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Home » Adventure Blog

January 3, 2023 By YExplore Leave a Comment

Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance

YExplore Yosemite Adventures is having a Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance Sale on all of our inventory. Please visit the Yosemite Gift Shop for all items that must be sold by the end of March. We created this line of hats, shirts, and decals as a fundraiser to support black bears in Yosemite. We are currently looking to improve our line of merchandise to offer but must sell out our remaining stock before we move forward.

Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance

These items are priced to sell quickly so you need to act fast to get your favorite Richardson trucker hat, classic trucker, tshirt, hoodie, or decal. Each choice is of high quality standards and adorned with our Yosemite Tunnel View Bear logo.

Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance

Color supplies are limited so please list a backup choice if your original color is not available. Be sure to shop the YExplore Yosemite Bear Gear Clearance Sale for the best deals. https://www.yexplore.com/yosemite-gift-shop/

In 2017, YExplore Founder John DeGrazio developed a concept for a new logo he hoped would be iconic for Yosemite. In a collaboration with Lawson Studios in Oakhurst, CA, we have created the Yosemite “Tunnel View” Bear. It is a native Yosemite black bear outlining the iconic scene from Tunnel View. We have selected the finest quality garments to proudly display this attractive design. We are equally proud to announce that proceeds from sales have been donated to the Yosemite National Park Bears. Thank you for helping to protect Yosemite bears. Keep bears wild!

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Filed Under: Adventure Blog

June 23, 2021 By YExplore 2 Comments

Hiking Guide to Mt. Hoffmann and May Lake

Mt. Hoffmann is a beautiful peak in northeastern Tuolumne County in central Yosemite National Park, California, United States. Rising above May Lake, it is a 6.2 mile (10.0 km) one-way hike from Tioga Pass Road. The mountain is named after the cartographer Charles F. Hoffmann, who was involved in the California geological survey of the Sierra Nevada. We love this hike and would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a real gem with breathtaking views over wide parts of Yosemite National Park.

Where are Mt Hoffmann and May Lake located


The location is not in Yosemite Valley, but actually in the Tioga Road area which is not far from the popular Olmsted Point viewpoint which is situated on May Lake. 

Officially there is no trail marked on the park map, but it is there and easy to find (for anyone). Usually, first time visitors may have some trouble there at first, but more on that later.

Trail profile:

  • 472 vertical meters from May Lake (10 km total hike)
  • Trailhead to May Lake (moderately ascending trail, about 1 leisurely hour each way)
  • Lastly, there is water and toilets at High Sierra Camp at May Lake
  • Technically undemanding hiking tour with fitness for approx. 6 h total walking time (without rushing)
  • Surefootedness and hiking boots are highly recommended

Start the hike to Mt Hoffmann and May Lake

MayLake_DeGrazio_iPhonography_1113
May Lake from the Mt. Hoffman Trail by John P. DeGrazio

Access from Tiogo Road via May Lake Access Road (turnoff is signed) to trailhead (TH). 

The road is a dead end, drivable by any vehicle and mainly in a condition that makes looking out for potholes very reasonable. 

From the TH parking lot the trail to May Lake is clearly visible. We will follow this trail to the lake on a good path through fairly typical, mostly light High Sierra terrain. 

Upon arriving at May Lake, we find a High Sierra Camp off the famous, long distance hiking trail – Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Above the lake, we can already see Mt. Hoffman which is our destination. Can you see already the summit?  

Do not follow the PCT along the lake because at the end of the lake, you get further away from the goal. 

The secret is to pay attention. Upon reaching the May Lake Camp, you have to keep left, in front of the lake as there follows the lake shore in a westerly direction. 

At the end of the lake, the clearly visible trail turns left again and then runs through wildflower-covered meadows through a gully back to the south. After about 800 m the trail turns right to northwest and leads up several steps to the summit. Many stonewalls (cairns) help you to stay on the trail. If you miss the upper trail, it’s not a problem. The solid scree slope with large stones is easy to climb.

The first “summit” which you had already seen from below, is not the actual summit, but just the summit plateau. 

