About
Length (round trip)8 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain900 ft up
Typical time4 hr 30 min
TrailheadTioga Road, near Dana Meadows
SurfaceMeadow and open alpine trail
Best seasonWaterfalls peak in May and June. Tioga and Glacier Point roads open late May or June and close with the first big snow.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🌼 Wildflowers🏛️ Historic site

This historic trans-Sierra trail climbs gradually through lodgepole pines and past wet meadows. In mid-summer, look for red mountain heather blooming trailside. After the Spillway Lake junction, the trail climbs steadily and more steeply to Mono Pass (elevation 10,600 feet). Don't miss the spectacular view of Mono Lake and Bloody Canyon: from the pass, hike a bit farther toward Upper Sardine Lake. Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 1,000 ft (300 m) Time estimate: 5-7 hours Tips & Seasonal Information This trail includes several unbridged stream crossings. Early in the season, when water can be very high, cold, and swift, use caution when crossing streams or turn back when crossing is not safe. In early summer, the trail can be very muddy in places. Stay on trail and go through mud puddles rather than around them to preserve delicate plant life in this sensitive ecosystem. Bicycles and pets are not permitted on hiking trails. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead parking area. This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).

Tips
The route Sierra tribes used to trade across the crest. Well-preserved 1880s mining cabins sit just beyond the pass. Open, exposed and superb.
Location

Tioga Road, near Dana Meadows

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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