MONO PASS AND PARKER PASS AREA

The pictures in this section were taken in early September 2000 on a backpacking trip to the Mono Pass and Parker Pass areas of Yosemite.  You must hike at least 4 miles from Tioga Road prior to making camp.  If you hike past the two ponds and outside the Yosemite boundary, you will find good campsites 15 to 30 minutes further near Sardine Lake.  

The weather can change very quickly here, you are over 10,500 above sea level.  Watch out for strong afternoon winds and frosty nights.  If you come well equipped and don't mind the chilly evenings, the views are well worth the effort.  In late summer, as the sun moves around, the colors of the various mountains in this area change dramatically.  Look for the subtle tones in each picture depending on the time of day and the direction.  

It's recommended that you spend at least one or two days minimum acclimating before you attempt the hike into Mono Pass.  Driving up from sea level to the 9600' trailhead and embarking on another 1000' altitude gain will result in mild to moderate AMS for most people.  Better to spend a couple of days exploring Tuolomne Meadows and Lyell Canyon before making the ascent up to the Mono Pass area.