Have we reached the summit of Mt Hoffmann?

Not yet, upon following a path over the rather flat plateau which to us seemed to be a walking path, you walk around the small massif on the right hand side, the real summit of Mt Hoffmann with the summit cross is hiding behind it.

On the left there is a real dragon ridge leading up to it. On the right there is a dizzying precipice to the valley behind it with great glittering mountain lakes.

Coming from the left to the large saddle on the right below the summit, you can now see the original hiking trail at May Lake.

From the above-mentioned large saddle, you now head straight for the summit. The last meters are quite steep and run over large stone blocks with good grip to the top. Here, you have to use your hands every now and then to help, but due to the good grip of the granite rock prevailing in this area, it is not dangerous and easily doable.

On the summit, the summit cross turned out to be a weather station and it was quite cool. All around you, you typically find the usual most beautiful blue Californian sky. As a reward for the hiking efforts, you might want to have a nice piece of chocolate.

The view that opens up here is magnificent. Mt Hoffmann has a premium view from the summit with 360° panoramic view over the entire Yosemite area and large parts of the Sierra Nevada with hundreds of ice age formed peaks (Ice Age says hello).

Photos can’t reflect this magnificent view.

By the way, the dragon ridge can be explored from the summit for further pastime (and to stretch the legs) without any problems – a great playground!

After some time, you followed the trail back to May Lake and then the known access trail back to the car.

Conclusion of the Mt Hoffmann and May Lake hike

Mt Hoffmann and May Lake offer an amazing mountain hiking day with a relatively lonely highlight of the Yosemite area. No comparison to the crowded hiking destinations in the Valley and for some the nicer part of the National Park.

May Lake, with the mountains reflected in the water, is worth a trip alone and doable for everyone.

If you are interested in similar adventures, follow us to our Half Dome Hiking Guide.

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Filed Under: Adventure Blog, Hiking Guide Tagged With: Hiking Guide, May Lake, Mt. Hoffmann

July 28, 2019 By YExplore Leave a Comment

Nepal Peru 2020

Nepal Peru 2020 is an ambitious plan to trek on two continents on two adventures of a lifetime in the span of two months. The journey begins March 22, 2020 in Kathmandu, Nepal. From there we will fly to the famous Lukla airstrip for the commencement of the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. Next we visit Peru in South America on May 22, 2020. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will tour that city and other Inca sites before embarking on our next expedition. Then we will take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to complete our epic journey.

Nepal Peru 2020

Nepal Peru 2020

I welcome all of you to join one or both of these exciting expeditions. Nepal Peru 2020 will be significant for many reasons. 2020 will be a major milestone year for me so I am looking to celebrate the entire year with adventures on multiple continents. I am personally going to join both trips and look forward to each one. Don’t hesitate and apply for your passport now.

Nepal 2020

The trip to Mount Everest Base Camp will be a 13 day trek. We will stop in tea houses along the way that will provide warmth and hearty meals. We will learn about Nepalese Culture while enjoying all the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. Book now to make your Everest Base Camp reservation today. We are offering a special discount code EBC150 for $150 off each person.

Peru 2020

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will follow the historic path in Peru created centuries ago. This will be a 9 day tour visiting many cultural sites in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. We will begin in Cusco for some culinary delights blended in with tours of the vibrant city rich in culture. Then we will visit some locations nearby for more enriching experiences before our trek begins. Finally, we make a four day journey into the Andes Mountains for an unforgettable experience. Sign up now to make a Machu Picchu reservation today. We are offering a special discount code ITMP500 for $500 off each person.

Space is limited to 12 people for each tour. Sign up today to receive your discount. I hope to see you in 2020.

If you are interested to learn something about Kilimanjaro then read more here. To get a full picture of our global treks, take a look at this page.

