Easy Pass Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Snow lingers on the upper trail and pass well into July most years. Without microspikes or an ice axe, the steep snow-covered traverse below the pass can be genuinely dangerous — check recent trip reports before committing.
The upper half of the trail is fully exposed with no water sources. On hot days, heat exhaustion is a real concern — carry at least two liters per person and start before the heat builds.
Highway 20 closes seasonally (typically November through May), which locks out trailhead access entirely. Verify the road is open before driving out.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early — by mid-morning the upper basin becomes a sun trap with no shade, and the parking area at the Highway 20 trailhead fills up fast on summer weekends. Aim for a 6:30 AM start.
Trekking poles are borderline essential for the descent. The upper switchbacks are loose scree and hardpacked dirt that'll punish your knees on the way down.
Once you reach the pass, don't stop there. Scramble a few hundred feet up the ridge to the north for an even more dramatic view into Fisher Basin — it's the shot you came for and most hikers miss it.
Photos
NPS
