Page 1 of 1

Hiking trails around Mono Lake/Lee Vining - mid-June

PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 8:41 am
by manoamono
Hello,

I'll be visiting Mono Lake area June 18-20, and looking for trails for a day-long hike. I was originally planning Mount Dana, but it looks like most of the trails above 7500 ft are still under snow, thanks to the wonderful drought-busting season. Any recommendations for trails of about similar difficulty as Mount Dana hike would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Re: Hiking trails around Mono Lake/Lee Vining - mid-June

PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 2:32 pm
by balzaccom
Anything that goes up that high is going to have the same problem...way too much snow this year.

You might get in some miles hiking up either Leavitt Meadows or Buckeye Canyon. There are both on the east side, start well below 8,000 feet, and take you up long more or less gradual canyons. Eventually, if you want ot keep going, you'll have to cross the creek/river. And they may be more than you want to tackle with all the snowmelt. Be careful.

But those are a couple of hikes that will allow you to stretch your legs.

Re: Hiking trails around Mono Lake/Lee Vining - mid-June

PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 2:48 pm
by AlmostThere
Trails of similar difficulty? Might want to downgrade your expectations to trails without snow that don't cross dangerous creeks.

You could always arrange a kayak tour of the tufas in Mono Lake. That was a lot of fun.

Re: Hiking trails around Mono Lake/Lee Vining - mid-June

PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 10:39 pm
by manoamono
Thanks for the responses. Leavitt Meadows and Buckeye Canyon seem to be interesting options. If either of them don't work, will enjoy kayaking on Mono Lake!

Re: Hiking trails around Mono Lake/Lee Vining - mid-June

PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 3:41 pm
by Dave_Ayers
Recent reports on the various Sierra Nevada forums describe east side trails as clear well above 7500 feet. Much more if you're willing to add microspikes or do some snoeshowing. The June Lake loop hwy 158 is open and worldview shows it snow free. You could head up any of the trails in that area (Bloody Canyon, Parker Creek, Rush Creek, Yost/Fern Lakes). Then just turn around if the snow gets too thick for your desires and try the next one if you've not tired.

For peaks, 10,900 foot Carson Peak is a lower elevation one that has good views. It's listed on Summitpost as class 2 from Fern Lake, though snow conditions may well alter that.

Re: Hiking trails around Mono Lake/Lee Vining - mid-June

PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 11:01 pm
by manoamono
Many thanks for the info! I'll check out the trails you've listed, as well as NASA World View. I didn't know about it. Thanks for pointing it out. It's a great resource!

Dave_Ayers wrote:Recent reports on the various Sierra Nevada forums describe east side trails as clear well above 7500 feet. Much more if you're willing to add microspikes or do some snoeshowing. The June Lake loop hwy 158 is open and worldview shows it snow free. You could head up any of the trails in that area (Bloody Canyon, Parker Creek, Rush Creek, Yost/Fern Lakes). Then just turn around if the snow gets too thick for your desires and try the next one if you've not tired.

For peaks, 10,900 foot Carson Peak is a lower elevation one that has good views. It's listed on Summitpost as class 2 from Fern Lake, though snow conditions may well alter that.