High Sierra Camp Loop
~6 days · 47.4 mi · strenuous · Loop
Quick facts
What the High Sierra Camp Loop is known for
Loop linking Yosemite's five High Sierra Camps — Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake and Vogelsang — through the granite high country around Tuolumne Meadows. About 49 miles as published (the mapped loop reads shorter), typically 5-7 days with a night near each camp. Wilderness permit required.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 23,110 ft to 34,734 ft over 47.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 19.5 mi · 42%
- Downhill 23.1 mi · 50%
- Flat 3.4 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the High Sierra Camp Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the High Sierra Camp Loop scores 24/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the High Sierra Camp Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the High Sierra Camp Loop in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 47.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the High Sierra Camp Loop?
The High Sierra Camp Loop climbs roughly 8,012 ft total — about 169 ft per mile, topping out near 10,712 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.