Top 6 Huts and Cabins in Yosemite Wilderness
Best huts in Yosemite Wilderness are situated within a landscape characterized by granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoia groves, and deep valleys carved by glaciers. This region encompasses a vast area of the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering diverse ecosystems from high alpine peaks to subalpine meadows. The wilderness provides a setting for backcountry exploration, with elevations ranging significantly across its terrain. It is recognized for its geological formations and extensive trail systems.
Best huts in Yosemite Wilderness
- The most popular huts…
Last updated: October 3, 2026
High Sierra Camp, May Lake
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Geology Hut at Glacier Point
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May Lake 🌲 Yosemite
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Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
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Sunrise High Sierra Camp
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John Muir Trail – Along the legendary trail through the magical Sierra Nevada
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The Geology Hut at Glacier Point offers visitors a chance to explore Yosemite's geologic history while enjoying amazing views of the valley. Built in 1925 by the Yosemite Natural History Association, the hut was designed to educate visitors about the valley shaped by glaciers, rockfalls, waterfalls, and rivers. While the hut is open year-round, Glacier Point Road is accessible from late May through November.
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Sunrise is one of nine High Sierra Camps. As you expect, it is famous for it picturesque sunrises every morning. It is kind of a luxury camp with nine tent cabins that you can book way in advance via a lottery system. A night is 159 Dollars. The camp is located at an elevation of 9,400 feet above sea level and was the last camp to be built on the fifty-mile High Sierra Camp Loop in 1960. The John Muir Trail passes by and it is a popular destination due to the beautiful landscape. More information: travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps
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May Lake is one of nine High Sierra Camps. It is nestled into the High Sierra at the beautiful May Lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountain wilderness. The ridge behind the Camp offers magnificent sunsets every evening and the lake is a good spot for fishing. It is kind of a luxury camp with eight tent cabins that you can book way in advance via a lottery system. A night is 159 Dollars. The camp is accessible with a strenuous uphill 1.2 miles hike from the May Lake parking lot. More information: travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps
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Glen Aulin is one of nine High Sierra Camps. It is nestled into the High Sierra at a scenic pool of the Tuolumne River, close to the waterfalls of White Cascade and Tuolumne Falls. It is kind of a luxury camp with eight tent cabins that you can book way in advance via a lottery system. A night is 152 Dollars. The camp is located at an elevation of 7,800 feet above sea level and was established in 1929. The Pacific Crest Trail passes by and it is a popular destination due to the beautiful landscape. To get here, start at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and hike eight miles along the Tuolumne River. More information: https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/
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Built in the early 1960s, the Sunrise High Sierra Camp is the last camp on the fifty-mile Sierra Camp Loop. Nine cabins can accommodate 34 guests.
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May Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at an elevation of 9,270 feet (2,830 m), surrounded by spectacular granite domes in Yosemite National Park, as well as a High Sierra Camp where backpackers can stay in tent cabins located near the lake. There are eight cabins that accommodate a total of 36 guests. The hike to May Lake from a parking area off Tioga Pass Road is 1.2 miles (1.9 km). The lake is overlooked by Mount Hoffmann. May Lake was named by topographer Charles F. Hoffmann of the California Geological Survey, for Lucy Mayotta ("May") Browne, who became his wife in 1870. It is the backcountry camp closest to a road. Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is located a hiking distance of 8.6 miles (13.8 km) northeast, and Sunrise High Sierra Camp is located a hiking distance of 8.3 miles (13.4 km) miles southeast. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Lake_(California), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sierra_Camps Route to get here, and more highlights: https://www.komoot.de/tour/6605831
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The High Sierra Camps are nine rustic lodging facilities located in two national parks and a national monument in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Open most years from June or July to September, they are staffed camps with tent cabins and food service facilities and receive their supplies by pack mules. Seven camps are located in Yosemite National Park. Five of these camps are located off the road in the wilderness, and are accessible only by hiking or by horseback riding. There are two similar camps which can be reached by automobile, located near the Tioga Road. Six of the camps are arranged along a loop trail 51.0 miles (82.1 km) long, and each camp can be reached in sequence in a one-day hike from the previous camp. There are also two similar camps to the south of Yosemite, one each in Sequoia National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument. The unguided trip rates for 2025 were $182.00 per person per day for lodging, breakfast and dinner, and $20 for lunch. Six day guided saddle trips are around $1600.00. Demand for reservations at the Yosemite backcountry camps is very high, and a lottery is conducted for reservations, with applications being accepted from November 1 to November 30 of the previous year for reservations the following summer. https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/high-sierra-camp-lottery In 2025 the camps did not open. Check that page for more information about the next years. Some background is also at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sierra_Camps For a day hike route to get here, and more highlights: https://www.komoot.com/tour/6605831
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of huts and accommodations are available in Yosemite Wilderness?
