Clark Range Loop via Mono Trailhead

This 55.2-mile loop out of Mono Meadow Trailhead is a rewarding and lesser-traveled backpacking route through the heart of Yosemite’s wilderness, circling the remote and rugged Clark Range. The loop winds through lush meadows, alpine lakes, granite basins, and remote high country, offering expansive views, solitude, and varied terrain. Highlights include Red Peak Pass, the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, and peaceful backcountry stretches far from the crowds. Most backpackers take 4–6 days for this trip, depending on pace and side explorations.

The loop begins at the Mono Meadow Trailhead, just off Glacier Point Road. You’ll drop into Mono Meadow and take the Mono Meadow Trail east. The trail descends toward Illilouette Creek, with views of Half Dome peeking through the trees, then climbs toward Illilouette Basin and onward to the Ottoway Lakes.

From there, you begin the steep ascent to Red Peak Pass, the high point of the route at over 11,000 feet. The climb is no joke but the sweeping views of the Clark Range and the Merced drainage make every switchback worth it. On the other side, the trail descends into the Merced River canyon, where the terrain softens into granite-lined creeks and shady pine forests.

At Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, you’ll hit a fork with an option to take either the upper or lower trail around the Merced River. This loop follows the upper trail, a more scenic and quiet alternative that contours above the river before dropping back down.

The return includes a gradual climb through Lewis Creek Basin, where the meadows open up again and the terrain feels expansive and calm. From there, you’ll reconnect with the trail near Illilouette Creek and climb gently back up to Mono Meadow to close the loop.

FLORA & FAUNA
This route moves through wet alpine meadows and dense red fir forests to windswept granite passes and glacier-carved basins. Expect to see wildflowers like lupine, paintbrush, and monkeyflower in the meadows. Mule deer are common, especially near water sources, and you might spot marmots sunning themselves near Red Peak Pass. Bears are active throughout Yosemite, so proper food storage is essential. Birders can look for mountain bluebirds, Clark’s nutcrackers, and the occasional peregrine falcon soaring overhead.

PERMITS & REGULATIONS
A wilderness permit is required for this route and can be reserved through Recreation.gov. This loop starts at the Mono Meadow Trailhead, which typically allows for flexible entry dates but books up fast in summer. Bear canisters are required, and campfires are prohibited above 9,600 feet. Yosemite’s wilderness regulations should always be followed—pack it in, pack it out.

NEED TO KNOW

• Best season: July through early October, depending on snow levels.

• Water: Plentiful but treat or filter all water.

Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed; popular areas like Ottoway Lakes and Merced Lake may have limited space, so plan accordingly.