mono meadow to red peak/red devil lake

[sheri]

We are going in at Mono Meadow trl on August 20 any ideas if we will be able to get over pass due to snow? 4th time to Yosemite, first time in this area, anything we need to know or watch for? Any tips would be appreciated. Good spots to camp?

[balzaccom]

This year the trail on the north side of Red Peak Pass will still be pretty snowy, is my guess. How comfortable are you about hiking in snow? Early morning it can be icy and very slick. Later in the day it softens up...and in the afternoon it can be downright slushy.

[sheri]

is there an easier way around red peak to avoid snow if too icy? we ran into some snow last year at Burro pass took a little time to navigate the trail.

[balzaccom]

If you thought Burro Pass last year was hard ( we did that hike as well....without much problem) then Red Peak is going to be an issue for you.

There is no other, easy, marked trail from Ottoway Lakes into the Merced Canyon...unless you want to hike much farther over Post Peak Pass.

Or you could go BACK down Illilouette, and make your way over the Panorama Trail into Nevada Falls and the lower part of Merced Canyon..

[bill-e-g]

Aug 20... I wouldn't worry about anything.

Here's a recent report:
http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php ... #msg-43042

IMO I would NOT be worried about the north side. If you don't... maybe hike with poles.
Conditions as such make a trip more enjoyable and memorable IMO.
Sure, there may be quite a bit of snow... but head down and you SHOULD be able to
spy Red Devil Lake ... (not sure why everyone goes to Red Devil... but be that as it may)

Have fun

[sheri]

thanks so much for the pictures! How beautiful. I can't wait to see it. How was the mosquitoes? thanks again for sharing the pics