Five Days Chasing Sunsets in Yosemite’s High Country
A family-friendly five-day backpacking route through May Lake, Polly Dome, and Glen Aulin—sunsets included.
On the second evening, the sky over the granite domes turns slow and deliberate—an orange coin sinking behind ridgelines—and the campsite settles into that rare, simple hush that only comes after a day of walking and work. You wake early, pack a small stove, and walk with wet hair and warm coffee toward a ridge that looks, from below, impossibly distant. The route on this five-day Yosemite backpacking trip compresses those small, perfect moments: cooling swims off granite, high meadows that smell like sage, and a campsite by a lake where the first stars are reflected like pinpricks in black glass. The promise is straightforward and deliberate: high-country hiking that isn’t punishing, views that reward you every mile, and sunsets that arrive like an encore.
Trail Wisdom
Permit and Food Storage
Wilderness permits are required and bear-resistant food canisters are mandatory for overnight stays; your guide will handle reservations but pack accordingly.
Filter Water Reliably
Carry a lightweight water filter or purification tablets—high-country streams look clean but should always be treated.
Layer for Temperature Swings
Bring an insulating midlayer and a wind shell—afternoons can be warm but nights are cold at elevation.
Footwear for Granite
Wear trail shoes or boots with solid traction to handle smooth granite slabs and loose dirt sections.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Polly Dome Lake: a quieter granite-pocket lake with great reflections
- •Side trip to May Lake viewpoint for unobstructed Hoffman vistas
Wildlife
Mule deer, Peregrine falcon
Conservation Note
Yosemite enforces strict food storage and campsite protocols; use a canister, camp in designated sites, and pack out all trash to protect wildlife and fragile meadows.
Yosemite lands were protected under the 1864 Yosemite Grant, an early precedent for federal land protection that helped shape the national park movement.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Early wildflowers, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Snow on high trails, Tioga Road may be closed
Spring brings melting snow and early blooms in lower elevations, but high-country access can be limited until roads open—expect variable conditions.
summer
Best for: Full access to Tioga Road, Stable trail conditions, Warm swimming
Challenges: Crowds near popular trailheads, Afternoon thunderstorms possible
Summer is the optimal season for this route with reliable access to May Lake and Glen Aulin, warm days, and clear nights.
fall
Best for: Crisp air and fewer hikers, Golden meadows
Challenges: Shortening days, Early snow at elevation possible
Early fall offers quieter trails and great light, but watch for sudden weather changes and cooler nights.
winter
Best for: Snowshoe or ski touring for experts
Challenges: Closed roads and deep snow, Need avalanche and winter skills
Winter turns high routes into a technical snow trip; this guided itinerary runs only in summer months.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Bear-resistant food canisterEssential
Required by park regulations and protects food from wildlife.
Lightweight water filterEssential
Allows safe use of alpine lakes and streams; reduces the need to carry excessive water.
Insulating sleeping bag (rated to 20°F or lower)Essential
Nights at 9,000–10,000 feet can be cold even in summer; a warm bag keeps you comfortable.
Sturdy trail boots with good tractionEssential
Supports ankles and grips polished granite and loose descents.
Common Questions
Do I need a wilderness permit for this trip?
Yes. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips in Yosemite; the operator secures permits for guided groups but confirm permit pickup and any ID needed.
How strenuous is the optional Mount Hoffman summit hike?
The summit option is about a four-mile roundtrip with steady elevation gain to 10,850 feet; it’s a moderate outing best attempted with proper footwear and acclimatization.
Are bear canisters required?
Yes. Yosemite enforces bear-resistant food storage for overnight backcountry travelers to protect both food and wildlife.
What kind of cell service can I expect?
Cell service is limited to nonexistent in much of the high country; plan for minimal connectivity and bring a printed map or a satellite communicator if needed.
Is this trip suitable for kids?
The itinerary is family-friendly compared to technical alpine routes, but children should be comfortable hiking several miles with a daypack and sleeping outdoors.
When is Tioga Road open?
Tioga Road is seasonal and typically opens late spring to early summer depending on snowpack; check park road updates before travel.
What to Pack
Bear-resistant canister (required); water filter (treat water); insulating sleeping bag (cold nights at elevation); sturdy trail boots (grip on granite)
Did You Know
Yosemite was the fifth U.S. national park and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984; the 1864 Yosemite Grant set an early precedent for federal land protection.
Quick Travel Tips
Book wilderness permits well in advance; check Tioga Road seasonal openings before travel; carry a physical map and a charged power bank; expect limited cell service in the high country
Local Flavor
After the trip, head back down to Yosemite Valley for a meal at Degnan’s Kitchen or the Ahwahnee Dining Room. For a laid-back beer and stories, Yosemite Valley Lodge’s bar is a good post-hike hang; if you’re exiting toward the eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes has casual pubs and bakeries to refuel.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest major airport: Fresno Yosemite International (FAT); Trailhead access: May Lake and Tuolumne Meadows via Tioga Road (seasonal); Driving: ~2–3 hours from Fresno to Yosemite Valley, times vary with traffic; Cell service: patchy to none in high country; Permits: Wilderness permit required and bear canisters mandatory for overnight stays
Sustainability Note
Carry out all trash, use approved bear canisters, camp only in designated sites, and avoid trampling meadow vegetation—these practices protect fragile alpine ecosystems.