Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 37.84670°N / 119.5092°W
Additional Information Elevation: 10850 ft / 3307 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview


Mount Hoffmann, aka Mount Hoffman and Hoffman Peak, located near the geographic center of Yosemite National Park (YNP), is one of the most popular hiking and trail running peaks in the park. The excellent summit views, short summit trail (3 miles), and close proximity to Tioga Road (aka CA SR-120, distance 2 miles) ensure this is so (characteristics it shares with Mount Dana and Lembert Dome). Hoffman's Thumb, an impressive spire located a few hundred feet south of the true summit, offers some additional rock climbing options with the Regular Route being rated 5.6. During the summer months, taking a chilly swim in May Lake on the hike out can be a treat. There is an obivious large boulder from which one can jump or dive into the lake (be careful as always). Winter, however, does not keep people away from the summit vistas as this also a popular destination with backcountry skiers.

Like Mount Dana, the easiest summit route is one of use and unsigned, however, unlike the former peak, Mount Hoffmann has an antenna on top. The South Slope Route (mostly class 1, class 2 at the top) begins at the May Lake Trailhead at 8,346 feet and follows the standard trail to May Lake. Upon reaching May Lake, head west following the use trail that skirts the south side of the lake. Soon after the route will turn north as you begin your ascent to the summit plateau. From here you will see peaks to the west and east with the true summit being towards the west. Looking west, you'll see Hoffman's Thumb to the left. There is a short class 2 scramble to the top from where you will enjoy great views of the Yosemite High Country looking north and Clouds Rest and Half Dome looking south.

During the winter months, the summit is also a popular skiing and snowshoeing objective. Intermediate to advanced skiers can climb and ski right from the summit of Mount Hoffmann. This shortest way to reach the summit entails adding a 10 mile approach to reach the May Lake Trailhead using the Snow Creek Trail from Yosemite Valley (starting at about 4,000 feet). This trip is typically done over 2 days each way.

Routes Overview
Route Name Difficulty FA Party FA Date
South Slope Class 2 Josiah Whitney, William Brewer, & Charles Hoffmann Jun 24, 1863
Southwest Ridge Class 3 ? ?
Crimson Corner III 5.9 Terri Counts & Alan Bartlett Aug 1982
Merle Alley Route III 5.7 Merle Alley & George Sessions Jul 1957
North Face III 5.7 A2 George Sessions & Bob Summers Aug 1969
East Face II 5.7 Steve Williams & Richard Doleman Sep 1970
Approach Face II 5.5 Vern Clevenger & Virginia Wallblom Aug 1974
Map List
Map Name Publisher Scale Interval Plastic Lat/Long UTM
Yosemite High Country Trail Map Tom Harrison Maps 1:63,360 200 ft Y Y Y
Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated 1:100,000 200 ft Y Y ?

 

Getting There


TIOGA ROAD (aka STANDARD) APPROACH: The May Lake Trailhead is the most popular starting point and easily reached from Tioga Road. Take CA SR-120 (aka Tioga Road) through YNP and turn north at the 2-mile dirt road for May Lake. This turn off is between Porcupine Flat and Olmstead Point.

YOSEMITE VALLEY (aka WINTER) APPROACH: During the winter months, Tioga Road is closed and skiing (or snowshoeing) in on this road is a long trip. Many skiers use the Snow Creek Trail starting in Yosemite Valley which is plowed year round. Hiking or skinning up this trail up 8 miles will take you to Tioga Road, from where you will reach the May Lake Trailhead in another 2 miles. When you reach Tioga Road, just head straight across on to the connecting trail which parallels the dirt road described above (or go west for 0.5 miles on Tioga Road to reach the May Lake dirt road).

Red Tape


PARK ENTRANCE FEE: Yosemite National Park is part of the US NPS and an entrance fee is charged. The most common way to enter the park is by vehicle for a $20 entrance fee good for 7 days. Check the NPS web site for the latest fees. As with all US National Parks, you also have several other options including an annual National Parks Pass.

OVERNIGHT TRIP PERMIT: Generally there's no reason to make this an overnighter (outside of winter that is) due to the short distance, however, if you are planning an overnight trip, you will need a Wilderness Permit since YNP has a trailhead-based quota system in place. At least 40% of the permits are available on a day-of or day-before basis. See the YNP Wilderness Permits Page for more information on how to reserve these permits by the Internet, phone (209-372-0740), or mail. While the permit itself is free, if you wish to make an advance reservation, there is a non-refundable $5 per person processing fee. If you want something more plush you can stay at the May Lake High Sierra Camp which operates on a lottery basis. Applications are available between October 15 and November 30 annually. More information at the above link and the High Sierra Desk at (559) 253-5674.

When To Climb and Ski


Generally, people hike this peak between May and October. Skiing is best during late winter to early spring from February to early May.

Mountain Conditions


Check the Official YNP Conditions Update webpage for the current weather and road closure status. This page also has a link to the National Weather Service 3-day and extended weather forecast which are published twice daily (4am and 4pm PDT).

External Links

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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Beakerboy - Oct 14, 2024 11:00 am - Hasn't voted

Swimming in May Lake is not permitted

There are posted signs which state that the lake is a drinking water source and swimming is not allowed.

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Children

Children

Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. For example, the Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children.