Isberg Trail to Isberg Pass

Isberg Trail is an 11.9-mile one-way route from Isberg Trailhead to Isberg Pass on Yosemite’s boundary, climbing through pine forest, creek country, high lakes, and granite. It is a backcountry through-route, not a loop: returning to the trailhead makes it about 23.8 miles total. The pass tops out around 10,500 feet after roughly 3,600 feet of climbing; budget about nine hours one way, with altitude and stops adding time. For a substantial day hike instead, Cora Lakes at 4.21 miles is a practical turnaround—about 8.4 miles out and back.

From Granite Creek Campground, the trail climbs through pine forest to The Niche, an exposed granite section 2.4 miles in at the edge of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Here the trees open onto the San Joaquin River watershed, with the Silver Divide to the south. It is the first big change from forest walking to open rock.

Beyond The Niche, keep to the west side of the creek and stay left at the junction until the trail crosses the water and climbs to Cora Lakes. The lakes make a useful day-hike destination and a place to stop for fishing or camping. If you continue, the route wanders through meadows and montane forest to Sadler Lake, then higher subalpine ground dotted with small lakes. Joe Crane Lake is 8.57 miles from the start; Stevenson Meadow is 10.5 miles in.

The forest thins into granite fields on the approach to the 10,542-foot pass. From the top, look east toward the Minarets and Ritter Range, then back across the Ansel Adams Wilderness toward Yosemite. Near Isberg Pass Lake, watch for a waterfall sliding over a broad rock face beside a mountain hemlock—the route’s most striking close-up scene.

Reach Isberg Trailhead from Beasore Road or Minarets Road by following signs toward Clover Meadow, then Road 5S30 toward Clover Meadow Ranger Station. The Forest Service lists parking at Granite Creek Campground or along Road 5S30. Overnight wilderness trips require a Forest Service permit. Dogs are allowed on this Forest Service route on a leash no longer than six feet; they cannot continue onto Yosemite trails past the boundary. Carry food and a way to treat water; no food service was identified along the route.