Red Peak Pass Backpacking Tour

Meet and greet your guide in Curry Village in Yosemite National Park at 6 pm at the Mountain Shop. You can check into Curry Village after 5 pm. During your meeting, you’ll briefly go over your upcoming adventure. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants spanning the area. You are in charge of paying for your dinner.

Enjoy breakfast before meeting up with your guide at the Mountain Shop. You’ll go over your gear and pack your backpack. Head to Yosemite Lodge, where you’ll hop in the shuttle that will take you to the trailhead. It’s about a one-hour drive from Yosemite Lodge to the starting point of your backpacking trip. You’ll hike along the Illilouette Creek drainage before stopping at the banks of Clark Fork and setting up camp here—just below the imposing shadow of Mt. Clark.

Admire the Clark Range views as you gradually climb from Clark Fork to the ever-so scenic Ottaway Lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy cooling off in the shimmering waters! This is also the first “living glacier” in the High Sierra that John Muir discovered.

Get ready for the most challenging part of your backpacking journey! Today you’ll climb up Red Peak Pass. This is the highest point you can reach via any trail in Yosemite. Admire the lakes tucked into the mountainous scenery! Meander through alpine meadows before joining up with the Merced River, situated under the Triple Divide Peak. Set up camp and enjoy a relaxing evening amid the lush meadow and fresh-smelling Lodgepole pines.

Pack up camp and begin your descent along the scenic Merced River. Stop at some stunning spots along the way: waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and water holes just waiting for you to jump in and cool off. Arrive at your wild campsite along the Merced River in the afternoon.

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before packing up and continuing along the trail downriver. You’ll notice the river’s roar increasing in intensity as you walk. Eventually, you’ll reach your campsite in Little Yosemite Valley. Spend the evening relaxing at the beach along the Merced River!

Wake up early, pack up camp, and lace up your boots for your final day of hiking. Expect to walk by a reel of stunning views, such as the Vernal and Nevada Waterfalls set along Mist Trail. You will reach the trailhead by lunchtime! If you’re hiking in August, you may have the option to the Half Dome variation. This route has you summiting Half Dome, which stands tall at 8,845 feet. You’ll toss your bags to the side and hike without the extra weight, making the climb up more enjoyable. Admire views of Yosemite Valley sprawled below and of the Sierra high country. On your way back, grab your bags, enjoy a quick lunch, and continue walking to Yosemite Valley. You’ll also get to marvel at the waterfall views en route. Expect to arrive back in Curry Village between 3-5 pm.
Regular Option Distance: 5.5 mi, 673 ft ascent, 2802 ft descent
Half Dome Option Distance: 12 mi, 3239 ft ascent, 5387 ft descent