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By Root 3260 0

ample opportunities to fish, but swimming is not allowed. May Lake is in the center of Yosemite National Park and is a good jumping-off point for other high-country hikes. The numerous peaks surrounding the lake include 10,855-foot Mount Hoffman, which rises behind the lake. A hikers' camp lies on the south side of the lake.

Mono Pass

8.5 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Trailhead on south side of Tioga Rd. as you enter the park from Lee Vining. Drive about 1½ miles from park entrance to Dana Meadows, where trail begins on an abandoned road and up alongside Parker Creek Pass.

You'll pass some historical cabin sites, then hike down to Walker Lake, and return by the same route. The hike loops into the Inyo National Forest and the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and it climbs to an elevation of 10,600 feet. Hikers enjoy a stupendous view of Mono Lake from the top of the trail.

Mount Dana

5.8 miles RT. Very strenuous. Access: Trailhead on southeast side of Tioga Rd./Calif. 120 at Tioga Pass.

This climb is an in-your-face reminder that Mount Dana is Yosemite's second-highest peak. The mountain rises 13,053 feet, and the trail gains a whopping 3,100 feet in 3 miles. The views at the top are wonderful, and once you catch your breath you can again stand upright. You can see Mono Lake from the summit. In summer, the wildflowers add to this hike's beauty.

North Dome

10 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Tioga Rd. east to Porcupine Flat Campground, past White Wolf. About 1 mile past campground is a sign for Porcupine Creek, at a closed road. Park in designated area.

This hike offers amazing views of Yosemite Valley. Walk south down the abandoned road toward the Porcupine Creek Campground. A mile past the campground, the trail hits a junction with the Tenaya Creek and Tuolumne Meadows Trail. Pass a junction toward Yosemite Falls and head uphill toward North Dome. The ascent is treacherous because of loose gravel, but from the top you can catch an all-encompassing view of Yosemite Valley, second only to the view from Half Dome.

Polly Dome Lake

12.5 miles RT. Easy to moderate. Access: Tioga Rd. past White Wolf to Tenaya Lake. Drive about ½ mile to picnic area midway along lake. Trailhead is across road from picnic area.

This hike is easily the road least traveled. The trip to Polly Dome Lake is a breeze, and you'll find nary another traveler in sight. Several lakes beneath Polly Dome can accommodate camping. The trail fades in and out, so watch for markers. It crosses a rocky area en route, then skirts southeast at a pond just after the rocky section. Polly Dome Lake is at the base of—you guessed it— Polly Dome, a visual aid to help hikers stay the course.

Soda Springs

1.5 miles RT. Easy. Access: Trailhead at crosswalk just east of Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. Or from parking lot north of Tioga Rd. at road marker T-32; follow gravel road around a locked gate.

This trail crosses Tuolumne Meadows and then the Tuolumne River on a wooden bridge. It's peaceful and beautiful, with the sound of the river gurgling along as it winds slowly through the wide expanse of Tuolumne Meadows. The trail leads to a carbonated spring where you can taste the water, although it gets mixed reviews. For years, the spring was administered and owned by the Sierra Club, which operates the nearby Parsons Lodge, now an activity center. Also nearby is the historical McCauley Cabin, which is used for employee housing in the summer.

Sunrise Lakes

8 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Tioga Rd. to Tenaya Lake. Trail begins in parking area on east side of road near southwest end of lake.

This hike leads through quiet wooded glades while affording occasional glimpses of distant vistas. Look for a sign that says SUNRISE, then follow the level road to Tenaya Creek, cross the creek, and follow the trail to the right. The hike parallels Tenaya Creek for about .25 mile, then moves away through a wooded area and climbs gently up a rocky rise. After a while, the trail descends quickly