Yosemite’s Mono Pass Trail is a magical trail, leading the way to snowy peaks and colorful red mountains framing high lakes. Those lakes were still sporting a bit of ice when I hit that historic trail. Where: Yosemite National ParkDistance: 11.04 MilesDifficulty: Moderate to StrenuousElevation Range: 9,596′ – 10,972′Elevation Gain: 1,605′Date: June 9, 2022Map: CALTOPO: Hiking to Helen and Spillway LakesDog ...

Views of Mono Pass, Parker Pass and Kuna Crest surrounded me as I hiked up Yosemite National Park’s Mono Pass Trail. I made a short cross country hike up above Spillway Lake, through some snow up to Helen Lake. A 20% chance of thunderstorms isn’t much of a chance but it all comes down to what cloud you are standing ...

When those views of Mono Pass, Parker Pass and Kuna Crest are streaked with snow, they contrast so beautifully with those multi-colored mountains. This is one of those hikes that I love to do soon after Tioga Road reopens for the year and those white puffy clouds always liven up the scenery, even if they threaten a bit of the ...

I try my best to hike up to Helen Lake while there is a smidge of ice still on it. There is something special about how a bit of white snow sets off the red colors of the surrounding mountains and it is a lovely hike up a historic Native American trail and mining route. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: ...