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Spend two days backpacking Yosemite’s May Lake and Mount Hoffman on this family-friendly adventure, combining easy hikes, alpine swimming, and stunning summit views.
Spend two days backpacking Yosemite’s May Lake and Mount Hoffman on this family-friendly adventure, combining easy hikes, alpine swimming, and stunning summit views.
Book with The Lamplighters Adventuring Society LLC
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Lamplighters Adventuring Society LLC · Fresno, California
Set in the towering wilderness of Yosemite National Park, the Family Overnighter to May Lake and Mount Hoffman offers a refreshing mix of adventure and relaxation suited for all ages. Located east of Yosemite Valley, May Lake sits at 9,270 feet elevation, framed by granite cliffs and pine forests. This easy-to-moderate backpacking trip spans two days, providing families with quality time to connect with nature, away from crowds.
The journey begins with a scenic 2.5-mile hike on well-maintained trails through fragrant Jeffrey pines and manzanita, leading up to the serene May Lake. The calm waters make for a perfect spot to swim or simply soak in the alpine atmosphere. As twilight falls, campers enjoy a cozy evening under a starlit sky—dinner over a campfire and stories shared among towering granite peaks.
Day two is highlighted by a invigorating hike to Mount Hoffman, a 10,850-foot summit offering panoramic views across the Sierra Nevada range and Yosemite’s iconic domes. The ascent challenges young hikers with rocky switchbacks and open ridges, but rewards them with sweeping vistas of peaks, alpine meadows, and glistening lakes below.
What makes this trip stand out is its accessibility paired with the immersive wilderness experience Yosemite is known for. The proximity to Yosemite Valley means visitors can seamlessly transition from the bustle of the valley floor to quiet alpine surroundings. This combination encourages families to balance active hiking with nature play, educational moments about local flora and fauna, and quality bonding time.
This trip's position in Yosemite also means a chance to witness diverse wildlife including mule deer and Steller’s jays. It’s a fantastic gateway for young adventurers to develop confidence on trail while appreciating an iconic national park’s enduring beauty. Whether roasting marshmallows or reaching a summits, families leave with memories tied deeply to Yosemite’s rugged, inspiring landscape.
moderate.
2 days, 3–5 hours hiking per day.
Participants should be comfortable with multi-hour hikes and moderate elevation gain.
Yes, it’s designed for families, though kids should be able to hike several miles and manage basic camp tasks.
Yes, wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Yosemite’s backcountry and should be reserved in advance.
Pets are not allowed on most Yosemite trails including the May Lake area and Mount Hoffman route.
Mule deer, Steller’s jays, and occasionally marmots can be seen near the lake and trails.
Yes, but the water is cold year-round. Supervise children closely and avoid swimming in rough conditions.
Late spring through early fall offers the best trail conditions and weather for this trip.
Yosemite National Park was established in 1890, protecting vast granite cliffs and alpine lakes including May Lake.
All visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace and use bear-proof food containers to protect wildlife.
The Lamplighters Adventuring Society LLC is a Yosemite-based guiding company operating in the Yosemite Valley Area, California. The Lamplighters offers private guided hikes, family outings, day tours, and multi-day backpacking trips tailored to small groups and families. Guides focus on safe, interpretive experiences that showcase Yosemite's iconic landmarks and secluded high-country lakes. Trips include day hikes such as the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Yosemite Valley walking tours, and family beach days at Tenaya Lake, as well as more immersive adventures like summit Half Dome in a day and multi-day backpacking routes to May Lake, Clouds Rest, and the Ten Lakes Basin. The Lamplighters provides route planning, on-trail leadership, and prepared lunches or picnic options on select outings. For families, the company offers shorter, accessible hikes including a Family Hike to a Hidden Lake and a Family Overnighter to May Lake and Mount Hoffman designed to accommodate a range of ages. Safety and stewardship guide operations: guides emphasize Leave No Trace practices and operate within park regulations. The Lamplighters Adventuring Society LLC positions itself as a specialist for private, small-group Yosemite adventures, operating from Yosemite Valley and focused on delivering memorable outdoor experiences. Guests can expect expert route knowledge, logistics support for day and overnight trips, and options that range from relaxed beach and swim days to challenging summit climbs. Reservations and trip selection guidance are provided through the business's booking channels. Guides hold wilderness training and maintain current certifications relevant to safe park operations and emergency response.
Book with The Lamplighters Adventuring Society LLC