Mule Pass Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Wildflowers

The trail heads north from the PCT: Tuolumne Meadow to Sonora Pass and follows Matterhorn Canyon. The ascent is initially fairly gradual, but after about 4 miles, the trail becomes steeper as you head up to Burro Pass. This is also right around the tree line, the upper stretches of Matterhorn Canyon only have a few bushes and lots of rocks. As you make your way up, Matterhorn Peak is always straight ahead looming above the canyon. Reach Burro Pass at 6.3 miles and enjoy the stunning view down Matterhorn Canyon and into the valley west of the pass.

The area west of Burro Pass often has a decent amount of snow well into late spring or early summer. Descend down the valley and make your way across the grassy meadow. Just before you hit 8 miles, you'll descend past the tree line again. Reach a low point at 9,400 ft right about a mile later. The trail now ascends again quickly all the way to Mule Pass at 10,500 ft. Reach the pass at 10.1 miles and enjoy the spectacular view east across the valley you just passed all the way to Burro Pass and beyond. From Mule Pass, the trail zigzags down to a meadow on the east side of Crown Point. Turning north again, the trail then descends quickly towards Robinson Creek and joins Robinson Creek Trail #077 at 12.2 miles.