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- Red Peak
11,702 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Red Peak
Red Peak is an 11,702 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slopes via Red Peak Pass Trail: 39 mi, 6,470 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0
Red Peak at a glance
- Elevation11,702 ft3,566 m
- RouteSouth Slopes via Red Peak Pass TrailClass 2
- Distance39 mi6,470 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slopes via Red Peak Pass Trail
In Yosemite, take Glacier Point Road (open late spring to fall) to the Mono Meadow trailhead. Descend to Illilouette Creek, a wade or log crossing early in summer, then take the Merced Pass Trail south and the Red Peak Pass Trail past the Ottoway Lakes. Leave the trail below the final switchbacks and climb loose red talus to the ridge, then follow it on Class 2 rock to the summit. Merced Peak links via Snow Pass for a two-peak day. Most parties camp at Ottoway Lakes with 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
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
- Storms
Quests with Red Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Red Peak?
Red Peak is 11,702 feet (3,566 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Red Peak?
The South Slopes via Red Peak Pass Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 39 miles with 6,470 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Red Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Slopes via Red Peak Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Red Peak?
The South Slopes via Red Peak Pass Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 39 miles with 6,470 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Red 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 Red 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