MAY LAKE &
MT HOFFMAN
MAY LAKE &
MT HOFFMAN
STEP INTO
YOSEMITE'S BACKCOUNTRY
We’ll bring the permit, meals, gear, and expert guide
Stepping onto the trail is all it takes to experience the real Yosemite. In minutes you feel the peace of the open sky, granite peaks, and a lake waiting ahead. You swim before joining your guide at a campfire under the stars. This is wild, simple, and just what you were missing.
- 3 Days
- 7 Miles
- Beginner
Got questions? Contact us!
Price: $1,245
Just a $400 deposit to book!
2026 DATES
Aug 21-23 3 spots left
Yosemite grants permits five months in advance.
Dates may slightly shift until permit is granted.
A PORTAL TO THE WILD
Embark on a hike into Yosemite’s high-country, and enter a sprawling wilderness. On this trip, you’ll backpack just one mile to May Lake, brilliantly blue and nestled beneath towering peaks.
Set up a basecamp next to the water, swim, and explore the remote shoreline. Under a starry sky, listen to owls hoot and the gentle rustle of pines as you gather with new trail friends at a glowing campfire.
The next day, leave camp in place and follow your guide on a day hike to Mount Hoffman. After a fun scramble to the top, it’s easy to see why this was John Muir’s favorite summit. With Yosemite stretched out below your feet, the park unfolds like a life-sized map. This is one of the park’s most stunning viewpoints!
This trip is a perfect introduction to the park’s breathtaking backcountry. With only one mile of backpacking each way, Yosemite’s wilderness is more accessible than you ever imagined.
ADVENTURE ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Backpack to May Lake
1 mile +500 ft
DAY TWO
Day Hike to Mount Hoffman & Swim
Step out of your tent to the smell of hot coffee, with your guide preparing breakfast by the lake. Today, you leave camp in place, packing only the essentials for your hike to Mount Hoffman.
The trail climbs steeply above the treeline, opening to vast mountain views. The ascent is challenging, but the beauty pulls you forward with every switchback. You cross a windswept alpine tundra, then scramble over boulders, greeting the occasional chirping marmot along your way to the top.
At the summit, you are struck with awe! Alpine lakes sparkle across stark granite, Half Dome looks tiny in the distance, and jagged peaks stretch through the endless backcountry. From this geographic center of the park, Yosemite unfolds beneath you like a life-sized map. You study every canyon, peak, and hidden nook as your guide prepares lunch on the summit.
On the return hike, sweaty and exhilarated, you dive into May Lake for a refreshing swim. Spend the afternoon swimming, lounging in the sun, and sharing stories with fellow adventurers who have now become friends.
As evening falls, your guide prepares a delicious dinner, and you gather around the fire for one last night in the wilderness.
4 miles +1,250 ft | -1,250 ft
DAY THREE
Explore May Lake & Hike Home
Waking up this morning is bittersweet. Over the past two days, you’ve learned to feel at home in the backcountry, and now it’s time to leave.
After breakfast, your guide leads you on one last stroll along the shimmering shoreline of May Lake, taking in every angle of this beautiful alpine gem. Feeling adventurous? You can take one last invigorating jump into the water before packing up!
The hike back to the trailhead is short and sweet, allowing just enough time to reflect on our journey and let your imagination wander. You realize you’ve seen only a small corner of this vast wilderness and there’s so much more to explore!
Back at the trailhead, it’s time to say goodbye, now as experienced adventurers. With memories of sparkling lakes, towering peaks, and starry nights, you’re already looking forward to your next backpacking escape!
2 miles -485 ft
What kind of person is this trip for?
People who want a fun way to explore Yosemite’s backcountry without needing previous backpacking or camping experience. If you like being outdoors, don’t mind a bit of uphill hiking, and want a shared adventure with friends, family, or new people, you’ll feel right at home!
Most guests are first timers who want something more meaningful than a day hike, but still accessible and enjoyable.
How challenging is this trip?