Yosemite Wilderness offers a range of accommodations from rustic ski huts to more comfortable tent cabins. You can find historic stone structures like the Ostrander Ski Hut, catered chalets such as the Glacier Point Ski Hut, and a series of High Sierra Camps with tent cabins, like High Sierra Camp, May Lake, Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.
What are some unique historical huts in Yosemite Wilderness?
The Geology Hut at Glacier Point, built in 1925, is a notable historical site designed to educate visitors about Yosemite's geological history. Another historic option is the Ostrander Ski Hut, a two-story stone structure built in 1941, offering a remote winter wilderness experience.
Are there any catered hut experiences in Yosemite Wilderness?
Yes, the Glacier Point Ski Hut offers a catered experience during winter. Unlike more rustic options, it provides homemade breakfast and dinner prepared by a hutkeeper, along with indoor bathrooms and comfortable amenities. The High Sierra Camps also offer daily meals at some locations, which can be reserved.
What are the accessibility and difficulty levels for reaching these huts?
Accessibility varies significantly. The Ostrander Ski Hut requires an arduous 10-mile trek from Badger Pass Ski Area, suitable only for experienced skiers. The Glacier Point Ski Hut is accessible via a 10.5-mile cross-country ski trip, manageable by experienced skiers. High Sierra Camps, such as High Sierra Camp, May Lake, are reached via strenuous hikes, often serving as stops on multi-day wilderness trips, with May Lake being a 1.2-mile uphill hike from its parking lot.
When is the best time to visit the huts in Yosemite Wilderness?
The best time depends on the type of hut experience you seek. Ski huts like Ostrander and Glacier Point are winter destinations, typically open when roads are closed due to snow. High Sierra Camps are generally open from June or July to September. The Geology Hut at Glacier Point is open year-round, though Glacier Point Road is accessible from late May through November.
What amenities can I expect at the High Sierra Camps?
High Sierra Camps, including High Sierra Camp, May Lake, Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, typically offer tent cabins with single cots, mattresses, pillows, and wool blankets. Some locations provide bathhouses with flush toilets, sinks, and hot showers. Supplies, including food and bedding, are often packed in by mule train, and daily meals can be reserved.
Are there specific permit or reservation requirements for staying at Yosemite Wilderness huts?
Yes, reservations for many huts and camps, especially the High Sierra Camps and Ostrander Ski Hut, are highly sought after and often secured through a lottery system well in advance. For example, applications for High Sierra Camps are typically accepted from November 1 to November 30 of the previous year for the following summer. It's crucial to check specific reservation processes for each location.
What should I pack for a trip to a rustic hut like Ostrander Ski Hut?
For rustic accommodations like the Ostrander Ski Hut, self-sufficiency is key. You must bring your own food, water filter, sleeping bag, and personal gear. The hut provides single bunk beds, a common kitchen, two outdoor toilets, solar-powered evening lights, and a woodstove for heat. Be prepared for challenging conditions and potential avalanche danger.
What outdoor activities can I do near the huts in Yosemite Wilderness?
Near the huts, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, consider routes like the Mist Trail or Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, which are moderate, or easier options like the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. For mountain biking, the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail offers an easy ride. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in Yosemite Wilderness and MTB Trails in Yosemite Wilderness guides.
Are there family-friendly options among the huts in Yosemite Wilderness?
While many huts require strenuous access, the High Sierra Camps offer a more supported wilderness experience that can be suitable for families with older children. For instance, the Glacier Point Ski Hut requires children to be at least 14 and accompanied by an adult for overnight stays. Always check specific age and fitness requirements before planning a family trip.
What natural features and viewpoints can I experience near the huts?
Many huts are situated amidst stunning natural beauty. The Glacier Point Ski Hut offers unparalleled views of Half Dome and the High Sierras. High Sierra Camp, May Lake is known for magnificent sunsets and fishing opportunities at the lake, overlooked by Mount Hoffmann. The Ostrander Ski Hut provides stunning views of Half Dome, the Clark Range, and other northern park peaks along the way.
What is the High Sierra Camp Loop?
The High Sierra Camps are arranged along a loop trail approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) long. This allows hikers to explore the wilderness in a 'hut-to-hut' style, reaching each camp in sequence with a one-day hike from the previous camp. This system provides a unique way to experience the High Sierra without carrying full camping gear.
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