by Phil » Sun Aug 09, 2015 10:52 pm
Let's see...first things first...yes, you're always required to have and use a bear can when staying overnight in any wilderness area (you can rent one when you pick up your permit). Second, at May Lake itself, the water is chlorinated, but I'm assuming you'll want some water for the trail and don't really want the extra weight of carrying multiple liters the entire way, so yes, bring a filter. The best route is to go from Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin, then turn left and head up to May Lake. Total trip length is about 14 miles, one way. Finally, you can't build a fire within 1/4 mile of the High Sierra Camp at May Lake, but if you're staying in the backpackers' camp, there is a group fire ring, so if you build one, expect to share it with everyone.