Here’s a glamping experience like no other—one that requires some work to enjoy, but that’s worth every ounce of effort. The work comes in the form of hiking or horse-packing to one or more of the five High Sierra camps, open June through early September. The most easily reached of the camps, May Lake, is a mile-long hike from Glen Aulin. From there, each camp is roughly 6 to 10 miles apart; all are strung along the 49-mile High Sierra Camp Loop trail. But once you’ve arrived, the scenery—some of Yosemite National Park’s most spectacular high country around Tuolumne Meadows—will make it all worth it. Plus, the fully outfitted cabin tents at each site, complete with a woodburning stove to ward off the chill of the ~9,000-foot elevation air, means you’ll only have to pack in your personal items and toiletries. Showers are available at three of the camps (subject to water availability); all camps have restrooms.
During your stay, enjoy hot dinner and breakfast, served family style with other guests—a great time to swap stories and hiking tips. Sack lunches for trailside picnics can also be ordered in advance. Guided hiking trips are available, lasting from 5 to 7 days, as are 4-to-6 day guided saddle trips, for both adults and children (minimum age for hiking trips is 7; for saddle trips, 10).
These camps have been a popular destination in Yosemite National Park since the first location, at Merced Lake, was established in 1916. Because of the demand, a lottery system is in place to secure reservations. Check out the lottery guidelines for how to submit an entry.
