Tenaya Lake and May Lake Loop

The Tenaya Lake and May Lake Loop is a stunning hike that exhibits the beauty and grandeur of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Wander through sweet-smelling mixed pine forests to the shores glittering alpine lakes that are often littered with amazed hikers and lucky backpackers. Be sure to charge your camera for this one! We recommend this hike in the spring, when the snow-melt streams are surging and the granite peaks are capped with snow—just make sure to wear sturdy footwear as the route is rocky and uneven. Note: the National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional details.

Embark on your adventure along the Tenaya Lake and May Lake Loop from the Clouds Rest Parking Lot. From here, head left along the shoulder of Tioga Pass Road until you reach the May Lake Trailhead. Turn right here and begin hiking up the May Lake Trail. The path will gradually climb to the second May Lake Trailhead, where the terrain will become increasingly intense. Soon you will ascend the ridge to May Lake, a charming alpine lake with busy campsites along the shoreline. Revel in the beauty of the shimmering waters bounded by verdant pines and Mount Hoffmann.

From here, follow the Glen Aulin-May Lake Trail east through mixed pine forests lined with granite outcrops. Follow this route to the next junction, where you will be redirected southwest along the Murphy Creek Trail. Wander this path along the snowmelt stream, turning right onto the Tioga Pass Road at the trail’s end and following it back to the car park.