The High Sierra Camp Loop is a 46-50 mile loop through Yosemite's high country between Tuolumne Meadows and the Cathedral Range, and one of the park's most scenic backpacking routes. It connects five historic High Sierra Camps (Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Vogelsang, and Merced Lake), each spaced 6-10 miles apart at elevations from 7,800 to 10,300 feet.
The scenery is classic Sierra Nevada: polished granite peaks, clear alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, cascading waterfalls, and long views across Yosemite's wilderness. You cross Vogelsang Pass, camp beside the Tuolumne River, and wake to sunrise views of Mount Florence and Mount Clark. The trail can be hiked in either direction, though most backpackers go counter-clockwise starting from Tuolumne Meadows.
This is a good trip for strong intermediate to advanced backpackers who are comfortable with high-elevation hiking and variable alpine weather. The cumulative elevation gain (8,000+ feet), regular afternoon thunderstorms, and occasional confusing junctions put it out of reach for beginners. On the other hand, the well-maintained trail, reliable water, and bear lockers at each camp keep the logistics manageable for anyone with solid backcountry skills.
A wilderness permit is mandatory year-round for overnight trips in Yosemite's backcountry. Permits cost $5 per person plus a $15 non-refundable reservation fee when booked in advance, or $10 per group plus $5 per person for walk-up permits during the season. You can reserve permits up to 24 weeks in advance through Recreation.gov; 60% of permits are released at the 24-week mark and the remaining 40% two weeks before your start date.
Popular trailheads for the High Sierra Camp Loop (Lyell Canyon, Cathedral Lakes, Glen Aulin) have daily quotas of roughly 25-40 people, and permits sell out quickly for summer dates. Apply as soon as the reservation window opens. During the off-season (November through April), free permits are available at self-registration stations with no advance reservation needed.
Bear canisters are mandatory throughout Yosemite wilderness, with no exceptions, and tree-hanging is prohibited. Approved canisters rent from the park for $5 per week (7 days) with a $95 deposit at the wilderness centers in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. The Ursack is not approved in Yosemite even though it is certified elsewhere.
Campfires are restricted to below 9,600 feet and only in existing fire rings at least 100 feet from water and trails. Above 9,600 feet, use stoves only. Check current fire restrictions before your trip, since additional bans can be in effect during high fire danger.
Maximum group size is 15 people total, and children count toward the limit. The $35 park entrance fee is valid for seven consecutive days, or buy the $70 annual Yosemite Pass.
The High Sierra Camps typically operate from early July through early September, which is also peak backpacking season on the loop. The best conditions come from late July through mid-August, after the snowpack has melted, stream crossings have calmed, and the worst of the mosquito hatch has passed.
Early season (late June through mid-July) brings snowmelt-swollen creeks, lingering snow patches up high, and heavy mosquito swarms. Trip reports universally mention "tons of mosquitoes" and recommend head nets and strong repellent for anything before late July. High water can make creek crossings difficult or dangerous during peak runoff.
Mid-season (late July through mid-August) is the sweet spot: snow-free trails, moderate creek flows, far fewer mosquitoes, and predictable afternoon weather. Wildflowers peak in the meadows during this window. Daytime temperatures run 60s-70s, with nights in the 30s-40s. Book permits well in advance for these weeks.
Late season (late August through September) gives you cooler temperatures, minimal bugs, occasional fall colors, and fewer people. Many veterans consider September the nicest month, with stable weather and real solitude. The catch is water: the route to Sunrise camp can be completely dry by September, so plan carefully and carry extra capacity. Streams that flow reliably in July may be down to trickles or dry by late September.
Winter access: Tioga Road closes from November through late May (sometimes into June in heavy snow years), which cuts off the high country entirely. Check current road conditions before planning a shoulder-season trip.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Start hiking early and reach camp by early afternoon to stay off exposed passes and ridgelines during lightning hours.
Water is abundant along the High Sierra Camp Loop from July through mid-August, with creeks, lakes, and the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers all providing reliable sources. All water must be treated; carry a filter, chemical purification, or UV sterilizer, and choose flowing streams over still ponds when you can.
Seasonal reliability varies significantly. In July, during peak snowmelt, water is everywhere. By late August and September, some sections go dry. The climb to Sunrise camp is notorious for being 100% waterless in late season, so carry 2-3 liters for that stretch. Sections between Vogelsang and Merced Lake may also run low by September. Ask rangers about current water conditions when you pick up your permit.
Each High Sierra Camp has bear lockers open to backpackers (you do not need to be a paying guest) at Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Vogelsang, and Merced Lake. These boxes let you cache food mid-loop and cut the weight you carry on any given day. Some backpackers drop food at the May Lake trailhead or in the Sunrise camp boxes before starting the loop and carry only 2-3 days of food at a time.
No resupply towns are reachable mid-loop without leaving the wilderness. The nearest services are in Tuolumne Meadows (limited grocery at the store, gas, showers) or Yosemite Valley (full services). Most backpackers carry all food for the 5-6 day trip, though caching in the bear boxes is a popular way to lighten the load.
