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High Sierra Camp Loop
A 49-mile loop linking five backcountry camps in Yosemite's high country
About
The High Sierra Camp Loop stitches together five backcountry camps — Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, and Vogelsang — into roughly 49 miles of high-country trail through Yosemite's Cathedral Range, with about 8,100 feet of cumulative elevation gain over the full circuit. Most hikers start and end at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, spending one night at each camp over a five- or six-day trip. The loop can be hiked in either direction, or shortened into a one- or two-night out-and-back if you don't want the full circuit.
What the Route Covers
Trail between camps crosses open granite benches, subalpine meadows, and stream crossings mostly above 8,000 feet, with meaningful elevation change from camp to camp. This is a hard, multi-day backcountry route built for hikers already comfortable with sustained mileage and altitude, not a casual day hike.
Camps, Permits, and Timing
Each High Sierra Camp offers tent-cabins and cooked meals, which lets loop hikers travel with a day pack instead of a full backpacking load. Overnight stays at the camps are booked through Yosemite's annual High Sierra Camp lottery, separate from the wilderness permit required for the backcountry travel itself. Camp operations have shifted from year to year recently, with some camps closed in certain seasons, so confirm which camps are actually open and reservable for your dates before you build an itinerary around a specific stop. The camps generally run only in summer, roughly early July through early September, conditions permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the High Sierra Camp Loop and how hard is it?
The full loop covers roughly 49 miles with about 8,100 feet of cumulative elevation gain, rated hard. Most of the route sits above 8,000 feet, so it suits hikers already comfortable with multi-day mileage and altitude.
Do I need a permit to hike the High Sierra Camp Loop?
Yes. Backcountry travel requires a wilderness permit, and that's separate from reserving a bed at any of the High Sierra Camps themselves, which goes through its own annual lottery.
How many days does the loop take?
Most hikers plan five to six days, spending one night at each of the five camps, starting and ending at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. It can also be shortened into a one- or two-night out-and-back.
Are all five High Sierra Camps open every year?
Not necessarily. Camp operations have varied in recent seasons, with some camps closed in certain years, so check current status before planning an itinerary around a specific camp.
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