This is a beginner level backpacking trip suitable for people who enjoy hiking. Expect to carry a 30-40 lb pack for one mile to camp. The following day, you’ll hike 4 miles round trip while carrying a light daypack.
If you can hike four miles, you’ll likely enjoy this trip.
If you don’t currently have a workout routine, training is recommended. You can easily practice by hiking four miles, jogging two miles, or walking on a stairmaster.
What's included?
Accommodations
• 2 nights camping in tents
Meals and Snacks
• All meals from the first day’s lunch to the last day’s lunch
• All snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and desserts!
Group Camping Gear
• Bear canisters, water filters, stove, cookware, first aid kit
• Individual tent for each client
• See Gear List
Wilderness Guide
• Professional local wilderness guide with a wilderness first responder certification
Wilderness Permit
• Permit to camp in Yosemite’s backcountry
What's not included?
Transportation to Yosemite
• Adventurers take own car to reach meeting point
Personal Gear & Clothing
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack
• Personal clothing
• Gear rental available
Gratuity for Guides
• Most people tip 10% – 20% of the trip cost
Trip Insurance
• “Cancel for any reason” trip insurance recommended
Backcountry Evacuation
• Read Terms & Conditions for full evacuation policy
What gear do I need? Do you provide it?
Here is a link to the gear list. We also offer a gear rental option.
We want to make it easy for you to join the trip. If you don’t own backpacking gear, or prefer not to travel with it, you can choose our rental option and we’ll provide everything you need.
How do I get there? (Airport, car, parking...)
Fresno is the closest airport to Yosemite. Most people stay the night before and after the trip in Yosemite Valley, Mariposa or Groveland. You must fly in the day before your trip starts and fly out the day after it ends. We do not guarantee exact return times to the trailhead.
A car is required to reach the meeting point. Public transportation and taxis are not available in this area. Once inside Yosemite, parking is free for the duration of your trip, and no special parking pass is needed.
What dates are available?
Aug 21-23 3 spots left
What is your cancellation policy?
A $400 non-refundable deposit is due at booking. The remaining amount is due 90 days in advance of your trip start date.
• If you cancel your trip 61 or more days prior to trip departure, you will receive a full refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit, booking platform fee, and credit card processing fee.
• If you cancel your trip 31-60 days prior to trip departure, you will receive a 50% refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit, booking platform fee, and credit card processing fee.
• If you cancel your trip 0-30 days prior to trip departure, no refund is given.
• No refund is given for any unused portions of a trip.
Please make sure you read and understand the Terms & Conditions.
When are trip dates confirmed?
Yosemite releases permits about five months in advance. If you book more than five months ahead, your exact permit dates may still be pending. In that case, we’ll confirm final dates before you make any non-refundable travel plans (flights, lodging, etc.).
How do I contact you?
I’d be happy to answer your questions!
• Email: LamplightersAdventures@gmail.com
• Phone: (209) 336-3147
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4 days | moderate
Backpacking over the remote Ten Lakes Pass, a valley of glittering lakes lies before you. Set up a basecamp on the shore of an unnamed lake. Day hike to secret lakes tucked away in the woods and swim. This is Yosemite’s most beautiful adventure!
Yosemite’s Ten Lakes Basin
4 days | moderate
Backpacking over the remote Ten Lakes Pass, a valley of glittering lakes lies before you. Set up a basecamp on the shore of an unnamed lake. Day hike to secret lakes tucked away in the woods and swim. This is Yosemite’s most beautiful adventure!
Yosemite’s Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River
6 days | moderate
Follow the Tuolumne River as it courses through a beautiful gorge. Dive into swimming holes and splash under waterfalls right next to camp! Perfect for fun-lovers and free spirits, this is Yosemite’s most all-around fun trek!
North Rim Traverse:
Yosemite Falls & North Dome
4 days | strenuous
Backpack across Yosemite Valley’s rugged North rim. In a wilderness frequented by bears, camp on North Dome and reach the top of America’s tallest waterfall. This trip offers the most stunning views in all of Yosemite!