River and creek crossings on the loop are generally manageable in normal summer conditions (July-September). Most crossings have logs or stepping stones, and few require fording. During peak snowmelt (late June-early July) or in high snow years, crossings can be swollen and dangerous; early season hikers should have crossing experience and be ready for cold, fast water. By late summer, most crossings are easy rock-hops.
Lightning is the most serious hazard. Afternoon thunderstorms build regularly over the Sierra high country in summer. Start hiking early and plan to reach camp by 2-3pm so you are not caught on an exposed ridge or pass during peak lightning hours. If you hear thunder, descend from high points immediately, avoid isolated trees and open meadows, and shelter in dense forest. Vogelsang Pass and the open terrain around Sunrise camp are particularly dangerous in a storm.
Elevation and acclimatization catch many hikers off guard. The loop runs between 7,800 and 10,300 feet with over 8,000 feet of cumulative gain. Altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue are common for hikers arriving from sea level. Spend 2-3 nights in Tuolumne Meadows before starting, and sleep at lower camps when possible: Glen Aulin (7,800') and Merced Lake (7,150') work well for acclimatization.
Bears are active throughout the loop. Use the bear lockers at each camp and never leave food unattended. Bears have learned to associate the High Sierra Camps with food and patrol these areas often. Between camps, keep everything in your bear canister and store it 100 feet from camp.
Mosquitoes from mid-June through mid-July can be relentless. Head nets, long sleeves, and strong DEET are essential for early season trips. By late July, populations crash.
Navigation is straightforward on the maintained trail, but junctions can be confusing. Carry a detailed map and know your route. There is no cell service anywhere on the loop.
Most backpackers start the High Sierra Camp Loop from one of several trailheads around Tuolumne Meadows on Tioga Road (Highway 120). Tuolumne Meadows is 55 miles (1.5 hours) from Yosemite Valley via Tioga Road, or 8 miles west of the park's east entrance at Tioga Pass. Common starting trailheads include:
From Yosemite Valley: Take Highway 120 east for 10 miles to Crane Flat, then continue on Tioga Road for 38 more miles to Tuolumne Meadows.
From the east: From Lee Vining on Highway 395, take Highway 120 west 13 miles through Tioga Pass (9,945') into the park. Tuolumne Meadows is 8 miles from the entrance station.
Road conditions: Tioga Road is closed from November through late May (sometimes June in heavy snow years) and typically opens in late May or early June depending on snowpack. There is no gas at Tuolumne Meadows; fill up in Lee Vining, Yosemite Valley, or before entering the park.
Parking gets tight on summer weekends. Arrive early (before 8am) to get a spot at popular trailheads like Cathedral Lakes. The Tuolumne Meadows area has multiple lots; look for signs for your specific trailhead.
Shuttle options: The YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus runs from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley with stops at Tuolumne Meadows from June through September, for $23 each way. The Yosemite Hiker's Bus runs between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows and stops at all major Tioga Road trailheads; you can flag it down at any trailhead if there is room. Both are useful for point-to-point hikes or if you start and end at different trailheads.
Nearest airports: Fresno (FAT) is 2.5 hours to Yosemite Valley. Reno (RNO) is 3.5 hours via the east entrance. Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is closest to Tuolumne Meadows but has limited service.
Nearest towns: Lee Vining (12 miles east of Tuolumne) has gas, groceries, restaurants, and lodging. Mammoth Lakes (45 miles southeast) has full services. Yosemite Valley has groceries, restaurants, showers, and gear shops.
Cache food in bear boxes to cut pack weight. Many hikers drop 2-3 days of food at the May Lake trailhead or in the bear boxes at Sunrise camp before starting the loop, then pick it up mid-trip. That way you carry 2-3 days of food at a time instead of 6.
Hike counter-clockwise starting from Tuolumne Meadows/Glen Aulin. This puts the steepest climb (Vogelsang Pass) later in the trip when your pack is lighter, and sets you up for the sunrise views at Sunrise camp.
Camp strategically for acclimatization. If you are coming from low elevation, spend your first night at Glen Aulin (7,800') or another lower camp rather than climbing straight to 10,000+ feet. Many hikers underestimate the elevation gain on this route.
Start hiking by 6-7am to beat afternoon thunderstorms and have camp set up by early afternoon. The early schedule also means cooler climbs and fewer people at popular campsites.
Use the vault toilets at each High Sierra Camp; they are open to backpackers even if you are not staying at the lodges. Sunrise camp reportedly has the best facilities. Vogelsang has no toilets, so dig proper Leave No Trace catholes 200 feet from water.
Don't camp right at the High Sierra Camps unless you like crowds and generator noise (the camps run on generators). Hike 0.5-1 mile past each camp for quieter, better campsites, while staying close enough to use the bear lockers for food storage.
Water up before dry sections, especially the climb to Sunrise camp, which can be completely dry by late August. Carry capacity for 2-3 liters through the potentially waterless stretches.
Wildflower timing: Peak bloom in the alpine meadows usually comes in mid-July. If you can put up with the mosquitoes, it is the best-looking stretch of the season.
Fall colors and solitude: September brings golden aspens, fewer crowds, and stable weather, but less reliable water. It is the month for experienced backpackers willing to carry extra.
Permits for Cathedral Lakes trailhead are especially competitive. Consider alternate starting points like Lyell Canyon or Glen Aulin for better availability.
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