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Red Peak Pass Loop

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 41/100 · Strenuousloop#loop#red-peak-pass#clark-range#yosemite
Distance
48.1 mi
Total gain
6,650 ft
Net gain
6,650 ft
Net loss
6,650 ft
Elevation
7,349–11,086 ft
Days
5–6
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

The Red Peak Pass loop is Yosemite's greatest southern circuit: 48 miles from Mono Meadow through the Clark Range's lakes, over Red Peak Pass — the highest pass in the park — and down the Merced past the park's grandest waterfalls.

Highlights

  • Red Peak Pass, the highest trail pass in Yosemite
  • Ottoway Lake, a Clark Range gem in the heart of the loop
  • The Merced River's canyon and waterfalls on the return
  • Five days of high country with no crowds

How hard is Red Peak Pass Loop?

CaliPeaks rates this route 41/100 (Strenuous). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 6,650 ft puts this trip at 55% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 48.1 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 11,086 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 6 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Mono Meadow Trailhead (Glacier Point Road) (7,349 ft) · parking: Mono Meadow pullout on Glacier Point Road
  • Water: Seasonal creeks, Ottoway Lake, and the Merced headwaters; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; plan five to six days of food.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for a loop.
  • 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 Mono Meadow 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. Most of the loop sits above or near the 9,600-ft fire line, including Ottoway Lake and the pass. Plan on stoves. 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: Red Peak Pass holds snow into July in most years.

Heat: Cool; most of the loop is high.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • A serious five-to-six-day loop with snow into July on the pass
  • Stoves only at the high camps
  • Carry all food — no resupply
  • 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. Wawona & Glacier Point Backpacking Trails — Red Peak Pass. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wawona-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). 48.1-mile loop with 6,650 ft gain from Mono Meadow; crosses Red Peak Pass, the highest pass in Yosemite.
  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 and bear canister requirement.