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Sunrise High Sierra Camp

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 13/100 · Easyout and back#high-sierra-camps#alpine-lakes#beginner-friendly#yosemite
Distance
10.4 mi
Total gain
1,650 ft
Net gain
1,650 ft
Net loss
1,650 ft
Elevation
8,182–9,360 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

Sunrise High Sierra Camp sits on a mountainside above the Cathedral Range, 5.2 miles from Tenaya Lake past the Sunrise Lakes. It is the most accessible of Yosemite's five High Sierra Camps for backpackers — a tent-cabin outpost with unforgettable meadow views.

Highlights

  • The Cathedral Range panorama from the camp's meadow
  • The Sunrise Lakes chain on the climb
  • Tent-cabin meals for guests who reserve ahead
  • A short, well-graded approach

How hard is Sunrise High Sierra Camp?

CaliPeaks rates this route 13/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,650 ft puts this trip at 14% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 10.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 9,360 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Sunrise Lakes Trailhead (Tenaya Lake) (8,182 ft) · parking: Tenaya Lake trailhead parking off Tioga Road (Hwy 120)
  • Water: Sunrise Lakes and seasonal creeks; treat all water.
  • Resupply: The High Sierra Camp offers meals to reserved guests in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Sunrise Lakes entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. The High Sierra Camp area sits above the 9,600-ft fire line; the surrounding camping zones are stove-only. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early July.

Heat: Pleasant high-country temperatures.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Campground space near the camp is limited to designated areas
  • Stoves only — the camp is above the fire line
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tuolumne-meadows-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (10.4 mi round trip) and elevation gain (1,650 ft) from the Sunrise Lakes trailhead.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules above 9,600 ft and bear canister requirement.