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A classic Sierra pass with a red twist.


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Map Key

11.1

Miles

17.8

KM

79%

Runnable

11,155' 3,400 m

High

8,928' 2,721 m

Low

2,637' 804 m

Up

2,817' 859 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Description

This rocky but well-defined trail has little to no tree cover for most of its length (however, it is mostly covered in snow in the early summer months). Nearby sit Red Peak and Red Peak Pass, both aptly named for the red colored rock that is not normally seen in the Sierras.

Climbing West from the Triple Peak Fork of the Merced River, the trail crosses a couple of ridges providing views of the terrain ahead and vistas to the North. The trail passes several unnamed lakes and ponds trapped by the landscape that can provide a well-earned rest.

Switchbacks up and then down Red Peak Pass allow this to be a run and not a scramble. The pass yields views South beyond Yosemite's boundary and deep into the park's northern wilderness. For those who venture this far from a paved road, Lower Ottoway Lake provides a popular camping spot for the night.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Paul Lukacovic with improvements by Sophia Barwegen

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#14818

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#1,531

in California

#14,818

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,668 Since Sep 24, 2015
Difficult Difficult

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Photos

Lower Ottoway Lake as seen from the Red Peak Pass trail.
Nov 16, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
At the top of Red Peak Pass. Red Peak is just to the right.
Dec 27, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Red Peak Pass Trail.
Sep 24, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
On the north side of Red Peak Pass, just before the switchbacks. Nice transition from grey to red. Red Peak is to the right.
Dec 27, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
View from Red Peak Pass in late June.
Nov 20, 2018 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking south through smoke from fires from Red Peak Pass toward Upper Ottoway Lake.
Nov 16, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA

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