Red Peak Pass Backpacking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Begin in Yosemite National Park

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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Curry Village
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Hike to Clark Fork

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.
Overnight Location: Camping at Clark Fork
Distance: 6 mi, 1171 ft ascent, 1306 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Go to Ottaway Lakes

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.
Overnight Location: Camping at Ottaway Lakes
Distance: 8.5 mi, 2900 ft ascent, 433 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Ascend Red Peak Pass

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.
Overnight Location: Camping at Merced River
Distance: 8.5 mi, 2080 ft ascent, 2703 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Hike along Merced River

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.
Overnight Location: Camping at Merced River
Distance: 10 mi, 430 ft ascent, 2274 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Head to Little Yosemite Valley

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!
Overnight Location: Camping at Little Yosemite Valley
Distance: 8 mi, 682 ft ascent, 1818 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Hike along the Mist Trail

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.
Overnight Location: None
Regular Option Distance: 5.5 mi, 673 ft ascent, 2802 ft descent
Half Dome Option Distance: 12 mi, 3239 ft ascent, 5387 ft descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch