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Echo Peak #4
A class 4 scramble to one of nine granite summits above Cathedral Lakes.
About
Echo Peak #4 is one of nine granite summits that make up the Echo Peaks, a cluster in Yosemite's Cathedral Range above Tuolumne Meadows. There's no maintained trail to the top — reaching it means cross-country travel followed by exposed scrambling, which makes this a destination for experienced scramblers and climbers rather than a casual day hike.
Getting There
Most parties start from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead and follow the John Muir Trail past Upper Cathedral Lake before cutting cross-country toward Budd Lake and the base of the peaks, then working up toward the saddle area between Echo Peak #3 and Echo Peak #4.
The Climb
Mountain Project rates the standard route on Echo Peak #4 as class 4 — exposed scrambling rather than a full technical pitch, but serious enough that a rope, a light rack, and real comfort with exposure are worth having on hand. There's no single marked line to the summit; most parties work up from the saddle area and pick a route on sound rock rather than following fixed beta. There's no fixed rappel anchor, so plan on downclimbing the same way you came up.
Good to Know
- This is a scramble, not a hike — route-finding instincts, sturdy footwear, and comfort with exposed class 4 terrain matter more than raw fitness.
- Many parties link several of the nine Echo Peaks into one long day from Budd Lake, so budget extra time if you want more than one summit.
- Expect far more solitude here than at Half Dome or the Mist Trail — this is quiet, off-trail terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Echo Peak #4 a hike or a climb?
It's a scramble, not a hike on a maintained trail. Reaching the true summit takes cross-country travel plus exposed terrain that Mountain Project rates class 4.
Where do you start for Echo Peak #4?
The Cathedral Lakes trailhead is the standard start. Parties follow the John Muir Trail toward Upper Cathedral Lake, then head cross-country toward Budd Lake and the saddle area between Echo Peaks #3 and #4.
Do you need technical gear?
A rope and light rack are worth carrying given the exposure, even though the climbing itself is only class 4. Solid scrambling experience and good route-finding matter most. There's no fixed rappel anchor, so descent means reversing your route.
Can you climb more than one Echo Peak in a day?
Yes — many parties link several of the nine peaklets into a single long day from Budd Lake, though route-finding and the cross-country approach take real time.
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