5.8 hr
Overview
This rocky but well-defined trail has little to no tree cover for most of its length (however, it is mostly covered in snow in the early summer months). Nearby sit Red Peak and Red Peak Pass, both aptly named for the red colored rock that is not normally seen in the Sierras. <br><br>Climbing West from the Triple Peak Fork of the Merced River, the trail crosses a couple of ridges providing views of the terrain ahead and vistas to the North. The trail passes several unnamed lakes and ponds trapped by the landscape that can provide a well-earned rest. <br><br>Switchbacks up and then down Red Peak Pass allow this to be a hike and not a scramble. The pass yields views South beyond Yosemite's boundary and deep into the park's northern wilderness. For those who venture this far from a paved road, Lower Ottoway Lake provides a popular camping spot for the night.
Trail Stats
17.8 km
803 m
3400 m
2721 m
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Photos
Red rocks and snow mingle on Red Peak Pass.
Red rocks and snow mingle on Red Peak Pass.
Lower Ottoway Lake from the Red Peak Pass trail.
Lower Ottoway Lake from the Red Peak Pass trail.
A lot of swichback on the south side of Red Peak Pass.
A lot of swichback on the south side of Red Peak Pass.
Lower Ottoway Lake peeks out from the Red Peak Pass trail.
Lower Ottoway Lake peeks out from the Red Peak Pass trail.
You'll have to cross Ottoway Tarn if you want to finish the Red Peak Pass Trail.
You'll have to cross Ottoway Tarn if you want to finish the Red Peak Pass Trail.
Red Peak Pass trail.
Red Peak Pass trail.
Looking south through smoke from fires from Red Peak Pass toward Upper Ottoway Lake.
Looking south through smoke from fires from Red Peak Pass toward Upper Ottoway Lake.
View from Red Peak Pass in late June.
View from Red Peak Pass in late June.
On the north side of Red Peak Pass, just before the switchbacks. Nice transition from grey to red. Red Peak is to the right.
On the north side of Red Peak Pass, just before the switchbacks. Nice transition from grey to red. Red Peak is to the right.
An unnamed lake tucked in the rocks near Red Peak Pass.
An unnamed lake tucked in the rocks near Red Peak Pass.
Red Peak Pass Trail.
Red Peak Pass Trail.
At the top of Red Peak Pass. Red Peak is just to the right.
At the top of Red Peak Pass. Red Peak is just to the right.
Lower Ottoway Lake as seen from the Red Peak Pass trail.
Lower Ottoway Lake as seen from the Red Peak Pass trail.