Echo Peak #6

Echo Peak #6 is one of nine granite peaklets in the Echo Peaks, a cluster of small summits in Yosemite's high country near Cathedral Peak and Matthes Crest, in the Cathedral Range above Tuolumne Meadows. Among climbers who work through the Echos, #6 is generally rated the third hardest of the nine — a Class 3-4 scramble with some exposure and a few awkward moves, sitting off the main ridge just south of the saddle between Peaks #5 and #7. There's no trailhead sign or marked path here; this is off-trail terrain for climbers and experienced scramblers, not a family day-hike.

Getting There

Climbers typically follow the Cathedral Range approach from Tuolumne Meadows to Budd Lake, then head cross-country south-southwest toward the peak cluster. Expect real route-finding once you leave the trail — the Echo Peaks aren't individually signed, and the cluster tops out around 11,160 feet. Climbing all nine in a single push typically takes climbing parties 3-5 hours, on top of the approach.

Before You Go

• This is Class 3-4 exposed scrambling, not a maintained trail — solid route-finding and scrambling experience matter more than fitness alone.
• Yosemite closes select Cathedral Range cliffs each year, roughly March 1 through mid-July, to protect nesting peregrine falcons and golden eagles. Confirm current closures with the park before planning a trip.
• Budd Lake and Cathedral Lakes are reasonable camping bases if you're spending more than a day among the Echo Peaks.