YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Red Peak Pass: Crossing Yosemite’s Clark Range on a Solitary High‑Sierra Loop
A 6‑day, 51‑mile backpacking loop operated by Discovery Treks that climbs to Red Peak Pass—above 11,000 feet—and threads rarely visited meadows and alpine lakes.
Red Peak Pass: Crossing Yosemite’s Clark Range on a Solitary High‑Sierra Loop.
Red Peak Pass slices through the high peaks of Yosemite’s Clark Range, a rarely visited corridor of meadows, alpine tarns and above‑tree‑line ridgelines. The route gains elevation from the Merced River Canyon to a high pass, moving camp nightly across a 51‑mile loop that rewards effort with pristine lakes, star‑studded skies and extended solitude.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Network of Alpine Lakes and Open Skyline
The route threads numerous alpine lakes and above‑tree‑line expanses—there are ‘lots of lakes’—providing classic High Sierra water and skyline views and wild camping opportunities each night.
A Rugged, Rarely Visited Highway Across the Clark Range
This is a less popular Yosemite route because of its rugged terrain; the approach gains elevation through the Merced River Canyon onto the Clark Range and culminates at Red Peak Pass at over 11,000 feet.
Nightly Moves Between Moraine Dome, Washburn and Ottoway
Camp locations change nightly as the loop progresses; named overnight stops on the route include Moraine Dome, Washburn Lake and Ottoway Lake among many other high‑country destinations.
What the day feels like
What the Trek Feels Like
Expect sustained uphill miles from the Merced River Canyon onto exposed ridgelines, a shifting series of camps as you cover the 51‑mile loop, and long alpine evenings above the tree line where clear skies invite extended stargazing.
THE LANDSCAPE
A Network of Alpine Lakes and Open Skyline
The route threads numerous alpine lakes and above‑tree‑line expanses—there are ‘lots of lakes’—providing classic High Sierra water and skyline views and wild camping opportunities each night.
THE ROUTE
A Rugged, Rarely Visited Highway Across the Clark Range
This is a less popular Yosemite route because of its rugged terrain; the approach gains elevation through the Merced River Canyon onto the Clark Range and culminates at Red Peak Pass at over 11,000 feet.
THE CAMPS
Nightly Moves Between Moraine Dome, Washburn and Ottoway
Camp locations change nightly as the loop progresses; named overnight stops on the route include Moraine Dome, Washburn Lake and Ottoway Lake among many other high‑country destinations.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The provided information describes a high‑country, above‑tree‑line route; no explicit season or timing guidance was included in the supplied details.
No specific gear list is included in the provided information; the itinerary is a six‑day backpacking trip, so expect to need overnight backpacking equipment for multi‑day, high‑elevation travel.
Operator: Discovery Treks. The listed rate for the 6‑day hike is $1,997 (headline: starting at $1,997 per person). The route is a 51‑mile loop with nightly camp moves.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Red Peak Pass itinerary?
The supplied information lists this as a 6‑day hike covering a 51‑mile loop.
What does the trip cost?
The provided rate lists the 6‑day hike at $1,997; the headline notes pricing starting at $1,997 per person.
What is the highest elevation reached on the route?
Red Peak Pass crosses the Clark Range at elevations above 11,000 feet.
Which camps or lakes are named on the itinerary?
Named overnight stops in the provided information include Moraine Dome, Washburn Lake and Ottoway Lake among other alpine destinations.
How crowded is the route?
The route is described as a rarely visited Yosemite trail that travels through meadows away from the crowds, offering more solitude than many park corridors.