Safety is your responsibility. Do
not undertake a hike if you are not in moderate to good physical
condition. Notify a friend or relative of your itinerary, vehicle
description, and license plate number. If you do not contact them
at the pre-arranged time, they should call the Mono County Sheriff
at 760-932-7549. Please read the page on Practical Hiking Information
to protect yourself and the environment.
There are 10 lakes within a mile of the resort, five of which are
a mile and a half. The trailhead for the remainder of
the lakes is next to the outhouse at Big Virginia Lake. Please
talk to Carolyn or John at the Lodge about the difficulty and exact
directions. Remember to take plenty of water or a method to sterilize
any lake or stream water. Drink at least 2 quarts. of water a day
to prevent heat-related illnesses while hiking, as your body will
be unable to cool itself without sufficient water. Don't forget
the bug repellent!
You lose 3% oxygen for every 1,000 feet you climb. Your lungs will
be starting at 70% of normal oxygen. Do not expect miracles from
your body. Take it easy for a couple days prior to your first hike,
and be sure to check with your doctor if you have any related heart
or lung condition.
|Hiking
Map| |Area
Topo Map| |VLR
Topo Map|
Virginia Lakes to Green Lake — (2
cars needed) 10.5 miles, approx. time 5-6 hours depending on your
physical condition.
Virginia Lakes to Summit Pass — Strenuous
hike begins at 9790' and climbs to 11,000' at Summit Pass (5.5
miles round trip).
Virginia Lakes to Summit Lake — Strenuous
hike 6.8 miles one-way, approx. time 3 hours.
Virginia Lakes to Twin Lakes — (2 cars needed)
2 days (permit required). Back entrance to Yosemite — (overnight
permits required) to Glen Aulen, 19 miles.
Green Creek to East Lake — Approx. time
2½ hours.
Green Creek to West Lake — Approx. time
2½ hours (last ½ mile steep).
West Walker Trail — This is an easy hike
to Secret and Pore Lakes (6.6 miles round trip if you go to both
lakes). Good fishing!
Tamarack Lake Trail — Strenuous trail to
Tamarack Lake (9 miles round trip). Seldom used, but a beautiful
area.
Horse Creek Trail — Strenuous hike along
Horse Creek, passing several cascades along the way (4 miles round
trip). Spectacular views of the Sawtooth Ridge area and Twin Lakes,
and is the second busiest trail during the summer.
Barney Lake/Robinson Creek Trail — Moderately
strenuous hike to Barney Lake (7.8 miles round trip). The busiest
trail during the summer. Campfires are prohibited within ½ mile
of Barney Lake.
Eagle Creek Trail — Moderately strenuous
hike to meadow at the base of Eagle Peak (12 miles round trip).
Additional 4 mile round trip strenuous hike to the top of Eagle
Peak for a great view of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Lundy Lakes to Twenty Lake Basin — Strenuous
hike from the back of the canyon up the switchbacks to the first
lake. Trail has not been maintained. Beautiful waterfalls pass
the beaver ponds. Approx. time 3 hours.
Saddlebag Lake to Lakes Basin via Ferry Boat — There
is a charge for the ferry during their open season (which is short),
and trailhead takes you past all the lakes in a circle, spectacular
views. Use restroom prior, and take water and/or lunch.
Molybdenite Creek Trail — Moderately strenuous
hike along Molybdenite Creek to McMillan Lake (8.8 miles round
trip).
Suggested reading available at the Mono Lake Bookstore, Lee Vining
or Bridgeport Ranger Station. Best Short Hikes in the Sierra Nevada
Sierra North.
