refund.
Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required.

See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.

Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

What Our Clients Say

					Amazing experience with Lasting Adventures!! Thoroughly recommend Lasting Adventures!I went backpacking with a group of 7 ladies for this epic trip. Yosemite itself was amazing. But far above this was the expertise, friendliness, and helpfulness of our guides. Our guides cared for us, laughed with us, created a safe space to experience this amazing wilderness, and taught us all how to get along "out there." They were respectful, funny, kind, and knowledgeable. I just can't say enough about their attitudes and presence. My experience (and that of my friends) was top notch. I couldn't imagine a better trip. Would go again in a heartbeat!
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Summer S.
9/25/2023
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Summer S.
9/25/2023

						Amazing experience with Lasting Adventures!! Thoroughly recommend Lasting Adventures!I went backpacking with a group of 7 ladies for this epic trip. Yosemite itself was amazing. But far above this was the expertise, friendliness, and helpfulness of our guides. Our guides cared for us, laughed with us, created a safe space to experience this amazing wilderness, and taught us all how to get along "out there." They were respectful, funny, kind, and knowledgeable. I just can't say enough about their attitudes and presence. My experience (and that of my friends) was top notch. I couldn't imagine a better trip. Would go again in a heartbeat!
					
					It was an awesome experience and our guides, Dyson & John, were incredibly patient and took care of all the details for us! The equipment we used was in good shape so we didn't have to travel with all of it. Our group appreciated the insight and local knowledge from Dyson & John and loved being able to enjoy the scenery and explore camp while they prepared meals & even cleaned (so spoiled)!
- Read Moreread less
Leslie J.
9/25/2023
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Leslie J.
9/25/2023

						It was an awesome experience and our guides, Dyson & John, were incredibly patient and took care of all the details for us! The equipment we used was in good shape so we didn't have to travel with all of it. Our group appreciated the insight and local knowledge from Dyson & John and loved being able to enjoy the scenery and explore camp while they prepared meals & even cleaned (so spoiled)!
					
					The following review was written by my son after the 4-day May Lakes backpack in Yosemite: This was my first Lasting Adventures trip. I liked this trip because Emliy brought Uno cards. Kieran helped make jokes. If I go on a trip it would be with Emily and Kieran because they are funny and good knowledgeable guides.
- Read Moreread less
dawn k.
7/05/2022
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dawn k.
7/05/2022

						The following review was written by my son after the 4-day May Lakes backpack in Yosemite: This was my first Lasting Adventures trip. I liked this trip because Emliy brought Uno cards. Kieran helped make jokes. If I go on a trip it would be with Emily and Kieran because they are funny and good knowledgeable guides.
					
					May Lake to Snow Creek Great gear, great food and the views were awesome. Huge thank you to Aida and Cairan for being the best guides! They went above and beyond for the group
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Maggie M.
9/29/2021
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Maggie M.
9/29/2021

						May Lake to Snow Creek Great gear, great food and the views were awesome. Huge thank you to Aida and Cairan for being the best guides! They went above and beyond for the group
					
					Profound and immersive Yosemite experience Our family of four (boys ages 14 and 13) went on the 4 day/3 night May Lake to Snow Creek trip. We met our guides Graham (just graduated from college) and Gus (just graduated from high school) at Half Dome Village. We could immediately tell that these wonderful young men were deeply experienced and at ease in the wild. They really took great care of us - they were encouraging, cooked us fantastic meals, and shared their knowledge of Yosemite's wildlife, geography, and history.The first night was spent camping in the valley - good for acclimating to the altitude. We then took a bus up to Tioga road and hiked up to May Lake, which was beautiful. There, we were simply delighted when my younger son caught some fish! Five trout, which we cleaned on the spot and all shared for dinner. What a spectacular and memorable day.The next day was spent hiking down to Snow Creek. Surprise! It poured rain just as we arrived to camp, and we were drenched. My wife and I shivered and huddled together. But soon, Graham and Gus had a fire going - I was so grateful for the warmth.On the last day, my wife developed severe blisters on the steep hike down back to the valley. I was so impressed with Gus, who kindly loaned her his own socks, sandals, and trekking poles so that she could make it to the finish line. Not only that, Gus displayed such patience, maturity, and compassion in looking after my wife.Even though this was one of the shorter trips that Lasting Adventures offers, it was really a transformative and unforgettable experience for me. The journey was physically demanding in just the right way. It made me grateful for the creature comforts we enjoy each day. And I felt like I was really part of it all - immersed in nature and one of the most beautiful places on earth.
- Read Moreread less
myeh72
8/10/2017
×
myeh72
8/10/2017

						Profound and immersive Yosemite experience Our family of four (boys ages 14 and 13) went on the 4 day/3 night May Lake to Snow Creek trip. We met our guides Graham (just graduated from college) and Gus (just graduated from high school) at Half Dome Village. We could immediately tell that these wonderful young men were deeply experienced and at ease in the wild. They really took great care of us - they were encouraging, cooked us fantastic meals, and shared their knowledge of Yosemite's wildlife, geography, and history.The first night was spent camping in the valley - good for acclimating to the altitude. We then took a bus up to Tioga road and hiked up to May Lake, which was beautiful. There, we were simply delighted when my younger son caught some fish! Five trout, which we cleaned on the spot and all shared for dinner. What a spectacular and memorable day.The next day was spent hiking down to Snow Creek. Surprise! It poured rain just as we arrived to camp, and we were drenched. My wife and I shivered and huddled together. But soon, Graham and Gus had a fire going - I was so grateful for the warmth.On the last day, my wife developed severe blisters on the steep hike down back to the valley. I was so impressed with Gus, who kindly loaned her his own socks, sandals, and trekking poles so that she could make it to the finish line. Not only that, Gus displayed such patience, maturity, and compassion in looking after my wife.Even though this was one of the shorter trips that Lasting Adventures offers, it was really a transformative and unforgettable experience for me. The journey was physically demanding in just the right way. It made me grateful for the creature comforts we enjoy each day. And I felt like I was really part of it all - immersed in nature and one of the most beautiful places on earth.
					
					Unforgettable family experience! Our family of four (two adults and two teenage girls) took the 4-day May Lake/Snow Creek backpacking trip at the beginning of August. We had never backpacked before, so we were hesitant about what the trip would entail. However, our guides Graham and Gus did an amazing job of helping and encouraging us, and they kept both the kids and adults interested and engaged. They provided all of the food, including trail snacks, and there was always enough to fill us up! They also provided all of the equipment, including trekking poles which were extremely helpful as we descended.I'm glad we turned to Lasting Adventures to make our time in Yosemite so memorable. The park is beautiful, but without our amazing guides, we would have remained in lower valley and would have missed some amazing sites.
- Read Moreread less
VEncinas2017
8/06/2017
×
VEncinas2017
8/06/2017

						Unforgettable family experience! Our family of four (two adults and two teenage girls) took the 4-day May Lake/Snow Creek backpacking trip at the beginning of August. We had never backpacked before, so we were hesitant about what the trip would entail. However, our guides Graham and Gus did an amazing job of helping and encouraging us, and they kept both the kids and adults interested and engaged. They provided all of the food, including trail snacks, and there was always enough to fill us up! They also provided all of the equipment, including trekking poles which were extremely helpful as we descended.I'm glad we turned to Lasting Adventures to make our time in Yosemite so memorable. The park is beautiful, but without our amazing guides, we would have remained in lower valley and would have missed some amazing sites.
					