Trip Report
Red Mountain via Commonwealth Basin
Quick scramble up Red Mountain via Commonwealth Basin.
Taylor Robinson
- Tue, Aug 12, 2025
- Red Pass & Mountain (Commonwealth Basin)
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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I'll echo previous reports in saying I recommend taking the Commonwealth Basin trail rather than the PCT as it'll save you something like 2 miles and 600 feet of work, and it's in great shape. It does have 3 relatively simple river crossings, so it may not be the best option in the high water seasons, but was no problem during my trip. The first crossing has a log crossing, the third one has an optional log crossing as well.
The scramble is pretty straightforward though a real workout - it's a mix of rather steep trail and Class 2 scrambling. The footing is pretty chossy, especially on the descent, but the exposure is pretty minimal. There are many areas where you can choose your own path, all of which appeared to be Class 2 or low Class 3. There was only one section that seemed to be on the main bootpath at about 5400-5500 feet just below a SW facing shoulder below the false summit that might be low Class 3, however if you follow the faint bootpath and cairns you shouldn't have to deal with anything more difficult than that.
The scramble is completely exposed to the sun, so take that into consideration. The bugs were pretty pestilent at the summit, especially the mosquitos and a colony of flying ants, however they abated once you get 500 feet from the summit. Beautiful views at the top! Right now the trail through Commonwealth Basin and the path up Red Mountain is absolutely stocked with huckleberries/bilberries as well as salmonberries, so take advantage of that if you're going! Saw a bit of bear scat full of said berries on the trail (but sadly, no bear), so as always be on the lookout for wildlife.
