May Lake Trail Map


View May Lake & Mt. Hoffmann in a larger map

Distance:  2.5 miles (4 km) round trip to May Lake; 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip if you climb Mt. Hoffmann as well
Trailhead Elevation:  8,710 feet (2,655 meters)
May Lake Elevation:  9,270 feet (2,825 meters)
Mt. Hoffmann Elevation:  10,845 feet (3,305 meters)
Elevation Gain:  500 feet (150 meters) to May Lake; 2,000 feet (600 meters) to Mt. Hoffmann

The red line shows the trail to May Lake. It's short (1.2 miles/2 km), but climbs steadily. All that elevation will earn you some memorable scenery, though. Besides the views of the lake and Mt. Hoffmann, you'll also get cutaway views beyond the southern shore to Clouds Rest and various other High Sierra peaks (especially if you climb a little above the northern shore), and you'll be able to see Tenaya Lake from some points along the trail.

The purple line marks the trail to the top of Mt. Hoffmann. Just as you reach May Lake, the trail forks; take the left fork and it'll lead you all the way to the ridge.

The blue line marks May Lake Road (it's actually a 1.7 mile/2.7 km stretch of the Old Tioga Road), which leads from Tioga Road to the parking lot at the trailhead. The turnoff from Tioga Road is clearly signed. This road doesn't always open to automobiles at the same time the Tioga Road does, so for the first few weeks of the season you might have to hike this stretch instead of driving it.