Red Peak Pass

Red Peak Pass tops out above 11,000 feet, making it the highest point reached by any maintained trail in Yosemite National Park. It isn't a trailhead-adjacent overlook — it's the high point of the Red Peak Pass Loop, a rugged, roughly 50-mile backpacking circuit that ranks among the most remote and demanding routes in the park.

What to expect on the trail

The route climbs out of forest along the Merced River's Triple Peak Fork before breaking above treeline into open, rocky terrain with little shade. The pass takes its name from the reddish metamorphic rock exposed at the summit, a striking contrast to the pale granite that dominates most of the Sierra Nevada. Along the way, the trail passes a string of unnamed alpine lakes and ponds, with views north toward Mount Starr King and the Clark Range.

Planning the trip

• Typically tackled as part of a multi-day loop, often starting near the Mono Meadow Trailhead off Glacier Point Road.
• A wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay in Yosemite's backcountry. Permits are limited, so plan and apply well ahead of your trip.
• Snow can linger on the pass into early summer at this elevation — check current conditions before committing to a crossing.

This is a destination for experienced backpackers comfortable with high elevation, sustained exposure, and several days of self-sufficient travel, not a casual day-hike add-on.