3 of the camps are reopened this year. Trip Report: July 21-25, 2026. I was finally able to do this trip after 7 years of waiting. It was great, and I look forward to doing it again in a few years since I was told by one of the managers that Vogelsang and Merced may reopen after all, as initial estimates for fixing water issues may have been way off! There are still some kinks they are working out this year, mostly to do with food supplies (some meal repeats and getting creative with menus), but it didn't really diminish the experience in any way, and no one went hungry. For this year at least, there are no camp stores and bagged lunches are included. So that information was wrong. It was explained to me that Aramark is simplifying things this year. Bedding and accommodations were comfortable. Temps were in the mid 70's during the day and mid-high 40s at night, and I was fine with just the provided comforter, wool blanket, and my bag liner. We did not feel the need to use the wood stove. Bathroom and washing facilities are in good working order with hot showers at Sunrise and cold showers at May Lake. Glen Aulin and May Lake have flush toilets. Sunrise has modern composting toilets. Tea was available almost all the time. We did spend the first night at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and that was "fine". The food there was very good and included if you booked as part of your loop. And we had no issues with bugs or insects. Didn't see a single mosquito.
The Trip: We indicated flexibility in our booking request and went clockwise with Sunrise as our first stop via the Cathedral Lakes/JMT. This was our 2nd favorite hike in (with nice vistas, meadows, and stops at Cathedral Lakes). Sunrise was my favorite HSC setup and had the best food. I felt Sunrise felt more like a backcountry experience. The hike from Sunrise to May Lake is less interesting with the exception of passing by Sunrise Lakes and a welcoming swim in Tenaya Lake. The setting of May Lake HSC was nice next to the lake, except it definitely felt less like you were in the backcountry with so many day hikers and the backpacking campsite so close. The first few miles of hike down from May Lake to Glen Aulin was beautiful with high vistas but very sun exposed. The rest was through forest. Glen Aulin HSC is right next to the GA waterfalls. After checking in, we hiked down to Waterwheel Falls. This is a must-do if you still have daylight and energy after arrival; even going down a mile or 2 is worth it. We found some nice pools to cool off in for the hot hike back up. The hike out from GA to Tuolumne Meadows was my favorite hike with beautiful meadow views, waterfalls, and hiking next to the river.T read more