Koip Peak Pass

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Koip Peak Pass route takes you up a less-traveled valley parallel to the popular Lyell Canyon in the Tuolumne region of Yosemite National Park. Because of its location on the eastern edge of the park and the bevy of more popular attractions nearby, this area sees less visitation. Yet it is no less beautiful! Here you'll find many lakes, streams, craggy peaks, ever expanding views, and so on.

Entrance fees are required to enter Yosemite National Park. Dogs are not allowed anywhere off paved roads in Yosemite National Park and thus, not allowed on this trail. This trail is only accessible by car when HWY 120 is open seasonally. See here for updates: nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/….

This route is a fantastic start for a point-to-point to June Lake.

Park at the Mono / Parker Trailhead within Yosemite National Park. There is a parking lot and vault toilets. The trail begins in a forest with various seasonal streams running throughout. Just over 2 miles in (2.25 mi from TH), you'll find a junction for Spillway Lake or Mono Pass. Go toward Mono Pass.

In another mile (3.5 mi from TH), you'll find another junction for either Mono Pass or Parker Pass. Continue toward Parker Pass. The trail really opens up here in a great way. Alpine tundra and craggy peaks abound. Two miles later (~5.5 mi from TH), you'll arrive atop a wide open plateau that is Parker Pass. There will be a sign.

Continue down the Parker Creek drainage along the trail. The trail itself may disappear in some places, but keep and eye out and continue downhill slightly, contouring beneath the Kuna Crest above you to the west. You should start to see Mono Lake to the east.

The next three miles will take you up over 1,000 feet in elevation to Koip Peak Pass. From the valley you'll eventually see the trail turn to connect with a rough set of switchbacks up the side of a mountain made of talus. You'll shortly be climbing those switchbacks! Soon thereafter you'll find yourself atop Koip Peak Pass.

Take a moment to enjoy the view, or scramble across the talus to nearby Koip, Kuna, Parker peaks. You could even consider going for the summit of Wood for an even wider field of view. Head back the way you came before the weather turns!