Merced Pass

Merced Pass sits deep in Yosemite's southern backcountry, a high wilderness crossing reached only by a multi-day backpacking trip — not a trailhead you drive to and a summit you tag in an afternoon. It's part of the long route that follows Illilouette Creek south from Mono Meadow, passing below Mount Starr King, Mount Clark, and Red Peak before dropping toward the Merced Pass Lakes. If you're after solitude and don't mind carrying a full pack for several days, this is real Yosemite wilderness with almost none of the Valley's crowds.

Getting There

The standard approach starts at the Mono Meadow trailhead off Glacier Point Road, then follows the Illilouette Creek drainage south for several days of hiking before reaching the pass itself. This is backcountry travel on maintained but lightly used trail — expect stream crossings, sustained elevation gain, and no cell service or facilities once you're past the trailhead.

Merced Pass Lakes

Just below the pass sit Upper and Lower Merced Pass Lake, popular camp spots for backpackers working through the loop. Both lakes offer quiet granite-basin scenery and decent fishing, with Mount Clark and Red Peak visible to the east.

Permits and Planning

• An overnight wilderness permit is required for any backcountry stay in Yosemite, and the Mono Meadow trailhead runs on a quota system.
• Permits can be reserved ahead through Recreation.gov, or picked up as a walk-up the day of or day before your trip, subject to availability.
• This is a route for experienced backpackers only — plan for several days out, full self-sufficiency, and real elevation gain.