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A gradual uphill trail meandering through forests and across slabs to a wonderful alpine lake.


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Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.8

KM

90%

Runnable

9,380' 2,859 m

High

7,893' 2,406 m

Low

1,868' 569 m

Up

516' 157 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Seasonal Road Closure may prohibit or alter access, especially in winter months.

Runner Notes

The reverse of this trail, starting at May Lake and finishing at Glen Aulin, is a great fast (read as: LONG downhill) journey and one of the typical starts for running the High Sierra Camp Loop.

Description

The well marked trail to May Lake branches off the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at a point near White Cascades, the waterfall next to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Prepare for the long uphill by filling your water bottles there, at McGee Lake or one of the small creeks further up the trail (which may be dry depending on the season)

After filling up on water, enjoy the gradual climb along a small creek to McGee Lake. The lake is a quaint spot for a short respite, as long as the mosquitos aren't swarming. Continuing up, passing under the East Face of Tuolumne Peak, visitors will follow the trail to the intersection of the Murphy Creek Trail and then the Ten Lakes Trail/ Tuolumne Peak Trail.

Shortly thereafter, the trees thin out and the trail follows granite slabs up to the ridge above May Lake. Don't miss out on the perfectly placed Raisin Lake, called by many the "warmest" lake in the high country. This is a perfect place to rest up for the steep final push up to May Lake. Grand views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Clark and beyond can be had from this section and from the ridge directly above the High Sierra Camp.

Flora & Fauna

Scattered various wildflowers along the trail, various pines.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

schleppy schlepenstien

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#7554

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#620

in California

#7,554

Overall
21 Views Last Month
1,984 Since Sep 15, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Mount Hoffman and May Lake in early morning
Dec 29, 2018 near Yosemit…, CA
Killer overlooks throughout this section
Jul 10, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
May Lake High Sierra Camp
Jul 10, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
McGee Lake in the morning
Dec 29, 2018 near Yosemit…, CA
On the trail to May Lake
Dec 29, 2018 near Yosemit…, CA

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