The Ottoway Lakes Loop

From the "Step", I had a nice view up to the Red Peak Pass seen mid-horizon. The trail mounts a low red rock talus ridge on the left and traverses across to below the pass.

Red Peak Pass

The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004

The trail below the pass is a marvel of multiple switchbacks, so many in fact that the pass was more akin to a series of man-made rock balconies. I do not know how many switchbacks there are in that section, probably more than 15. As you near the pass summit and look down, all you see is trail and switchbacks snaking back and forth all the way to the bottom. It is quite a sight.

Going up that section is a bit tedious sometimes, but the gradient was fairly moderate, and I usually stopped only to take pictures or a drink, not so much to rest or catch my breath. The slog upward passed fairly quickly and before I knew it, I was on top of the pass after only less than an hour and a half of hiking from Lower Ottoway Lake.

From near the top of Red Peak Pass, you can look down at this awesome view of the trail and its many switchbacks, Merced Peak and its ridge, and Upper Ottoway Lakes. It does not get much grander than this...

Without a doubt, this pass is the hardest in Yosemite, particularly from the north: this not really saying much because most passes in Yosemite are relatively easy when compared to passes in Kings Canyon/Sequoia and south of Yosemite. That is not to say the pass is trivial, it's just that the pass rates as moderate compared to all passes in the Sierra. Then again, if you are coming from the north and begun your day somewhere near the Merced Peak Fork, then the pass would rank much higher in difficulty. But from Lower Ottoway Lake, the pass is straight forward and pretty much a snap to do. Something to keep in mind when planning a trip.

Merced Peak and what is left of its glaciers. Upper Ottoway Lakes is on the right.

I arrived at the pass summit (11,180 feet) pretty pleased with myself. I felt fresh and ready for the rest of the trip, which would be mostly downhill. I threw down my pack, got out food and drinks and prepared to enjoy a view that I may never see again, you never know.