Coyote Pass

[CarlRaillard]

TITLE: Coyote Pass

GENERAL OVERVIEW: This pass leads from Crown Valley to Big Meadow, in Blue Canyon.

CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2

LOCATION: Sierra National Forest (John Muir Wilderness) on the west side of the pass; Kings Canyon National Park on the east side of the pass.
HST Map

ELEVATION: 10,071

USGS TOPO MAPS (7.5'): Tehipite Dome & Slide Bluffs

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The pass is little more than a wooded saddle. The crux of the journey is a glacial trimline, located far downslope, on the east side, overlooking Big Meadow. Slabs of bedrock, underdeveloped soils, and sporadic patches of brush occupy the tilted field. I would not rate it higher than Class 2, but you may find yourself weaving from side to side, in an effort to find the best footing. On the west side, the approach hike can be a challenge. The long trail from Crown Valley, leading towards Mountain Meadow & Coyote Pass, has fallen into neglect. The ford of Crown Creek is a hideous maze of soggy ground, burnt snags, and riparian thickets. Camping spots can be found higher up, along the moraine, which is served by a faint but usable horse trail. All semblance of a trail peters out around 8800 ft.
Note: The old cabin at Big Meadow (the black dot on the topo map) has collapsed. It's just a square foundation of silver logs. However, if you are doing the route in reverse, the cabin can be useful; its ruins marks the place where you should begin the ascent.