Near Koip Peak Pass
Heading toward Parker Pass with snowy Parker Peak (12,850 ft / 3917 m) in the distance.
Near Koip Peak Pass
Heading toward Parker Pass with snowy Parker Peak (12,850 ft / 3917 m) in the distance.
Near Koip Peak Pass
On top of Parker Pass with snowy Parker Peak (12,850 ft / 3917 m) in the distance.
Near Koip Peak Pass
Mount Gibbs (12,772 ft) viewed from the Mono Pass Trail.
Near Koip Peak Pass
From the Mono Pass Trailhead, it's 3.7 miles to Mono Pass and 5.2 miles to Parker Pass.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Koip Peak Pass

4.0 (1 Rating)
Expansive alpine tundra, two peaks, two passes, and immaculate views of Mono Lake and the Kuna crest.
16.8
mi
Distance
3,439
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Fall ColorsFishingLakeRiver/CreekSwimmingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
16.75mi
Distance
3,439ft
Elevation Gain
3,439ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
12,280ft
High Point
9,596ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
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!

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ethan Fichtner