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Filed Under: Everest Base Camp, Global Adventures Tagged With: adventure, adventures, andes, base camp, cusco, everest, expedition, global, hike, hiking, himalaya, kathmandu, lukla, machu picchu, peru, tour, trek, trekking

December 23, 2018 By YExplore Leave a Comment

Yosemite Bear Gift Items

They might not be delivered in time for the holidays, but we are pleased to announce our new line of Yosemite gear featuring our Yosemite Tunnel View Bear. You will find these and other great Yosemite Bear gift items in our Yosemite Gift Shop.

Yosemite Bear Gift Items

We are excited to announce our new ‘first edition’ unisex Yosemite Bear Charcoal hoodie in sizes S, M, L, and XL. Quantities are limited at this special price of $45.

Yosemite Gift Shop

In addition to demand for a hoodie we have received many requests for a Yosemite Bear Decal. Here it is! We have two styles. One is a 4 inch durable decal that will be perfect for your favorite water bottle of school notebook. Decals are $5.

Yosemite Tunnel View Bear

The results are in, and everyone loves their new Yosemite Bear decals. Here is Krysta Wolken, our very first YExplore Ambassador, sharing hers.

More Yosemite Gift Items
YExplore Ambassador Krysta Wolken sharing some Yosemite Bear Love

Our second decal is a smaller one at 1.5 inches that would fit perfectly on a phone case or other personal items. The smaller decal is $3, and proceeds from each Yosemite Bear gift item will directly benefit Yosemite bears.

Yosemite Gift Shop

Thank you again for helping support our Yosemite bear project. Now, you can spend as little as $3 on Yosemite bear gift items at our gear shop to support Yosemite bears. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year from YExplore. If you’re interested in browsing other items, feel free to check out our Yosemite Gift Shop as well as any last minute Yosemite gifts for your loved ones.

In 2017, YExplore Founder John DeGrazio developed a concept for a new logo he hoped would be iconic for Yosemite. In a collaboration with Lawson Studios in Oakhurst, CA, we have created the Yosemite “Tunnel View” Bear. It is a native Yosemite black bear outlining the iconic scene from Tunnel View. We have selected the finest quality garments to proudly display this attractive design. We are equally proud to announce that proceeds from every purchase you make will be donated to the Yosemite National Park Bear Management Team via the Yosemite Conservancy. Thank you for helping to protect Yosemite bears. Keep bears wild!

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Filed Under: Adventure Blog

December 20, 2018 By YExplore Leave a Comment

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts

Have you waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Just choose one of our last minute Yosemite gifts. You’ll be sure to make your loved ones happy this holiday season.

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts
Yosemite Is a Winter Wonderland

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts

Give the gift of adventure. We have many exciting Yosemite tours to choose from. We offer day hikes, photo workshops, and backpacking trips in every season so you’ll be sure to please the ones on your nice list.

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts
Yosemite’s Waterfalls Are Unrivaled

Don’t be afraid to share a last minute Yosemite gift with yourself this year. You deserve the reward of a world class trip to Yosemite National Park, one of the most remarkable places on the planet.

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts

Picture yourself in Yosemite in 2019

Of course, you should bring loved ones on your adventure if they share an appreciation for nature. We offer many family experiences that are fun for all ages.

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts
Share a Yosemite Adventure with Loved Ones

Our guided Half Dome hike is our most popular trek in summer months. Many explorers have joined us on this achievement of a lifetime throughout the years. Make your reservation today. We will be happy to discuss the permit process with you. You will also be placed on our list to choose a date that works for you.

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts
Achieve a Summit with YExplore

Other last minute Yosemite gifts are available in our Yosemite Gift Shop where you will find our exclusive Yosemite Tunnel View Bear Gear. You will also find our Yosemite Bear Richardson caps. New items are arriving every day.

Last Minute Yosemite Gifts
YExplore Founder John P. DeGrazio

Finally, I would just like to say a heartfelt thank you to all who help make YExplore Yosemite Adventures one of the premier guiding companies in Yosemite National Park. Our team of Yosemite experts and guides are here for you to help you plan your Yosemite trip of a lifetime. We look forward to seeing you on the trail.

Happy Holidays everyone!

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Filed Under: Yosemite Adventures Tagged With: guided hikes, half dome, Yosemite

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