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12,984 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Koip Peak

Koip Peak is a 12,984 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slopes via Koip Peak Pass: 19 mi, 3,405 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Koip Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Jesse Wagstaff, CC BY 2.0

Koip Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,984 ft3,957 m
  • RouteEast Slopes via Koip Peak PassClass 1
  • Distance19 mi3,405 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Slopes via Koip Peak Pass

In Yosemite, park at the Mono Pass trailhead in Dana Meadows on Tioga Road (CA 120), west of Tioga Pass; the lot fills early. Follow the Mono Pass Trail, branch south on the Parker Pass trail, and continue across Parker Pass to the long switchbacks up to Koip Peak Pass. From the pass, walk Class 1 talus up the east slopes to the summit. Snow on the switchbacks can need an axe early in the season. Camping is banned in the Dana Fork watershed, so overnight trips camp past Parker Pass and need a Yosemite wilderness permit, awarded by lottery 24 weeks out.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Snow near summit
  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with Koip Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Koip Peak?

Koip Peak is 12,984 feet (3,957 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Koip Peak?

The East Slopes via Koip Peak Pass is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 19 miles with 3,405 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Koip Peak?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the East Slopes via Koip Peak Pass, covering 19 miles with 3,405 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Koip Peak?

The East Slopes via Koip Peak Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 19 miles with 3,405 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Koip Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Koip Peak reaches 12,984 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Koip Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Koip Peak?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Koip Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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