"Mono Pass Peak"

Overview

"Mono Pass Peak" is the high point on the west side of Mono Pass. It is right across from Mt. Starr (12,835') which is the popular peak that rises above the pass on the east side. This peak is a sleeper. Most travelers over Mono Pass probably don't notice it. To all appearances it is nothing but a sand slope.
This is a fairly stable sand climb with class 2 summit rocks. The views north over the Mono Recesses and Pioneer Basin are outstanding as well as the high Sierra surrounding Little Lakes Valley.

Getting There

From the junction of Hwy. 120 and Hwy. 395 by Mono Lake go south 41 miles to Tom's Place. From the junction of Hwy. 203 and 395 at Mammoth Lakes go south 14.5 miles to Tom's Place. From Bishop go 23.5 miles north on 395 to Tom's Place. At Tom's Place turn southwest into the range on the Rock Creek Road and go 10.5 miles to road's end at Mesquito Flat trailhead parking (10,200"). Take the trail south .5 miles to the junction to Morgan Pass and take the Mono Pass Trail to the right. Continue on the Mono Pass Trail as it climbs up to the right then turns right and climbs up to the pass at 3 miles (12,040'). Hike up the sand slope to the west staying to the left. The summit is a talus jumble on the far left corner.

Red Tape

There is a summit register jar that says "Peak 12,500'" something ft. but it's incorrect. No permits required for a day hike.

For camping permits in the John Muir Wilderness contact:

Mammoth Ranger Station and Visitor Center. 760-924-5500. Box 148 Mammoth Lakes, Ca. 93546
White Mountain Ranger Station. 760-873-2500. 798 north Main St., Bishop, Ca. 93514

Camping

Campgrounds on the Rock Creek Road:

ROCK CREEK campground, 7,300' .3 miles on the Rock Creek Road from Tom's Place then right .2 miles.
ASPEN, 8,300' at 3.7 miles
IRIS MEADOW, 8,400' at 4 miles
BIG MEADOW, 8,500' at 4.5 miles
PALISADE, 8,900' at 5.8 miles
EAST FORK, 8,970' AT 7.4 miles
There are several campgrounds around Rock Creek Lake, 9,700' at 8.5 miles
Mesquito Flat at 10,100' at roads end 10.5 miles

Images

View "Mono Pass Peak" Image Gallery - 31 Images