California · Hiking · John Muir Wilderness · Near Mammoth Lakes

Mono Creek

2.2 mi
round trip
246 ft
climb
9,184 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Mono Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Mono Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Sierra National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Mono Creek is an easy out-and-back hike in California's John Muir Wilderness, within the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest. The trail is about 2.2 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 246 feet, and it runs from a low point of about 8,929 feet to a high of about 9,184 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mammoth Lakes show July highs around 78°F with lows near 49°F, and the station sits roughly 1,380 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Laurel Lake is about half a mile away, and Second Recess is under a mile off. The Sierra Eastside climbing area is about 1.3 miles away, and Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground is about 5.3 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Mosquito Flat Backpacker Cg

    Campground

    Campground · 5.3 mi from the trail

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Mammoth Lakes

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Mono Creek

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 17°

    2. Feb

      41° / 18°

    3. Mar

      45° / 22°

    4. Apr

      51° / 27°

    5. May

      60° / 35°

    6. Jun

      70° / 42°

    7. Jul

      78° / 49°

    8. Aug

      77° / 47°

    9. Sep

      71° / 40°

    10. Oct

      61° / 30°

    11. Nov

      49° / 23°

    12. Dec

      41° / 17°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mammoth Lakes Rs, CA, 16.2 mi away at 7,804 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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HIKE

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