Elizabeth Pass

Pros & cons

PROS

Panoramic Great Western Divide and Hamilton Creek scenery
Reliable water sources on the approach and in Deadman Canyon

CONS

Steep, rocky, often faint trail with cairn navigation near the top
North-side descent is easy to lose; heat and afternoon storms are common

Overview

Elizabeth Pass is a high, wild notch on the Great Western Divide linking the Bearpaw/Hamilton Creek side to Deadman Canyon and the Roaring River country. Expect big granite, big views, and a true backcountry feel well above treeline.

Route and What to Expect

Most backpackers stage at Bearpaw after approaching via the High Sierra Trail from Crescent Meadow. From Bearpaw, the climb to the pass is steep, sunny, and at times faint—watch for lines of stones across slabs and cairns guiding you to the small sign at the top. The north side into Deadman Canyon starts rocky and can be confusing just below the pass before the tread consolidates lower in the canyon.

Water is typically available along the approach (creeks like Mehrten, Nine Mile, and Buck on the HST), near the Lonely Lake outlet close to the pass, and perennially in Deadman Canyon and at Roaring River. Common camps cluster around Bearpaw, the Tamarack Lake junction area, meadows in Deadman Canyon, and near Roaring River Ranger Station (heed any closures or signage).

Season and Conditions

Late summer into early fall is the sweet spot. Lower switchbacks can bake in the sun, while afternoon build-ups can sock in the pass and deliver rain or hail—start early and be ready to turn around if the weather shifts. Holiday weekends see packed parking at popular trailheads like Wolverton and Crescent Meadow; plan accordingly.

Wildlife and Backcountry Smarts

You’ll likely see mule deer, and bears are active throughout this corridor—use proper food storage. At twilight, watch for bats feeding over nearby lakes and tarns. Navigation gets intermittent above treeline; cairns are your friends, and a good digital map paired with paper topo makes the slabby sections far less stressful.

Logistics and Permits

Backpacking permits are required. Food storage rules are strict—bring and use a bear canister. Backcountry facilities are sparse; Bearpaw offers a backcountry camp area and a seasonal High Sierra Camp with tent cabins (summer). If you’re starting from the Kings Canyon side, Road’s End has the last developed restroom before you hit wilderness.

Best Time to Visit

Time of day: Start the climb at dawn for cooler temps, steadier footing, and more stable weather.
Season: Late July through September is typical; earlier season may add snow navigation.
Crowds and parking: Beat weekend/holiday crunch by hitting the HST approach midweek and early in the morning.
Photography: Morning light pops the granite and keeps the air clear before afternoon clouds build.

Where it is

36.5988, -118.5762

Elizabeth Pass

4 places & 4 trails nearby Get the offline map

Tips for Elizabeth Pass

01Carry an approved bear canister; it’s required for backpackers [highsierratrails.com](https://highsierratrails.com/elizabeth_pass/elizabeth_pass_trail.html).
02Start the ascent at first light to avoid heat and the common afternoon build-up.
03On granite slabs near the top, slow down and scan for cairns; expect faint tread just below the pass.
04After crossing the Lonely Lake outlet on the north side, the path is easy to lose—stay vigilant until the tread consolidates.
05The approach uses sections of the High Sierra Trail; check current conditions before you go [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/high-sierra-trail.htm).