2012 Map of Merced Peak

About this map

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp serves as a remote focal point for travelers navigating the high-elevation terrain of this Madera County landscape. The region is defined by the headwaters and drainages of the Merced River and its major tributaries, including Illilouette Cr and the S Fork Merced River. This 2012 survey documents a complex network of granite peaks and alpine basins, from the prominence of Mount Clark and the Clark Range to the steep relief of Bunnell Cliff overlooking the water. The map traces the natural corridor through Lost Valley and Echo Valley, while high-altitude routes like Red Peak Pass connect the drainage of Red Peak Fork with the Ottoway Lakes basin. These features illustrate the dramatic glacial geomorphology and the historical paths used to traverse the crest.