Three of Yosemite High Sierra Camps will Begin Service Again in 2023 – Lottery is Now Open
Yosemite National Park, December 7, 2022 – One of the the more exclusive high sierra Experiences is a catered stay at the Yosemite high sierra camps. These camps have been closed over the last few years because of Winter difficulties, and the Covid pandemic, but are planning on opening in part for the 2023 Backpacking season.
2023 High Sierra Camp Update
The High Sierra Camps are an experience unlike any other. They are an introduction to the backcountry and wilderness of Yosemite, in a way that is accessible and responsible. Yosemite Hospitality and the National Park Service work in close partnership to protect and share the backcountry with those who want to experience it in this way. We take our role as stewards very seriously and actively work to protect the resources for generations to come.
The 2023 loop will begin at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and then travel by foot (with an NPS guide or self-guided) to Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise Lake and finish back at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for the full five-night loop of the High Sierra Camps. After evaluating and working closely with the National Park Service to look at all possible alternatives, it was determined that the beloved Vogelsang and Merced Lake camps will be suspended for the 2023 season.
We have also reevaluated the dining at the remote camps (Glen Aulin, May Lake, and Sunrise Lake) and are moving to create a more sustainable service that drastically reduces our environmental impact on the Yosemite backcountry. The new experience will feature culinary creations aligned with a traditional backpacking experience. The group meals served will be backpacking-style meals using dehydrated ingredients and fresh additions. The goal is to reduce our environmental impact with waste, pack mule impacts and additional strain on the delicate backcountry trails.
Imagine all the joy of backpacking without the burden of a heavy backpack filled with tents and cooking gear. That’s the appeal of the Yosemite High Sierra Camps, nestled high in the wilderness and surrounded by nothing but nature. Accessible on foot or by mule, once you’re here you’ll be free to explore the back country—carrying only a day pack as you head out each day. Camps are spaced 6 to 10 miles apart along a loop trail. If you’re new to wilderness travel, guided mule trips and hiking trips are available.
Guided High Camp Trips 2023
The Guided High sierra Camp experience incudes overnight stay in a shared canvas tent, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 5-Day Guided Hike will include Tuolumne Meadows, Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, and Tuolumne Meadows. 5 day guided trips cost $792 per adult and $420 per child. the 2023 schedule for guided trips:
Unguided High Sierra Camp Trips
Unguided Trips are just what they suggest. Trips include shared canvas tent, breakfast, and dinner. but travel between locations and lunches are provided by you. Prices for adults are $152 for adults and $80 per child for these services.
| Location | Open-Close Dates* | Rates* |
| Glen Aulin | July 7, 2023- September 10, 2023 | Adults: $152.00Children: $80.00 |
| May Lake | July 7, 2023- September 10, 2023 | Adults: $160.00Children: $85.00 |
| Sunrise | July 7, 2023- September 10, 2023 | Adults: $160.00Children: $85.00 |
| Merced Lake | Closed in 2023 | Adults: $160.00Children: $85.00 |
| Vogelsang | Closed in 2023 | Adults: $152.00Children: $80.00 |
Source: travelyosemite.com
